A heart for helping: Gene Stines and the power of companionship
By Rachel Friederich, Serve Washington Communications
CLARKSTON--In the quiet corners of the Lewis and Clark Valley, a man in his 80s spends his days enriching the lives of fellow seniors. Gene Stines, a retired heavy equipment operator, volunteers as a Senior Companion through the Washington-Idaho Volunteer Center.
His journey into volunteerism began under difficult circumstances-his wife was admitted to a nursing home, leaving him searching for purpose and connection. What he found was a calling that would not only fill his days but transform the lives of the seniors he serves.
The Senior Companion Program, funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, has been a vital resource in communities for more than 50 years. Volunteers like Stines provide companionship, transportation and practical assistance to the seniors, many of whom have little or no support. In 2024 alone, Stines logged 1,374 hours visiting eight senior clients in the Clarkston area, offering not just assistance but genuine friendship.
"I realized that I am helping people who are less fortunate than I am," Stines said. "It makes me feel good I have something to do. I'm helping them, and they are helping me by keeping me busy, and I feel good about myself."
Bringing connection and comfort
One of Stines' clients, a man with severe hearing impairment, struggled to communicate with his family, who lived out of state. Medical appointments were especially challenging, as he could barely hear conversations with his doctors. Initially hesitant to accept help, the client only allowed Stines to visit every six weeks. Over time, trust grew, and their friendship deepened. Stines now spends four to eight hours a week with him. Stines took the man to get a hearing aid, arranged for better internet service, and secured a telephone designed for the hearing impaired-changes that opened up an entirely new world of communication for his client.
Another of Stines' clients, an elderly man with dementia, lived alone in Lewiston while his son was 100 miles away. Recognizing the danger of his isolation, Stines visited him twice a week and often stopped by more frequently to check on him. When the man's son moved him to an assisted living facility closer to him, Stines continued his support. He made the 100-mile drive to visit him in the nursing home on his own time, ensuring the man still had a friendly and familiar face in his new surroundings."
Linda Wells, manager for the Senior Companion Program, has witnessed firsthand the impact of Stines' work.
"Gene has the most compassionate heart we have ever seen for volunteerism," Wells said. "He helps people regain dignity and know they have value-even in old age."
About the Senior Companion Program:
The Senior Companion program is open to people 55 and over. A senior companion must commit to serving at least five but no more than 40 hours per week. Participants can do things like providing transportation, shopping assistance, helping read and organize mail, and spend quality time with seniors.
To learn more about the Senior Companion program and how to become a volunteer, visit the Washington-Idaho Volunteer Center's Senior Companion program webpage and fill out the Companion Referral Form. You can also call 208-746-7787.
