Social Connection
Social isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental and physical health problems. It also increases the risk of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The programs listed on this page help older adults stay socially engaged by connecting with others over the phone or in person. Many of these programs can be accessed by older adults who cannot easily leave their homes. There are additional opportunities for social engagement listed at Find Volunteer Opportunities and Lifelong Learning.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
Older adults can telephone to request a call from a trained volunteer who is ready to visit, listen, or just say hello.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Phone: (888) 281-0145
Website: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/friendly-voice/
Note: caller ID will show "800 service" when volunteer returns the call
This program connects older adults who are isolated and homebound with caring volunteers who can provide peer counseling, referrals to services, community connection, and advocacy. This is just one of several mental health programs offered by Cal Voices.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents 55 or older who are homebound and/or socially isolated
Address: 720 Howe Avenue, Suite 102, Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 855-5444
Email: wloa@calvoices.org
This program encourages Sacramento City residents to form informal groups to support and engage with older adults living in their neighborhoods. The website provides informational resources about how to form a caring neighborhood group.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
This non-profit organization matches older adults with volunteers who share similar interests for weekly telephone or video conversations. Older adults are encouraged to participate, volunteer, or both.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older
Address: 2185 N. California Blvd, Suite 215, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: (877) 797-7299
Email: socialcall@covia.org
This program is designed to help older adults experiencing isolation and/or early signs of depression or anxiety. Program staff reach out to participants at home or in community settings to increase opportunities for socialization and to improve their health and wellbeing. Services include outings, transportation, social activities, and skills development.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Sacramento County residents 55 year or older experiencing isolation or early signs of depression or anxiety
Address: 3870 Rosin Court, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 369-7872
Email: SLreferral@elhogarinc.org
Website: http://www.elhogarinc.org/seniorlink/
Note: Participants cannot also be receiving services through Sacramento County’s Mental Health Plan or be enrolled in an intensive case management program.
Participants can sign up to receive regularly-scheduled calls from volunteers. In addition to connecting and sharing stories, volunteers can alert emergency contacts or initiate wellness checks for participants who do not answer their phones at the scheduled times.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 1640 Eskaton Loop, Roseville, CA 95747
Phone: (916) 334-1072
Email: etr@eskaton.org
Friendship Line California is a free warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Older adults or people with disabilities can call to connect with a compassionate listener.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone 60 or older or who is living with a disability
Phone: (888) 670-1360
This program provides nutritious meals delivered to clients' homes by friendly visitors who also conduct wellness checks.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: isolated, frail and homebound seniors ages 60 and above who live in Sacramento County and have little to no formal or informal support
Address: 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
Phone: (916) 444-9533
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Website: https://www.mowsac.org
To prevent depression, anxiety, and social isolation, this program offers social and educational activities for older adults and their families.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone (targeted to Muslim older adults)
Address: 3820 Auburn Blvd, Suite 83, Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone: (916) 486-8626
Email: info@mas-ssf.org
Older adults experiencing hearing loss can receive regular calls and attend social events to help them stay connected and engaged.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: older adults who are deaf or hard of hearing
Address: 4044 N. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 349-7500
Email: info@norcalcenter.org
Website: https://norcalcenter.org/
Wisdom Project = LGBT Elders works to build community, encourage social networking, keep the older community informed and engaged, and provide resources that are safe for LGBT older adults in the greater Sacramento area to access. They also provide outreach and education on topics such as cultural competence, sensitivity & LGBT history. These programs are offered through the non-profit organization Servant Hearts.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: LGBT+ & Supportive Allies (50 years+)
Address: 4251 Gold Flower Ct., Carmichael, CA 95608
Phone: (218) 760-2415 or (218) 760-9268
Email: servant_hearts@hotmail.com
Website: www.servant-hearts.org
Callers are connected with individuals who have lived mental health experiences and who offer supportive listening, referrals to mental health resources, and other assistance.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Phone: (916) 366-4668
Website: https://dhs.saccounty.net/BHS/Pages/Mental-Health-Services.aspx
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This page was created by Julie Xiong. Last updated 6/15/2023