Help an Older Newton Resident: Be a Winter Buddy

You’re still raking up the leaves, but we’ll bet you’re thinking about shoveling and cold weather.

Winter can have significant effects on older adults. Slippery sidewalks, cold temperatures and snow make it difficult to move comfortably around town. Many feel isolated, and stuck in their homes for long periods.

That’s where Newton at Home’s Winter Buddies Program can help.

The annual program, which runs from Dec. 1 through April 1, matches a member to a volunteer buddy who lives in close proximity.

The volunteer buddy contacts the member buddy to warn about coming storms and assess the need for essential supplies such as food, water and medications, said the announcement.

Winter Buddies also assesses plans for snow removal and remind members to charge cell phones and keep batteries handy. The buddy will call every day during a storm and connect the member to appropriate help if needed.

“I love being a winter buddy because with a very small time commitment, I make a big difference in my buddy Ethne’s life,” said Vicki Ritterband, a Newton at Home volunteer, in an announcement. “She often tells me how much safer she feels when there’s an impending snow storm, knowing I’ll be checking in to make sure she’s prepared. And we’ve become good friends— all year round!”

The Winter Buddies Program is open to all Newton at Home members. Call the office at 617-795-2560 for more information. Interested in volunteering as a Winter Buddy to a Newton at Home member? Contact Julie Plaut Mahoney at partnershipsandvolunteers@newtonathome.org.