THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Tracy Thompson is no stranger to volunteering.

"I am in DSP, which is the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. I’m also the secretary of the Circle K International," she said. 

The Cal Lutheran student recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music performance, and returned to school to get her MBA. Life challenges led her to finish her college education later than most, but giving back to seniors, well, that was a no brainer.

"My parents are seniors, and so the idea that they would not have someone to talk to and be isolated is horrific to me. Seniors are our greatest resource," Thompson said.

Jo Ann Feltner lives down the street from the university at The Reserve, a senior community, which approached the school about pairing up seniors with students. They’re calling it Zoom Buddies.

"They felt that there was some physical decline going along with social decline and they wanted to quickly address this and keep their community members engaged," said Cindy Keitel, community relations coordinator at Cal Lutheran University.

Keitel said she was quickly overwhelmed with volunteers, like Thompson, excited to participate. She currently oversees more than 30 pairs of students and older adults.

"It’s allowing them to talk about their lives and their wishes and their hobbies and their families with somebody new who hasn’t heard their story before," Keitel said.

Feltner is a retired principal who moved to California from Ohio last year after her husband passed away. They talk about twice a week, covering everything from politics to knitting.

"When you sit and you don’t do anything, I knit. I just feel like I have to have something to show for my time," Feltner said to Thompson during a Zoom session.

"She’s a great knitter, and she’s making some beautiful blankets, and she actually wants to teach me how to knit which would be amazing," Thompson said.

But Feltner truly longs for simple things, like being able to do her own grocery shopping again.

"When I can put my fingers on that package of cheese and see what a peach looks like in all its glory there in the produce section, that’ll be the best time in the world," she said. 

The Zoom Buddies even met in person for the first time, so Thompson could see for herself how some new home decorations looked that she sent to Feltner.

"I got her a little sign that said welcome summer so she could decorate and some sunflowers," Thompson said.

What began as a series of conversations has now blossomed into much more.

"We have an actual friendship coming out of this and I really value that," Thompson said.

For any older adults who would like a virtual visit, contact Cindy Keitel at CommunityRelations@callutheran.edu.

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