Q: Who can join the program as a teen volunteer?
A: Teens from the ages 15-18 are welcome to apply.
Q: What kind of activities will the partners do together?
A: Using the form linked on the Get Involved page, teens and seniors will be paired based on shared interests, allowing them to engage in activities they both enjoy.
Q: Where do these visits happen?
A: The forms for the teens and elderly on the "Get Involved" page inquire about location for meeting. Once the GenFreinds get information about each other off the form, location and time details will be agreed upon.
Q: How is safety and privacy handled?
A: Each teen volunteer is required to submit a parental consent document (found on the sign-up form) and complete a short training program. Our Code of Conduct and safety guidelines are designed to protect both parties and require signatures from both the parent and the child.
Q: What is the purpose of the training?
A: The training equips teens with the skills to communicate effectively, establish personal boundaries, and interact with care. It also provides a clear framework for how to respond in emergency situations.
Q: Can families and organizations refer seniors?
A: Of course! Anyone can add anyone to the program by using the respective links.
Q: Being that the founder of this program is a teen herself, will she be supervised along with the rest of her teenage team?
A: In the beginning of the visits, the teenagers, along with the founder, will be supervised by a parent to ensure that things go smoothly and no rules and safety conducts are violated. This will continue until there is a comfort and familiarity from both the teen and elderly GenFriends