Our Program
We facilitate Companion Conversation Groups in senior communites and train the companions who lead meaningful conversations.
Meaningful Conversations and the People Who Make Them Possible
Senior Community Engagement brings older adults together through Companion Conversation
Groups and equips people to carry this work into their own communities through Companions
on the Journey Training.
Our hope is to help you develop the skills, relationships, and support to offer meaningful
conversation wherever you feel drawn to serve. You may already have a senior community in
mind, visit a friend or family member, or want to explore volunteering somewhere new. You may
hope to lead a group, assist with gatherings, or deepen your one-on-one visits. You might also
work or volunteer in communities where this training will help enhance your skills. Each is a
valuable way to participate.
Our recommended starting point is Companions on the Journey Training. The training
provides a shared foundation in listening, inclusion, dignity, and healthy boundaries. From there,
we help participants consider where they might serve, work with community partners to
establish gatherings, and find ongoing support to sustain the work.
You are also welcome to explore before deciding. We currently facilitate conversations in three
senior communities, where arranged visits can offer a firsthand experience of the gatherings.
There may also be opportunities to assist with existing groups. Contact us to discuss your
interests and what is available; you do not need to commit to the training simply to begin a
conversation with us.
Companion Conversation Groups
A place to share and be heard Companion Conversation Groups invite older adults to explore meaningful questions, share experiences, and listen to one another. These gatherings make room for wisdom, humor, grief, hopes, and everyday life. At the heart of who we are is exploring the meaning and purpose of
our individual and communal life at every stage of our lives.
A facilitator begins with a topic and a handout with questions that are already prepared for that
gathering. No matter what the topic, each gathering begins with a question, such as “What are
you grateful for today?” The conversation grows from what people bring into the room. The
facilitator invites quieter voices, balances participation, and helps everyone feel respected.
People are welcome to speak or simply listen.
Older adults are at the heart of these gatherings. Staff, family members, caregivers, and
volunteers may also participate. We work with community partners to consider hearing, vision,
mobility, and cognitive needs, recognizing that people contribute in different ways.
The purpose is reflection and connection. These gatherings do not provide therapy or individual
counseling. Facilitators maintain appropriate boundaries and seek additional support when a
concern extends beyond their role.
Experience a gathering or explore volunteering
Our existing groups offer a place to see these practices at work. Visits must be arranged in
advance with SCE and the host community so that residents’ comfort and privacy remain
central.
A few volunteers may be able to assist with current gatherings. We will discuss the role,
preparation, and support involved with anyone interested.
Companions on the Journey Training
Companions on the Journey Training
Learning to Be with Older Adults and Lead Meaningful Conversation
You do not have to be an expert, have all the answers, or see yourself as a leader. If you want
to listen more deeply and help older adults feel heard and included, there is a place for you
here.
Companions on the Journey Training is a five-session training for people who want to lead
conversation groups, assist with gatherings, or bring greater care and confidence to one-on-one
visits.
Volunteers, senior-community staff, caregivers, family members, and faith-community members
are welcome. Previous facilitation experience is not required. People of any faith or none belong
in this training.
Learn through experience
You will experience the kind of conversation you are learning to create. Each session combines
facilitated conversation, reflection, practical teaching, skill practice, and feedback.
Together, we practice listening, asking thoughtful questions, welcoming different voices, and
responding to difficult moments with care. You will also have space to reflect on the role that
feels right for you.
The five sessions
1. The Heart of Facilitation
Listening, presence, and questions that invite meaningful conversation.
2. Creating a Welcoming Gathering
Including quieter voices, respecting silence, balancing participation, and working with assistants
and community staff.
3. Dementia, Disability, Diversity, and Dignity
Supporting different abilities and ways of communicating while honoring each person’s identity,
relationships, and experience.
4. Grief, Change, Conflict, and Care
Being present through loss and difficult moments, and recognizing when additional support is
needed.
5. Boundaries, Spiritual Presence, and Continuing Growth
Practicing confidentiality, appropriate personal sharing, respectful spiritual presence, and
ongoing reflection and feedback.
Finding Your Place and Sustaining the Work
You may come to the training with a community or relationship already in mind. Perhaps you
visit someone in senior living, volunteer through an organization, or see a need for meaningful
conversation among people you know. Those existing relationships can be a starting point.
Others may want help exploring where to serve. As opportunities develop, SCE can help
participants consider roles in our existing partner communities or connect with new communities
interested in establishing gatherings.
We encourage participants to complete Companions on the Journey Training before taking on a
regular role in this work. Training is preparation for participation; it does not require you to
become a group leader. We will work with you to consider your interests, readiness, availability,
and the needs of the people and communities involved.
Placement opportunities depend on community needs and mutual agreement. Completing the
training does not guarantee a volunteer position, and participants are welcome to use what they
learn in their own relationships and settings.
Launching and Sustaining Your Conversation Gatherings
This optional two-hour workshop helps people prepare to start or strengthen a gathering. It is a
practical next step for those ready to work with a community and put the training into practice.
Companions Community
Join this monthly virtual gathering for graduates who would like continued support. These
meetings will offer space to reflect on experiences, ask questions, learn from one another, and
work through the challenges of sustaining meaningful conversations.
View the Events Page for meeting times and participation details.
Finding Your Place and Sustaining The Work
You may come to the training with a community or relationship already in mind. Perhaps you
visit someone in senior living, volunteer through an organization, or see a need for meaningful
conversation among people you know. Those existing relationships can be a starting point.
Others may want help exploring where to serve. As opportunities develop, SCE can help
participants consider roles in our existing partner communities or connect with new communities
interested in establishing gatherings.
We encourage participants to complete Companions on the Journey Training before taking on a
regular role in this work. Training is preparation for participation; it does not require you to
become a group leader. We will work with you to consider your interests, readiness, availability,
and the needs of the people and communities involved.
Placement opportunities depend on community needs and mutual agreement. Completing the
training does not guarantee a volunteer position, and participants are welcome to use what they
learn in their own relationships and settings.
Launching and Sustaining Your Conversation Gatherings
This optional two-hour workshop helps people prepare to start or strengthen a gathering. It is a
practical next step for those ready to work with a community and put the training into practice.
Companions Community
Join this monthly virtual gathering for graduates who would like continued support. These
meetings will offer space to reflect on experiences, ask questions, learn from one another, and
work through the challenges of sustaining meaningful conversations.
View the Events Page for meeting times and participation details.