Photo courtesy of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Yvonne Caron, left, poses with Jan Mason, assisted living director at Boulder Creek. Caron is celebrating 20 years volunteering as a senior companion at Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall.

MARSHALL — Yvonne Caron is a daily day brightener for the older adults who live in a memory care apartment at Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall.

As a Senior Companion volunteer for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, she brings a dose of fun and companionship each morning with activities ranging from kickball and games with prizes to coloring and walks down to the flower garden on the grounds. And she lives right across the street making her volunteer service especially convenient.

“I love them dearly,” she says of her friends there. “I like to see that I bring comfort and happiness for people that don’t have smiles on their face very often.”

This year is a milestone marker as she celebrates 20 years of service as an LSS Senior Companion, according to a LSS press release. And at age 85, she has no plans to retire from her volunteer service anytime soon, the release said.

“I don’t know what would make me give it up.” Caron said.

Her visits have a deep impact on residents there, according to the release.

“She has become such an important part of our Boulder Creek family,” said Jan Mason, assisted living director at Boulder Creek. “She is loved by our residents, families, and staff alike. Boulder Creek would not be the same without her. Through the years she has not only been my volunteer but has become a very dear friend as well.”

BThe LSS release stated that building community and decreasing social isolation for older adults are among the most important benefits of Senior Companions, who are volunteers age 55 and older that offer a wide range of support. That might include anything from weekly visits over coffee to lunch outings to help with errands, grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments. Often, older adult volunteers are also matched with others who share the same hobbies.

In a recent survey, Lutheran Social Service learned that over 90% of volunteers either agree or strongly agree that their volunteer experience at LSS has changed their life in a positive way.

“Our volunteers feel a great sense of purpose,” said Fred Snyder, program coordinator for Lutheran Social Service. “We’re so proud of Yvonne’s incredible dedication these past 20 years. She has remarkable stamina, high energy and just a beautiful spirit that she shares with others.”

Snyder encourages others to consider becoming a Senior Companion. Volunteers receive an hourly stipend, a chance to stay connected and a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of older adults. No prior volunteer experience is needed, and training is provided. For more information, call 888.205.3770, email americorpsseniors@lssmn.org or visit lssmn.org/volunteer/seniorcompanion.