A Conversation with NALTCV Volunteer Priscilla
Every Tuesday morning, before beginning her workday in IT, Priscilla spends time with the women of a Philadelphia long-term care community.
She usually brings music with her — Elvis, Patsy Cline, the Isley Brothers, Engelbert Humperdinck and whatever else might get a conversation started.
There is often bingo. There is almost always Uno. And there is plenty of laughter.
Priscilla is an Army veteran who served six years, including tours in Kuwait and Afghanistan. After moving to Philadelphia in 2025, she went looking for a way to become involved in her new community.
What she found was something she hadn’t necessarily expected: relationships that have become an important part of her own life.
We recently talked with Priscilla about why she volunteers, what she has learned from the women she visits, and why companion volunteering is very much a two-way street.
NALTCV: What first made you interested in spending time with older adults?
Priscilla: When I moved to Texas in 2022, I made my very first friend there on my first day — at a dog park. Her name is Gloria. She was 74 at the time, and we hit it off right away. She’s like my bonus grandma. She taught me how to play poker.
We had margarita nights and movie nights. We both loved music, so we were always introducing each other to songs. She actually helped start my record collection by giving me vinyl records, 45s, cassettes and CDs. I really appreciated her company and hearing her stories.
NALTCV: So when you moved to Philadelphia, you wanted something like that connection again?
Priscilla: Yes. My grandparents raised me, and I’ve always appreciated having that warm, maternal figure in my life.
When I moved here, my family was far away and I didn’t really have friends yet. I thought, I want to continue doing this. I want to be involved in my community.
I searched online and found a long-term care community just a few minutes from my apartment.
NALTCV: What do your Tuesday visits look like?
Priscilla: I bring my vinyl records and music. I really believe music makes a huge impact on people. Music is a universal language.
I’ll bring Elvis, Patsy Cline, the Isley Brothers — all kinds of music. The ladies will hear something and say, “What do you know about this song?” And I’ll say, “Oh, I know all about it!”
We listen to music, talk, play bingo and play cards.
They love Uno.
I try to bring new games sometimes, but eventually they’re like, “When are we going to play Uno?”
So we go back to Uno.
NALTCV: What do you enjoy most about being with them?
Priscilla: I love hearing their stories and their life experiences because they have so much wisdom to pass down to me.
Sometimes I’ll ask them for professional advice or relationship advice. They all have their own backgrounds, stories, opinions and perspectives.
I turned 30 in July, so I’m still learning life and how to be an adult. I really appreciate the guidance they give me.
NALTCV: Do they ever let you know that your visits matter?
Priscilla: They’ll say, “I’m so happy that you’re here,” or, “I needed this.”
And I tell them, “I needed this too.”
I appreciate the camaraderie we have with each other.
My family is on the West Coast, and I grew up in a big Hispanic family where we were always getting together. Being here without that big family has been an adjustment.
So I’m happy that I get to have a little piece of home here in Philadelphia with my ladies.
NALTCV: People often think volunteering is about what the volunteer gives. Has it been that way for you?
Priscilla: It’s definitely fulfilling to give my time, but it impacts me too.
It puts me in a great mood. I love being there. I get so much from talking with them and hearing their experiences.
You never know whose life you can impact — or how it could impact your own personal life.
NALTCV: What’s the hardest part of volunteering?
Priscilla: Leaving!
I have to go clock into work. Sometimes I’m thinking, Oh man, I wish I could be here with you ladies all day. I’ve got to go back to reality.
NALTCV: What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a companion volunteer but isn’t sure about it?
Priscilla: Give it a chance, and make it a priority.
The smallest thing can really change someone’s day, their perspective or their attitude. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
It’s worth it.
Even giving an hour or an hour and a half of your time can be really fulfilling. You never know whose life you can impact — or how they may impact yours.
NALTCV: Finish this sentence: “I keep coming back because…”
Priscilla: I keep coming back because of all the love that I receive.
Priscilla’s story captures something at the heart of companion volunteering.
We may enter a long-term care community thinking about what we have to give — our time, our attention, our companionship.
Then a relationship develops.
And suddenly we discover that the person we came to visit has something to give us, too.
Could you give an hour?
NALTCV prepares and supports companion volunteers who build meaningful relationships with people living in long-term care communities.
One Hour. One Visit. One Heart.
Become a Companion volunteer? Learn how to get started
