Frances didn’t set out looking for a volunteer role. For a few years, she had been part of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging community, taking part in A Matter of Balance and Gentle Exercise classes and finding ways to stay active and engaged. When she came across the Phone Pals program, it caught her attention, though not just because of what it offered, but because of something personal it reminded her of. 

Years ago, her mother received a daily call from a neighbor. Every day, for ten years, that neighbor picked up the phone to check in. It wasn’t formal or structured, just a simple act of care that became part of her mother’s routine and gave her a familiar voice to count on each day. When her mother didn’t answer one day, that same neighbor was the one who noticed and called for a wellness check. 

“That always stayed in my mind,” Frances said. “Someone cared enough to notice.” 

It wasn’t a program or a service. It was one person showing up, consistently, over time. That profound kindness struck Frances and made a lasting impression on her, shaping how she thinks about connection. 

So when she saw the opportunity to become a Phone Pals volunteer with Southern Maine Agency on Aging, it felt like a way to continue that same kindness. Around that time, she had experienced a fall herself, which made her think more about how quickly things can change and how important it is for people who live alone to have someone who will reach out and check in. 

Now, nearly a year into volunteering, those calls have become part of her weekly rhythm. Frances was paired with a Phone Pal close to her own age, and what began as a friendly check-in has gradually grown into a genuine relationship. Over time, their conversations have deepened, moving beyond surface-level updates. 

Each week, they settle into a conversation that often lasts close to an hour, something they’ve both come to look forward to. 

“I want her to feel like I know her,” Frances said. “And she knows me too.” 

They talk about their families, about loss, and about the changes that come with aging. Both women are navigating their own health concerns, which has opened the door for more honest and understanding conversations. It’s something they don’t have to explain to each other. 

“There’s a real trust between us now,” she said. “We care about each other.” 

There is a comfort in the routine. They both know when the call is coming, and there is something reassuring about that consistency. 

“She knows when I’m going to call, and I think that matters,” Frances said. “It’s something we both look forward to.” 

At the end of each conversation, they thank one another, not out of habit, but because it feels deserved. What stands out to Frances is that the relationship goes both ways. 

“Sometimes I feel like I get just as much out of the calls as she does,” she said. “We both help each other.” 

That sense of connection has carried into other parts of her life. Frances has started calling friends more often, especially those who live alone and really appreciate the regular check-in. While they may exchange emails regularly, she has come to appreciate how different it feels to hear someone’s voice and to take the time to really listen. 

“I know how important that connection is,” she said. “Talking is more personal. We email, but it’s not the same as hearing someone’s voice. It’s nice to feel known, and to really be listened to. People don’t always feel listened to.” 

Her experience is also shaped by her own circumstances. Living with spinal stenosis, she does not get out as easily as she once did, but Phone Pals gives her a way to stay engaged and continue contributing in a meaningful way. It is something she can do consistently, and something she genuinely enjoys. 

“I’m 79. I want to give back and do whatever I can at my age,” she said. 

Frances believes programs like Phone Pals matter because they meet people where they are. Not every older adult has access to transportation, and not everyone has family close by. A regular phone call can offer a check-in, structure, and something to look forward to. 

“For people who live alone, having someone to talk to really matters,” she said. 

But she also sees it in everyday terms. 

“In some ways, we should all be doing this for the people in our lives,” Frances said. 

What she has found through Phone Pals is not just a volunteer role, but a relationship built over time, grounded in consistency, care, and the understanding that connection, even over the phone, can make a real difference.

Become a Phone Pals volunteer today.