We provide volunteers that visit the lonely, frail elderly living in nursing homes in the area who have few, if any, family members or outside visitors. Our mission is to provide friendship, mental stimulation, compassion and improve the quality of life of those confined to a very small corner of the world. We find many interesting stories in the lifetimes of these people and the Dolphins benefit as much from the relationship as do their Friends.

Description:
We train and match volunteers who visit, one-on-one, with a person living in a nursing home. This is a lifetime friendship commitment by the volunteer (Dolphin) to a resident (Friend) who has little contact with the outside world. We only require one hour each week. More time is at the discretion of the Dolphin and the Friend. We visit in facilities in Western Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester Counties at present, but are trying to expand both the geography we cover and the number of facilities and Friends we serve. The facilities provide us with residents who are alert, conversive and willing to participate in this friendship. We match a Dolphin to a facility of their choice and location, usually close to their home or work. Because of the long term commitment, we rarely accept students because they are prone to relocate. However, we have had some very good success stories with younger people. We visit both men and women. Male Dolphins are always in need.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) Association in the state of PA

History:
Started in 1978 by an Episcopal Seminary student, we have grown to about 11 interfaith Affiliate groups with 280 Dolphins in 4 states. We have only two part time paid employees and continue to do this ministry through the generosity of individual, corporate, church and civic organization contributions. We have a Board of Directors consisting of 11 active businessmen & clergy.

Contact person: Brita Kriebel, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (610) 649-5643

Address:

226 Righters Mill Rd. Gladwyne, PA 19035 (See a map)

Web Site: http://dolphinsofdelawarevalley.org

Directions:

We interview outside of the office For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	No