ARROW Project, Augusta Health launch ‘Coffee Talks’ companionship program

STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – The ARROW project and Augusta Health have partnered together to launch a revived companionship program for older adults.

The ARROW Project is a community-focused health and wellness nonprofit, and initially launched the ‘Coffee Talks’ program during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to check-in via phone call with adults who were in isolation due to being high-risk.

Executive Director Sabrina Burress said now it’s been revitalized into a one-on-one companionship program for older adults, their families, and caregivers to meet weekly with the ARROW Project’s companion care team members. The team works 55 adults between two apartment units, the Plaza Apartments and Gypsy Hill House.

“We’re providing group work where they can all come and sit together and talk about, ‘How’s your week been?’ ‘How’s your mood been? How are you taking care of yourself? How do we stay connected?’. But then also some one-to-ones where we get to actually go knock on a door, provide a small snack, and say can we sit and chat for a while,” Burress said.

Burress explained that many older adults grew up in times when there was a bigger public stigma around discussing your mental health issues like depression and anxiety. And, with the pandemic adding in isolation, she said she hopes the program can open doors to building trust and companionship between staff and participants, their families and beyond.

“We are wanting to do that in a way that doesn’t take away from their own lived experiences. We don’t want to say ‘You’re wrong, there’s something wrong with you.’ We want to say can we support you to have the best life that you can?”,” Burress said.

Burress said Augusta Health provides a majority of funds for the ‘Coffee Talks’ program to ensure the best quality for older adults and staff. You can learn more about how you, a family member, or friend can participate by calling ARROW Project at 540-255-0972 or by visiting the website here.

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