To the Editor:

I am writing to inform your readers of the wonderful work of a local nonprofit organization based right here in Newtown.

Founded in 2006, Golden Opportunities utilizes volunteers to enhance the quality of life for residents of local area eldercare facilities. In most cases the eldercare facility experience is a difficult one for seniors, especially so in the recent pandemic environment.

Facilities are understaffed; visitors for many are rare, and some residents feel isolated and lonely. Facilities’ staff do the best they can, but resources are limited and residents often do not receive the requisite attention and human interaction.

Golden Opportunities (GO) seeks to supplement the social activities and human interaction available at facilities by providing dedicated and compassionate volunteers who both conduct interactive activities, such as trivia, game show programs and other games such as Bingo, Pokeno and Keno, as well as personal visitations. Additionally, GO provides a musician who sings and plays the guitar and banjo on a regular basis at three local facilities.

His “You are my Sunshine” is a huge crowd favorite.

GO also operates a telephone visitation program called the “Warmline,” where volunteers regularly call seniors in facilities or still living alone at home. The volunteers engage the participants, and also monitor their situations and can readily notify the appropriate contacts should any red flags arise. Primarily, the volunteers are just concerned friends calling to catch up and to make sure everything is OK.

The organization is always looking to add to its roster of dedicated and compassionate volunteers. If you enjoy working with seniors and simply want to make someone happy and enhance their daily life with some friendly interaction, a joke, a smile, or just a warm touch, please consider becoming a Golden Opportunities volunteer, aka, an Opportuner, and call 203-426-3301.

We are in need of Opportuners interested in regularly visiting seniors in local eldercare facilities, as well as conducting group activities (e.g. bingo, trivia, and price is right) at facilities. Additionally, if you are unable to volunteer your time, we would welcome any monetary or in-kind contributions to support our work.

Neil Callaghan, Director of Operations

Golden Opportunities