Volunteers Involved for the Emotional Well-being of Seniors (VIEWS)

The VIEWS program promotes the emotional well-being of seniors through support and social engagement. Weekly peer support groups, Conversations on Aging and Life Stories Writing Workshop, provide emotional support, unconditional listening, and sharing of experiences at no cost to the participants.

Services

Peer Support Groups are small closed groups that allow the participants to freely discuss topics that meet their needs. Peer Support Groups help to reduce isolation and while building community for the participants.

  • Peer Support Groups are held weekly at the same location
  • 5-8 screened participants *
  • Meetings are confidential and occur in a safe and supportive environment where members can talk about life’s challenges, changes, losses and successes.
  • Include our Gay and Grey group, a mixed gender support group for LGBT older adults.
  • Sessions facilitated by trained VIEWS senior peer counseling volunteers that are older adults (age 55+)

*Prospective members are interviewed to ensure a good fit and are asked to make a weekly commitment to the support groups.

Conversations on Aging provide an opportunity for older adults to come together and discuss their feelings and experiences on specific topics of aging. VIEWS’ Conversation on Aging discussion groups are:

  • A place for participants to share their feelings and listen to others.
  • Confidential discussions that are held in a private room or virtually.
  • Facilitated by trained VIEWS Conversation Facilitator volunteers that are older adults (age 55+).
  • 90-minute sessions that are most effective for groups of 8-10 participants. Conversations on Aging groups are hosted at various venues and are advertised in local and senior-focused publications, Senior Center newsletters, and in the “Upcoming Events” section at the bottom of this page.

Life Stories Sharing

  • The group meets for 8 sessions, generally weekly, for 2 hours.
  • Facilitated by two trained senior peer support volunteers.
  • Giving participants the opportunity to explore their life experiences and to share written and verbal memories from various portions of their lives.

Friendly Caller

  • Connecting older adults with a trained Senior Peer Support volunteer by phone.
  • One on One contact could be a one time phone call or a positive text message.
  • Contact OAPeerCallers@multco.us or Aging Disability Resource Connection 503-988-3646

To access Cascadia’s VIEWS services including joining a support group, scheduling a “Conversation on Aging” presentation at your facility, to volunteer, or for more information about the program please contact VIEWS Program Manager: Call 503-283-3763 Ext. 2582 or 971-255-2113, email views@cascadiabhc.org

Volunteer

VIEWS volunteers are a vital force in the community, assisting other older adults and providing a model for healthy aging.  VIEWS provides its services in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.

We have two volunteer opportunities (age 55 and better):

VIEWS Friendly Callers make regular contact with seniors to provide a friendly voice and conversation.  Calls or Text messages might be weekly or less often depending on the needs of the senior.

Volunteers wishing to become Friendly Callers will receive a phone and a full day of training with materials to help guide conversations.  We also offer weekly office hours to provide consultation and support to Callers.

Friendly Callers must complete the training, and a background check. They commit to 2–10 hours per month for a minimum of one year.  Volunteers also commit to attending the monthly education and support meetings throughout their active volunteering with VIEWS.

VIEWS Conversation Facilitators co-lead 90-minute discussions that are held at various locations around the Metro area.  The Conversations are focused on specific topics that help older adults navigate the changes and challenges that come with aging.

Volunteers wishing to become Conversation Facilitators will receive a full day of training and a manual that details approaches and discussion ideas for presenting the Conversations on Aging.

Conversation Facilitators must complete the training, and a background check.  They commit to 2.5 – 10 hours per month (from one to four Conversations) for a minimum of one year.  Volunteers also commit to attending the monthly education and support meetings throughout their active volunteering with VIEWS.

If you have any further questions, please contact the VIEWS Program Manager at 503-283-3763 Ext 2582 or views@cascadiabhc.org

Click the button below to access the online application for volunteer opportunities.

VIEWS Volunteer Application

Upcoming Events

All events will be held virtually until further notice.

VIEWS offers FREE facilitated Discussion Groups on topics important to people 55 years and above. The interactive Conversations provide a forum for discussion as well as an opportunity to explore new possibilities and resources.

VIEWS will be partnering with The Canby Adult Center the last Wednesday of each month from 1-2:30 PM through July 2021. Browse the upcoming events below.

You can join via ZOOM or by callin in on your phone. To sign up, email caccsc@canby.com or call (503) 266-2970

Fourth Wednesday of Each Month @ Hollywood Senior Center – Learning from Grief and Loss: As we age, we experience losses of many types. Grief may become a more common experience. Your healing takes as long as it takes. Learn from others and yourself how to find your own unique path through grief. Registration Required – to register in advance for this meeting, click HERE.

April 28 – Flying Solo as a Senior: As we age some of us have family or friends who will provide care or support for us if needed, and some of us do not. Even if we have children, they may not be available or able to provide support. Discuss your feelings, experiences, and concerns surrounding aging without family or social support. Share ideas about ways to strengthen your social and safety networks. Join us for this discussion on facing aging as a solo senior.

May 26 – Engaging with Adult Children: Relationships with children change as we age. Examine current problems and foster greater understanding between generations. Be part of a discussion about relationships with adult children. Talk about some of your concerns.

June 30 – Talking with your Doctor: Have you ever been anxious or frustrated by a doctor’s visit in which your needs weren’t met? Are you in charge of your healthcare? Let us talk about what it would take to feel that you and your doctor are part of the same team.

July 28 – The Elder Journey: What new perspectives have you formed through your life? What brings meaning and purpose to you now? Come join us for a thoughtful discussion about the new roles that appear for you as you enter this next stage of life.