AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Interviews: Part One

Back in October 2025, Engage Arkansas connected with the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas to gather volunteer testimonials from their AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program.

In honor of Older Americans Month, we’re excited to share these stories in a three-part series that highlights the impact of AmeriCorps Seniors across our state and the importance of expanding opportunities for older adults to serve.

To learn more about AmeriCorps Seniors and its three signature programs–Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), and the Senior Companion Program (SCP)—visit our website: EngageArkansas.org/Americorps-Seniors

Part 1: Rebecca Wrinkle and Daisy Mae Langley Volunteer Interviews

1)     What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer?

Rebecca: I have been a CNA for 25+ years, I love taking care of other people, and I am not a homebody. This is my way of getting out of the house. I can be with the client, and we can get out and shop, walk, do puzzles, walk pets, and have a conversation.

Daisy: I was sitting at home by myself every day. I have always worked, done something to stay productive. This lady I went to church with was a volunteer with this program, and she told me I needed to apply. I hadn’t ever thought about that before. She thought I would enjoy it. And I do!

I love every minute of it and every one of my clients. They inspire me to do better. I am so thankful that I have walked through that part of their lives with them. We are still walking through it together! It has been better for me than for the people that I serve. I am so thankful for them and the experience. Otherwise, I would be at home not doing anything, not helping anyone, and not being productive. I really enjoy helping other people, I truly do.

This is one of the best programs in the United States. There are so many people out there who need help that otherwise wouldn’t get it. They wouldn’t be able to live at home without our help. That is one of the best feelings you can ever get: keeping people at home where they are comfortable and out of a nursing home. This program is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and I am going to stay as long as I can. The stipend does come in handy! It helps a lot, but that is not the main reason. I would do it without the money because I want to help people.

2)     How has being an SCV changed your life or perspective?

Rebecca: I look forward to working with my clients! I love to spend time with them. I enjoy the time we get together. We do a lot during our time together! I love to take them and have lunch; we don’t make an exact plan. We get to do what we feel like doing! What they want to do is what we do. We love to go look around at Walmart and to the Senior Activity Center (SAC).

My clients enjoy being around other people so they don’t feel alone. They say good morning and ” how are you to all kinds of people that we pass by. We love to get out of the house for a few hours. Watching the trees change colors never gets old; we always enjoy it. We go up to Mt. Nebo Park, and we watch the deer walk around. We have had the deer come right up to us! We live life to the fullest every day. I try to give them so much during our time together. We are going to go have fun! Like this morning, I stopped to get her breakfast. I make sure her food is the right kind for her health.

Daisy: I really didn’t know what to expect as far as being a volunteer when I started. It really has changed my life for the better. Everything about helping someone else makes your life better. I am so grateful for that. I would have missed that if I hadn’t become a volunteer.

3)     Can you tell me about one person or moment that has really stayed with you during your time as a volunteer?

Rebecca: I have a client, she is as sweet as gold, she almost stumbled one day, and I caught her to keep her from falling. She was scared, but I talked to her and got her calmed down. We slowly adjusted, and she was able to bring her hands back up, and she didn’t fall because I was there.

I didn’t want her to get hurt, and I was able to help her keep her balance. I am always watching to make sure they don’t get hurt. I move cords or anything in the way to prevent falls. I go around their houses and point out things they could trip on, and we get them out of the way. One had a very slippery rug that made me so nervous. It had no grip on the bottom, and it was on a slick floor. I was concerned about her falling. When her daughter-in-law came over, I brought up the concern. She was glad I did, and she got grip tape for under the rug.

Daisy: Goodness, there are so many! Ms. X’s client was more like a sister than a client. We were so close. Her sister from OK would come down, and we would all go to the Senior Activity Center, go out to eat, and go shopping. I would take her to the doctor and go play bingo at the center. She was so lonely after COVID that she was ready to go out and play bingo every day. Up until the day that she passed away, we went to the Senior Activity Center. We played bingo the day she got very sick and passed a few days later. I think she knew I was there with her those final days; she would squeeze my hand, and I talked to her the whole time. She got to live at home the whole time, and I was able to be a part of that. That was one of the best things that I could do, which was spending time with her.

4)     What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming an SCV but isn’t sure yet?

Rebecca: You will love it, that’s what I would tell them! The client will care so much for you and will look forward to you visiting with them. They love playing cards, doing puzzles, and going for walks. Whoever wants to do this type of work has to have a heart for others, which is the most important part. If you don’t have a heart for others, you shouldn’t volunteer with this group because a big part of it is connecting with clients to help them. You need to be able to make them feel special, like they are the most valuable person around. They may not remember your name, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your clients look forward to your visits.

Daisy: You couldn’t do anything any better than becoming a volunteer for the Senior Companion Program! It will help you in your life, and it will help other people! I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

5)   What do you enjoy most about your volunteer work?

Rebecca: Being with my clients! You never know what is going to go on. Every day is different. You can see a difference in them when they have a friend. They are amazed at this stuff! We are planning to go to the park when the leaves change, and she wants me to take her picture.

Daisy: You get so attached to your people. They become your extended family. I love them like I love my own family. They need to be shown love, as all of us do. Especially as we get older, we all need to be shown love. Companionship is so important, especially as we get older.

6)     How do you think the program makes a difference in our community?

Rebecca: We have so many people out there that need some kind of companion. It is an awesome program. These people need our help; they are everywhere in our community. They need someone to talk to, and we provide that. We help satisfy their mind.

Daisy: It makes the community a better place for people. They are able to stay in their homes, where otherwise they wouldn’t be able to. It helps a lot of people who need it!

7)     Anything else that you would like to add?

Rebecca: In general, what we do is a great thing. I wish we could do more, and I wish there were more of us. The time we spend with our clients does a world of good for them and us. I am glad I am a Senior Companion.

Daisy: I love the program. I would do it all over again if I had a chance.

Thank you to the AmeriCorps volunteers for sharing the impact of the AmeriCorps Seniors program with the AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WEST CENTRAL ARKANSAS, INC. Check back tomorrow for Part Two and hit the repost button to celebrate these stories and encourage Older Americans to get involved in volunteer service across the state!