EVERETT — Every Tuesday, at the Buzz Inn Steakhouse on Broadway, you’ll find two friends sharing lunch at the same time, same table, talking, joking and swapping stories.
On this particular Tuesday, both came to the table wearing blue polo shirts, jeans and sneakers.
For Paul Pollard — the guy with glasses and a bushy mustache — and James Mock, their bond is about more than just burgers and club sandwiches with bottomless fries.
It’s bro time.
Pollard, 71, is a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program at Homage Senior Services. He was paired with 67-year-old Mock, a client.
Their friendship is a testament to the power of human connection, especially in later years.
“I get a sense of helping,” Pollard said. “I have fun with people. Nowadays, it seems like people don’t want to help others. They say, ‘It’s not my business, why should I care?’ If it weren’t for God, I’d be right where these guys are. I’ve been blessed, so now it’s my time to give back.”
He gives back with his time, not money. The men dine out on separate checks, a program requirement.
Pollard, who has three ex-wives, lives with his 155-pound bull mastiff, a shelter rescue, in a one-bedroom apartment. Mock, too, lives alone, having lost his wife of 40 years. His daughter lives in Florida.
“I’ve been by myself and I’ve had to do whatever I can to stay alive,” Mock said.
When the Buzz Inn server brought their food, the guys didn’t dig in. They clasped hands and said grace together.
Faith and laughter frame their friendship.
“We’ve had to learn a unique sense of humor in order to deal with some of the things we’ve gone through,” Mock said.
“We both make the most of what we’re in the middle of,” Pollard said.
Mock enjoys using public transit and prefers to take the bus when the two men meet for lunch. He rides the train on jaunts around the state and even to see his daughter in Florida.
“I like getting out of the concrete jungle,” Mock said.
Pollard began volunteering about four years ago and has three clients, all military veterans like himself. One client is recovering from a stroke. Pollard picks him up for walks along the Everett waterfront or shopping trips.
“He didn’t want to walk at first, but now he says he’s glad when I call. He gets out of his house and gets some exercise,” Pollard said. “It’s great to see their progress.”
For older adults, having a trusted companion to share activities or a conversation can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being.
The program is part of a national initiative funded by AmeriCorps Seniors to engage active older adults as volunteers while providing support to isolated seniors who need a friend or a hand getting to medical appointments or shopping. Volunteers, who must meet income guidelines, receive a small stipend along with mileage reimbursement.
More volunteers are needed to meet the client demand.
“There is a waitlist, especially in the Everett area,” said Mary Ann Higgins, Homage program coordinator. “A lot of older adults are living on their own and want to remain independent. Maybe they aren’t driving anymore or are using a walker, so it’s harder to get out like they used to and they are feeling more isolated.”
It is a free program for the client, who must be at least 60 years old or living with a disability. Some are referred by a social service agency. They must reside in a private home or independent apartment.
Volunteers must be 55 or older and commit to at least five hours a week. They undergo 20 hours of training and a background check. Driving is not a requirement.
“A number of volunteers have told me they feel healthier,” Higgins said. “It’s good for their involvement in the community. Some say, ‘It gets me out of the house. It’s good for me.’ It helps them focus on others.”
For information to volunteer or to request a companion, contact Homage Senior Services.
Andrea Brown is a freelance writer and former employee of the Everett Herald.
Phone: 425-355-1138
Email: seniorcompanion@homage.org
Web: homage.org/support-the-homage-senior-companion-program
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