Dallas Seniors Find Friendship and Support Through Companion Program

The Senior Source nonprofit pairs older adults with volunteer companions to combat loneliness and isolation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Senior Companion Program in Dallas, run by the nonprofit Senior Source, pairs older adults like 83-year-old Ola Malone with volunteer companions like 79-year-old Maria Gonzalez. The companions provide companionship, help with errands and appointments, and a social connection for seniors who may otherwise be isolated. The program has a waitlist of seniors seeking companions, and is looking for more volunteers aged 55 and older to dedicate at least 10 hours per week.

Why it matters

Loneliness and social isolation are major public health issues for older adults, linked to increased risk of depression, cognitive decline, and physical health problems. The Senior Companion Program aims to combat these challenges by providing seniors with a friendly, supportive companion to help them remain independent and engaged in their community.

The details

Through the Senior Companion Program, volunteers like Maria Gonzalez are paired with seniors like Ola Malone to provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks. Gonzalez spends 10 hours per week with Malone, helping her with grocery shopping, doctor's appointments, and other errands, as well as providing social interaction and emotional support. The program has a waitlist of seniors seeking companions, and is looking to recruit more volunteers aged 55 and older to meet the demand.

  • The Senior Companion Program has been operating in Dallas for several years.
  • Ola Malone and Maria Gonzalez were paired through the program in recent months.

The players

Ola Malone

An 83-year-old Dallas resident who is paired with a senior companion through the Senior Source program.

Maria Gonzalez

A 79-year-old volunteer senior companion who is paired with Ola Malone through the Senior Source program.

Melissa Gomez

The director of the Senior Companion Program at the Senior Source nonprofit in Dallas.

The Senior Source

A Dallas nonprofit organization that runs the Senior Companion Program to help older adults remain independent and engaged in their community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With isolation, loneliness really becoming an epidemic in our older adults, this really helps both parties combat that isolation and loneliness.”

— Melissa Gomez, Senior Companion Program Director (cbsnews.com)

“I always like to work with people.”

— Maria Gonzalez (cbsnews.com)

“She and I have really grown together fast. We're good friends.”

— Maria Gonzalez (cbsnews.com)

“This is for my own good, keeps me healthy. Move around, have a schedule, get up in the morning.”

— Maria Gonzalez (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Senior Source is actively recruiting more volunteers aged 55 and older to join the Senior Companion Program and help meet the demand for companionship services.

The takeaway

The Senior Companion Program in Dallas demonstrates how volunteer-based initiatives can effectively combat loneliness and isolation among older adults, providing them with both practical assistance and meaningful social connections.