In my previous role at a community center, I coordinated a visitation program that connected volunteers with elderly residents. I managed scheduling, trained volunteers, and ensured visits met program goals. My efforts increased participant satisfaction by 30% and expanded the program to serve 50% more residents within a year. I also handled conflict resolution and feedback collection to continuously improve the program.

I would first ensure the safety and comfort of both parties by calmly intervening. Then, I would listen to each person's perspective to understand the root of the conflict. Drawing on my training in conflict resolution, I would mediate a constructive conversation to address concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution. If necessary, I would document the incident and follow up with both parties to ensure the resolution is effective and to prevent future issues.

To recruit volunteers, I would leverage social media, community partnerships, and word-of-mouth to highlight the program's impact. For retention, I would focus on creating a supportive environment, offering training, and recognizing volunteers' contributions. Regular feedback sessions would help address any concerns and foster a sense of community. Personalizing volunteer roles to match their interests and skills can also increase engagement and long-term commitment.

Success can be measured through quantitative metrics like the number of visits, participant growth, and volunteer retention rates. Qualitatively, I would collect feedback from residents, visitors, and staff to assess satisfaction and emotional impact. Regular reviews of these metrics would help identify areas for improvement and ensure the program meets its objectives of enhancing participants' well-being and fostering meaningful connections.

When the pandemic hit, our in-person visitation program was suspended. I quickly adapted by transitioning to a virtual visitation model, training volunteers on video call technology, and providing tablets to residents. This not only maintained connections but also expanded our reach to include family members who lived far away. The program's success led to its continuation as a hybrid model, offering both in-person and virtual options to accommodate diverse needs.