This article appeared in the June 2026 issue of Spark magazine.
Alice Depalma has always been someone who values connection. She enjoys staying busy—but more importantly, she thrives on building meaningful relationships. In October 2024, she found the perfect way to do both when she began volunteering with the Senior Companion Program which is an AmeriCorps Senior program run by Milestone Senior Services in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.
What started as a simple volunteer opportunity quickly became something much deeper. The Senior Companion Program connects older adults who may feel isolated with volunteers age 55 and older, creating one-on-one relationships that often last for years. For many participants, it’s more than just companionship—it’s a lifeline. And for volunteers like Alice, it’s equally rewarding.
Alice currently supports six seniors through the program—a number she admits is “a lot”—but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Senior Companion volunteers set their own schedule along with their participant. Alice says, “I have the time, and it’s very meaningful to me.”
Her days are filled with visits, phone calls, and shared moments that might seem small to others—but make a big difference. She meets with some participants at the Ecumenical Senior Center in Kalamazoo, while others she visits in their homes, and between, her phone rings with familiar voices simply looking for conversation.
One of those voices belongs to Denise. The two have built a genuine friendship. Sometimes they spend time at Denise’s home; other days they meet at the senior center to play cards, crochet, or join in an outing. But often, their favorite activity is the simplest one, says Denise, “Sometimes we just sit and chat, and that’s what’s really important.”
Alice also accompanies Denise to doctor’s appointments, something Denise deeply appreciates. “I don’t always remember everything the doctor says,” she explains, “and Alice helps me keep it straight.”
It’s this kind of support that defines the program—not just helping but truly showing up. “Companionship is a big deal right now,” Alice says. “For older folks who can’t leave their home or feel unsure being out on their own, it can be a scary time in life.”
Through her work, she helps ease that fear—one visit, one conversation, one relationship at a time. And while her participants clearly benefit, Alice is quick to point out that the impact goes both ways. “I get just as much out of it as they do,” she says.
In addition to the relationships she’s built, Alice also values the program’s monthly training sessions, which cover topics like self-care, fraud/scam prevention, and dementia /Alzheimer’s awareness. One training session on hospice doulas stood out to her, as her favorite as she hadn’t known about it before.
The impact of the Senior Companion Program is simple, but powerful: it helps older adults stay connected, supported, and independent—right where they want to be. For those interested in making a difference—or receiving companionship—The AmeriCorps Seniors’ Senior Companion Program through Milestone Senior Services offers a powerful opportunity to connect. Because sometimes, the most meaningful support starts with something as simple as showing up and being present. Contact Shellie today to get started at (269) 382-0515 x 127 or visit Milestone’s Companionship page on their website.
