Volunteers connect daily with people who might feel lonely or isolated
Each morning brings a new opportunity for our Caring Calls volunteers to brighten the day for people all over Maine with a simple phone call. Caring Calls is a free program for those who might benefit from a daily phone call from a friendly volunteer. The calls connect folks with someone to share their joy and provide a little cheer to those who may otherwise feel lonely or isolated.
Volunteers are on the phones Monday through Friday, challenging loneliness by dialing into the lives of individuals each day. The volunteers making the calls are not just reaching out—they’re providing a lifeline for those folks in our community who really need it.
Participants are often older seniors who live alone, new retirees, adults with disabilities, or seniors who are caregivers for a loved one. The program provides peace of mind for many participants by ensuring that someone will be checking in each weekday morning.
When a call goes unanswered, volunteers spring into action to ensure the safety of our community members. Whether that means calling the participant’s emergency contact, a local hospital, or the police, they leave no stone unturned to make good on our promise to look out for our community.
Caring Calls began in 1979 at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center as a collaboration between the hospital and the Junior League of Bangor. Today, Caring Calls still works closely with the Medical Center—all volunteers are trained through Volunteer Services and Community Engagement, led by Laura Lacasse, MPH, MBA, CHES, community health coordinator, Community Engagement, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Do you know someone who could use a morning hello? Or perhaps you feel inspired to join this team of talkers? This is your moment to act—help us create stronger, more connected communities, one call at a time.
If you’d like more information about how to participate in the Caring Calls program as either a volunteer or a recipient, please reach out to Laura Lacasse at llacasse@northernlight.org or 207.275.2035.