Greater Cleveland Volunteers

Greater Cleveland Volunteers

Since 1972, Greater Cleveland Volunteers (GCV) has provided volunteers to over 100 agencies that they partner with to help fulfill their various missions. After pulling these volunteers from their database, they match them with various organizations based on their interests, skills, and availability. In addition, their internal programs provide opportunities for volunteers to tutor and deliver food, among other services.

GCV believes that older adults who are socially isolated and lonely are more at risk for conditions such as dementia, which led to the creation of their Chat Pals program. It was established during the time of the pandemic, which meant that these circumstances were heightened even further. To improve these conditions, the nonprofit organization began to recruit, background check, and train volunteers. From there, GCV matched volunteers with a participant for a weekly call that lasts at least 15 minutes. These pairs share mutual interests or experience, allowing friendships to form from stimulating conversation. Their goal is to match 40 participants in 2022.

In spring 2022, GCV was awarded a $15,000 grant from The McGregor Foundation to support this program. Funds have been allocated towards recruiting participants as well as staffing. They are grateful for their partnership with McGregor which has helped expand their internal programs.