Description: The NEST (Nevada Ensures Support Together) Collaborative is an initiative of the Nevada COVID-19 Aging Network (Nevada CAN), a statewide, inter-organizational collaboration of many aging/disability and social services organizations, led by the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) in cooperation with the statewide ADRCs(called Nevada Care Connection Resource Centers), working together to meet the essential needs of Nevadans (60+) in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NEST collaborative provides virtual social engagement during the COVID—19 pandemic through engaging volunteers. The goals include alleviating social isolation and loneliness during this time of social distancing, ensuring the essential needs of elders, people living with disabilities, and Veterans are met, and providing opportunities for mutual social support. This is accomplished through one-on-one calls, peer social groups, and tech assistance.

Volunteers are trained in cohort groups to facilitate connection and to provide back-up volunteer staffing. Additionally, each cohort group has a volunteer professional guide, an expert in the field, assigned to support them. Other agencies are welcome to take advantage of their innovative training program by mailing: socialsupport@unr.edu.

Keyword(s): remote engagement; social isolation; social connectedness; peer support

*If you would like a 508-compliant version of this document, please contact TA-Community@lewin.com.