Every month, families across the country are paying to have someone show up, read through a set of provided story questions, and record the conversation on their phone. That person could be you. No journalism background required: just warmth, patience, and the ability to read a question clearly and let the answer breathe.
A Story Gatherer visits an elderly storyteller at their home, assisted living facility, or memory care community, works through a set of provided questions for up to one hour, and records every word using our Story Time app. You deliver the recording. We handle everything else: scheduling, family communication, and production.
Each session is paid at a flat rate of $100, deposited after you deliver the recording. You set your own drive radius. You choose which requests to accept. There's no minimum commitment and no quota.
Fill out the application. Tell us about yourself, your availability, and how far you're willing to drive.
We'll schedule a short interview to get to know you, walk through expectations, and answer your questions.
Background check and onboarding. Once approved, you're added to our gatherer network.
When a family in your area subscribes, we notify you. You decide whether to accept the session.
Arrive at the location, open Story Time on your phone, record the session, and deliver the file. You get paid $100 after we receive and confirm the recording.
We don't need journalists or filmmakers. We need people who are genuinely good at being present with an older adult.
You enjoy spending time with elderly adults and know how to slow down and follow their pace.
You read clearly, let the storyteller finish their thought without rushing them, and don't feel the need to fill every silence. The questions are provided. Your job is to ask them well and listen.
Assisted living, memory care, and hospice environments don't make you uncomfortable.
You can get to the location within your approved drive radius on a scheduled date.
You're comfortable with a background check and understand the privacy and sensitivity of this work.
You have some availability on weekdays, weekends, or both. Schedules are set in advance.
Sessions are recorded using our Story Time app, which works on any iPhone or Android phone. A clip-on lavalier mic is preferred for cleaner audio but not required to apply.
Applications are reviewed within a few business days. Approved applicants are invited to a short interview before being added to the network.
