Clio, formerly known as WH SeniorLink, is a grassroots organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting seniors through volunteerism and mutual aid. The organization was founded specifically to mitigate social isolation and disconnection from resources among older New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to continue adapting to the needs of individuals 55+.
We connect older adults—particularly ones who do not have access to other supports—with trained volunteers, resources, and one another.
Older adults now must contend not only with the dangers of COVID-19 itself, but with necessary physical distancing measures that increase social isolation and loneliness. The latter conditions are associated with increased risks of dementia, stroke, depression, and suicide ideation, among other health problems.
Our programmatic model reflects the exigency of the twin public health
crises of COVID-19 and social isolation. Our core service is pairing at-risk older adults with volunteers. We screen volunteer applicants and train them before matching them with an older adult with similar interests and a shared language. Volunteers provide their paired older adults with weekly phone calls, biweekly letters, and care packages (funded by WH SeniorLink and personalized to the individuals needs and requests. Volunteers also conduct weekly needs assessments that the professional team monitors to provide referrals and follow-up.
As part of our mission of empowerment, participants in WH SeniorLink have the opportunity to be the providers as well as recipients of services. In addition to pairing older adults with volunteers, we pair them with one another for mutual support. And, in collaboration with the Clinton Foundation | Too Small To Fail, we forward senior participants letters from small children so that those little ones can practice basic literacy skills.
