A Helping Hand is known for its high quality of companions and escorts who are dependable and responsible. They are also bright and articulate. More than 70 percent of our companions have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and many are pursuing studies in the fields of medicine and social work.

Our organization employs college students, skilled homemakers and retired professionals who are genuinely interested in spending time with older adults.

Each candidate undergoes a thorough screening including a written application, a personal interview, a criminal background check, a driver’s license check and a review of references. There is a general orientation program for all companions and ongoing training regarding the specific needs of each client.

The following profiles provide a glimpse of the type of companion you can expect when you call A Helping Hand:

• A companion with a bachelor’s degree in religion from Bucknell University also has a chiropractic degree and is a certified yoga instructor. She has traveled extensively and can converse on many topics. Her duties often involve cooking for clients and going on walks.

• This mother of two grown children is interested in returning to school to obtain a master’s of social work with a focus in gerontology. She worked as a library technician for more than 20 years and is an avid reader who enjoys talking about many different subjects. She is very organized and has previously worked with health and safety programs, event planning and as a program developer for a community college. This companion was named “Volunteer of the Year” for her work with parks and recreation.  She enjoys nature and loves animals and is a great match for clients from all walks of life.

• Cooking, aerobics and walking are popular with this companion who holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and society from Cornell University and a master’s in health policy and management. She has been a research assistant at the UNC-Chapel Hill and is very organized and efficient. She enjoys accompanying clients to exercise programs and helping with household organization. Clients often call to report that she has helped them accomplish far more than expected during her visit.

• This companion has his bachelor’s degree in filmmaking and dramatic arts from UNC-Chapel Hill, and has served in the United States Air Force. While in the military, he worked with the USAF Rescue School. When he isn’t working with A Helping Hand, he is busy doing set design for a local theatre production. He is always ready to share a smile and can lift anyone’s spirits.

• A bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish from UNC-Chapel Hill makes this companion a great match for Spanish speaking clients and for those interested in learning Spanish. She has worked as a community HealthCorps volunteer and as a research assistant in evolutionary genetics. She is pursuing a career in nursing and health education.

• A UNC-CH nursing student from Henderson, NC says that being a companion with A Helping Hand the past two years inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She enjoys meeting new people, photography, reading and sports. This companion frequently provides medication reminders, provides respite for caregivers, helps organize photos, performs light housekeeping tasks and takes clients on outings.

• This bright companion has a bachelor’s degree from National Taiwan University, an master’s degree from Auburn University, and presently is a PhD candidate at NCSU studying poultry science.  She is interested in biochemistry, biotechnology and computer programming.  Our clients find her capable and likeable. She is able to easily assist with many tasks, including meal preparation and computer instruction.