More than 70 senior volunteers have been recognized for their successful efforts to improve the lives of others.  Volunteers for the Senior Companion Program of the Social Development Commission (SDC) were singled out at a Recognition Luncheon.

Senior Companions are older adults who volunteer to make regular home visits to the homebound and provide in-home services that include light housework, setting up and going to doctor’s appointments, shopping, and just being a friend.  That support has been found to help the homebound remain living independently longer in their own homes.

Curtis Marshal of the Wisconsin Division of Public Health was the guest speaker and he told the senior volunteers that their efforts are helping end the social isolation that many homebound feel.  He said there is another benefit to their efforts, that of providing an example to coming generations of the value of volunteering.  He urged the Senior Companions to continue their efforts to better the quality of life for those whom they serve.

SDC CEO George P. Hinton also thanked the volunteers for their efforts. He said they need to realize the value of the work that they achieve in helping some of the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Senior Companion Program at SDC is funded in part by the Corporation for National Service and Community Service and the State of Wisconsin. To learn more about the program, visit the website at SDC at www.cr-sdc.org/index/Programs–Services/Family-Strengthening/Senior-Companions.htm.