Dave O'Neil Connects Residents with Technology
For many 2Life residents, technology became an essential tool for maintaining their social connections over the past two years. Helping residents make the most of today’s technology is a personal mission for volunteer Dave O’Neil.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, O’Neil was at a juncture in his tech career that left him with spare time. “I wanted to do something to help people during a time when there was so much uncertainty,” he explains. As luck would have it, 2Life was seeking a volunteer to teach residents how to use video conferencing. It was a perfect fit.
Joining our volunteer organization in December 2020, O’Neil got many people in the community up to speed with Zoom®, giving them the ability to connect with family and friends. But that was just the beginning. He continues to generously donate his time and knowledge to help with technology — including hosting a popular online “Tech Café” that has gained a loyal fan base.
“I can’t say enough about Dave,” says Eileen Mann, a resident at the Golda Meir House. “He’ll go out of his way to find out whatever you want to know. His patience is amazing. He’s like an extended part of my family.”
O’Neil has a gift for making even complex topics understandable — and for coming up with creative ways to bridge the “digital divide.” He has helped residents take advantage of free streaming media, find cultural resources on the web, stay safe online, and even use ride-share services. If there’s a topic residents are interested in, you can bet Dave O’Neil knows how to bring it to life.
Mentorship is another of O’Neil’s talents. He generously guides and supports other volunteers, including college-age students who provide technology assistance to residents through the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) organization. “Dave models patience, how to ask questions, and how to provide clear explanations,” says 2Life’s volunteer coordinator. “He’s really good at encouraging the students to interact with residents effectively.”
What’s the key to O’Neil’s popularity? He meets people where they are. “There’s a whole world that residents can access through technology,” says Schneider, “and Dave has helped open that door for them.”
Dave O’Neil represents the high caliber and commitment of the more than 200 volunteers of all ages who participate in the 2Life volunteer organization. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit our website at 2LifeCommunities.org/Volunteer.
