Laura Long is a dedicated senior companion volunteer. She gives her time, energy, and heart to support older adults in her community of St. Mary's. Since October 2024, Long has served as part of RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program, where her passion for culture, connection, and care is shaping her volunteer work.
Laura Long is one of just a handful of dedicated senior companion volunteers across Alaska. She gives her time, energy, and heart to support older adults in her community. Since October 2024, Long has served as part of RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program, where her passion for culture, connection, and care is helping reawaken a sense of togetherness among Elders in St. Mary's.
"My community needs more activities for Elders, and I want to make that happen as a Senior Companion volunteer," Long said.
Born and raised in the rural village of St. Mary's, Long grew up surrounded by the values and rhythms of the Yup'ik way of life. Her parents were active in the community, fishing and helping teach the Yup'ik language at the local mission. Those early years left a lasting impression.
She recalls her mother always picking berries and gathering, while her father spent his days hunting and fishing to feed their large family. With 15 siblings, life was lively and full of responsibility.
"Everyone helped," Long said with a smile. "My brothers learned to hunt and fish, and we girls helped our mom gather and care for things at home. It was just what we did. There was always something to do."
Now, decades later, Long continues many of those same traditions. She still goes out on her Honda during the berry season, collecting the fruits of the land just as her mother did. Her deep respect for the land and traditional lifestyle inspires much of the work she's doing now as a senior companion.
"Subsistence and traditions were important to my family, and I know many in my community still cherish our traditional way of life," she said. "I want to help the Elders feel connected to those traditions again."
One of Long's greatest blessings is having her mother still living in St. Mary's. She regularly visits her, bringing fresh bread and soaking in the stories and wisdom that only a mother can offer.
"Being able to ask my mom about stories from my past is something I won't take for granted anymore," Long reflected. "My young self didn't always appreciate her knowledge. Now I want to learn everything I can."
Long celebrated her 70th birthday in April. Though officially a senior herself, she's still going strong, energized by her community, her family, and her desire to create change. She lives at home with her dog and says she finds peace in the quiet beauty of village life.
Her daughter and grandchildren live in Anchorage, and they are a big part of her motivation.
"They always tell me to do things that bring me joy," Long shared. "And I've learned that giving back to my community, to the people and the land-that's the best way to find it."
Long said when Elders have meaningful activities and spaces to gather, their mental, emotional, and physical well-being improves. That's why she's partnering with the Algaaciq Tribe to launch regular Elder gatherings in St. Mary's. Her plan is simple: invite anyone 55 and older to come together to a warm and welcoming space to reconnect, share stories, and enjoy each other's company.
She's already brainstorming ideas for what these gatherings could look like: storytelling nights, singing and music, card games, dancing, talking circles-and yes, maybe even a little bingo.
"Everyone likes bingo," she laughed, "but there must be more to do here than just bingo. Elders like to share. We can always keep learning. People just need a reason to come together."
Long's leadership is a reminder that it's never too late to make a difference. Through her work as a senior companion volunteer, she is weaving tradition, community, and joy into something new, something rooted in the old ways yet filled with fresh energy.
"I can't slow down yet," Long smiled. "I have to keep up with my grandsons."
And with that spirit, she's helping Elders across St. Mary's stay active, stay connected, and stay proud of where they come from.
Become a senior companion in your community
The Senior Companion Program is accepting applications. Benefits for qualifying seniors 55+ include PTO, a tax-free stipend, paid holidays, free meals and travel assistance. Please call for more information and apply: 907-865-7276. Check out the online interest form and learn more at Elder Mentor. You can also reach the team at eldermentors@ruralcap.org. Search "RurAL CAP Senior Companion Program" on Facebook to find us there.
