Life Essentials

Chums

The Client

Chums volunteers spend time visiting with their "chum," who is living with a mental illness. Volunteers have positive impact on their chums. After a few visits, the volunteer helps the chum begin to feel a renewed sense of acceptance and self worth.

Janice, a 70-year-old Dayton resident, is visited each week by Amy and her two small children. They spend time at the park, watching the kids play. When asked how her life has changed, Janice has a simple reply. "I am a Grandma," she says.