August AL!VE Academy: Retiring Volunteers with Dignity and Compassion
Date/Time
8/11/2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Eastern
Event Registration
Event Type(s)
AL!VE Academy Webinars
Event Description
August Al!ve Academy, August 11, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM EST (60 Minutes)
Long-term volunteers are invaluable to every organization, but what happens when cognitive changes begin to affect their ability to serve? This session explores how volunteer leaders can recognize the signs of cognitive decline, navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, and thoughtfully transition volunteers while honoring their years of service. Participants will gain practical strategies to preserve volunteer dignity, maintain program safety, and create a culture that values lifelong service.
Long-term volunteers are invaluable to every organization, but what happens when cognitive changes begin to affect their ability to serve? This session explores how volunteer leaders can recognize the signs of cognitive decline, navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, and thoughtfully transition volunteers while honoring their years of service. Participants will gain practical strategies to preserve volunteer dignity, maintain program safety, and create a culture that values lifelong service.
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Location
Setting: Live Virtual
Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Details
August AL!VE Academy, August 11, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM EST (60 Minutes)
Long-term volunteers are invaluable to every organization, but what happens when cognitive changes begin to affect their ability to serve? This session explores how volunteer leaders can recognize the signs of cognitive decline, navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, and thoughtfully transition volunteers while honoring their years of service. Participants will gain practical strategies to preserve volunteer dignity, maintain program safety, and create a culture that values lifelong service.
About the speaker:
Melissa Gomez, Certified Dementia Practitioner
Melissa Gomez is the Director of the Senior Companion Program at The Senior Source in Dallas, Texas, where she has dedicated more than 20 years to nonprofit leadership and volunteer management. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of serving individuals across the lifespan—from empowering girls through her work with the Girl Scouts to supporting individuals and families during end-of-life care in hospice. These experiences have shaped her compassionate, people-centered approach to leadership and volunteer engagement. Today, she oversees the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program, connecting older adult volunteers with homebound seniors to promote independence, companionship, and healthy aging. Melissa is passionate about volunteer engagement, dementia awareness, and creating programs that honor, support, and empower volunteers throughout every stage of their service.
In addition to her certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she is a Certified Dementia Live Trainer.
Melissa holds a master's degree in Family Studies from Texas Woman's University.
Long-term volunteers are invaluable to every organization, but what happens when cognitive changes begin to affect their ability to serve? This session explores how volunteer leaders can recognize the signs of cognitive decline, navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, and thoughtfully transition volunteers while honoring their years of service. Participants will gain practical strategies to preserve volunteer dignity, maintain program safety, and create a culture that values lifelong service.
About the speaker:
Melissa Gomez, Certified Dementia Practitioner
Melissa Gomez is the Director of the Senior Companion Program at The Senior Source in Dallas, Texas, where she has dedicated more than 20 years to nonprofit leadership and volunteer management. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of serving individuals across the lifespan—from empowering girls through her work with the Girl Scouts to supporting individuals and families during end-of-life care in hospice. These experiences have shaped her compassionate, people-centered approach to leadership and volunteer engagement. Today, she oversees the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program, connecting older adult volunteers with homebound seniors to promote independence, companionship, and healthy aging. Melissa is passionate about volunteer engagement, dementia awareness, and creating programs that honor, support, and empower volunteers throughout every stage of their service.
In addition to her certification as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she is a Certified Dementia Live Trainer.
Melissa holds a master's degree in Family Studies from Texas Woman's University.
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