Community Connections Friendly Calling
Companions – Wellness – Resources
The Community Connections Friendly Calling program provides opportunities for friendship, connection, and joy. Twice a week, the program brings together older adults, veterans, formerly unhoused individuals, people living with disabilities and chronic illness, and volunteers of all ages to share experiences, stories, laughter, and concerns through friendly conversation.
The program provides twice a week friendly calls, safety and Wellness Checks, access to resources and education, as well as referrals to partner organizations. You do not need to be a part of any other Meals on Wheels West program to participate in the Community Connections program, and it is cost-free.
Volunteers
Margaret Talai, Community Connections Volunteer Manager
margaret@mealsonwheelswest.org
(310) 394-5133, ext. 3
Hear from MOW West client Susan on what Community Connections means to her.
Clients
Emma Eastman, Health & Wellness Coordinator
communityconnections@mealsonwheelswest.org
(310) 394-5133, ext. 7
Helpful Agencies
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
(310-390-6612) Clients can receive individual, group and family therapy, as well as medication management, health care and other case management services.
https://didihirsch.org/
WISE & HEALTHY AGING
(310-394-9871 ext. 190) A community-based nonprofit that provides case management, caregiver resources, peer counseling, transportation and other services. Helps with finding a case manager.
https://www.wiseandhealthyaging.org/
INDEPENDENCE AT HOME (IAH)
(866-421-1964) No-cost telephonic or virtual therapy, care planning, comprehensive health assessment, short and long-term care management. Most services are available in English, Spanish, and Korean.
https://independenceathome.org/
UCLA/VA VETERAN FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER
(310-478-3711)
Skilled providers that make up our dedicated team are experts in the unique needs of veteran families. They are experienced in providing a range of wellness services, including individual, couple, and family resilience programming, events and workshops, and quality referrals to mental healthcare and other resources. Services are available through their secure TeleWellness platform.
https://vfwc.ucla.edu/
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS RESOURCE LIST
Click here for our full and up-to-date Community Connections Resource List. Included are professional agencies and services in the areas of case management & mental health, COVID-19 resources, fall prevention, caregiving, veteran services, prescription delivery, legal services, & much more.
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Volunteering
Community Connections Friendly Calling Volunteer
Call 2 homebound community members on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, or an agreed upon schedule. The calls are done remotely, and volunteers are provided a script, guidelines and a resource list to utilize for the calls. You will be calling the same 2 clients every week. Each call typically takes 5-10 minutes. Farsi and Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed. To sign up or for more information, please contact Margaret, the Community Connections Volunteer Manager at margaret@mealsonwheelswest.org or (310) 394-5133, extension 3.
Time Commitment: Community Connections is a relationship driven program that relies upon consistent bi-weekly communication between you and your assigned clients. While the length of time commitment is less than an hour twice a week and the time of day can vary, you must commit to make your calls. Please let us know if you plan on a vacation or need to take a break. Please inform Margaret at margaret@mealsonwheelswest.org.
To start the volunteering process, there are 3 simple steps:
- Complete the online Community Connections Volunteer application linked here.
- To complete the mandatory background check, contact margaret@mealsonwheelswest.org or (310) 394-5133, extension 3. The background check takes 3-5 business days to be completed.
- All Friendly Calling material will be sent via email once you sign up.




JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Complete The Intake Form
To join the Community Connections program, please complete and return the intake form. If you need assistance in filling out the form, Meals on Wheels West staff can assist you over the phone. Please contact Emma Eastman, Health & Wellness Coordinator
(310) 394-5133, ext. 7 | communityconnections@mealsonwheelswest.org