About Us

Loneliness is a real problem. It doesn't have to be this way.

Carrefour Companions is a UCSD student service organization composed of both student and adult volunteers who believe that innovative interpersonal connections can help enrich the lives of both senior citizens and young adults alike. The word ‘Carrefour’ is defined as a public square or where two roads converge.

Our Story

Carrefour Companions began as a response to an unprecedented need of providing a virtual, safe volunteer service during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, Oliva and Morgan advertised the Sunshine for Seniors Project to students, a volunteer project hosted primarily by St. Paul's Senior Services. This remote volunteer opportunity allowed students to create physical cards that would encourage one of the most vulnerable populations in the pandemic, the senior citizen community.

From there, Carrefour Companions started to expand into other remote opportunities. Partnering with the San Diego County Health and Human Services, virtual discussion groups comprised of both students and seniors were held. These discussion groups have been a great success, displaying the importance of holding an intimate space for conversation between the younger and older generation despite the social-distancing circumstances.

Without collaboration with multiple public service organizations, Carrefour Companions would not be possible. From student organizations like Intergenerational Connections to educational institutes focused on public service and social change, our collaborative service opportunities will always be trying to care for our companions.