1. Submit a Request
   
   The older adult, family member, caregiver, or referring professional submits the Uplift Connect Request Form.
   
   

2. Complete an Intake Conversation
   
   An Uplift representative contacts the older adult to explain the program, discuss preferences, and confirm that the service is an appropriate fit.
   
   

3. Receive Administrative Approval
   
   Uplift reviews the request and approves participation based on program eligibility, safety, available volunteers, and current capacity.
   
   

4. Get Matched
   
   The participant is matched with a screened and trained companion volunteer based on availability, interests, and communication preferences.
   
   

5. Begin Companion Calls
   
   The participant and volunteer begin scheduled telephone or approved virtual conversations with ongoing support from Uplift.
   
   
   

Submitting a request does not guarantee acceptance or an immediate match. All requests require administrative approval and depend on volunteer availability and program capacity.

Is Uplift Connect free?

New participants receive their first 30 days of Uplift Connect at no cost. After the introductory period, the program has a $5 monthly participation fee.

The fee helps Uplift cover volunteer screening, training, scheduling, program administration, and participant support. A family member, caregiver, or sponsor may pay the fee on the participant’s behalf.

Financial assistance may be available. No approved participant will be denied solely because they are unable to pay the monthly fee.

When will the monthly fee begin?

The $5 monthly fee begins after the participant’s first 30 days in the program. Payment information and the billing date will be provided during enrollment. Participants will not be charged until they have been approved and matched with a companion volunteer.

Can participation be canceled?

Yes. Participants may cancel their enrollment at any time by contacting Uplift Community Outreach. Future monthly charges will stop after the cancellation is processed. Previously paid participation fees are generally nonrefundable.

Are companion calls recorded?

No. Uplift Connect companion calls are not recorded. Uplift may document the date and completion of each call, along with any concerns requiring administrative follow-up. Volunteers must follow Uplift’s privacy, confidentiality, and documentation requirements.

Can a family member register an older adult?

Yes. A family member, caregiver, or community professional may submit a request on behalf of an older adult. However, the older adult must understand the program, voluntarily agree to participate, and complete or participate in the intake process.

How often will calls occur?

Companion calls are generally scheduled once per week based on the participant’s preferences, volunteer availability, and the agreed-upon schedule. Call frequency or length may be adjusted when necessary and is not guaranteed.

Can participants request a specific volunteer?

Participants may share preferences during enrollment, but Uplift cannot guarantee a particular volunteer. Matches are based on availability, shared interests, communication preferences, program suitability, and safety considerations.

Can participants change volunteers?

Participants or volunteers may contact Uplift if a match does not feel appropriate. Uplift will review the concern and determine whether reassignment is needed. A replacement match will depend on volunteer availability.

Are in-person visits available?

No. Uplift Connect currently provides scheduled telephone calls and approved virtual conversations only. Volunteers are not permitted to arrange private in-person visits with participants through the program.

Is Uplift Connect an emergency or monitoring service?

No. Uplift Connect is not an emergency response, crisis intervention, counseling, caregiving, or continuous safety-monitoring service.

Anyone experiencing an immediate emergency should call 911. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis may call or text 988.