Council on Aging – Nassau
Submitted by Jeffrey McDowell
Mkt and Communications Mgr.
The Council on Aging of Nassau County recently reached a milestone for one of its most important and compassionate programs. The Circle of Friends program recently passed the nine year mark. This program consists of friendly visitor volunteers who schedule regular visits to both home-bound seniors and seniors who reside in an assisted-living facility.
According to friendly visitor volunteer, Jane Holzkamp, this program enriches both the senior and the volunteer, “Both my friend Hilda from Savannah Grand and I have been enriched by this program. We do errands, we go for rides and we both love a snack from Chick-Fil-A or we just sit together and talk. Even my dog enjoys spending time with Hilda!”
This program began back in 2005 when Denise Saxton went to visit her mother in an assisted living facility. She soon noted the need for seniors to have visitors either in their home or a facility. Saxton approached the Council on Aging Executive Board members Terri Cunningham and Susan Smeeton and then Barnabas chaplain Roland Knight for guidance. Soon after, the Circle of Friends Volunteer program was born.
The fact is, many Nassau County seniors live too far for their family to come visit regularly and many have lost lifelong friends and neighbors. Under this program, volunteers are matched to seniors based on common interests, geographical location and levels of support required. As a result, their friendly visitors become their new family members, and the seniors know they can depend on their visits to brighten their days.
For more information on how to become a Friendly Visitor Volunteer, contact Frances Bartelt, COA Volunteer Coordinator at 261-0701. A volunteer application is also available at our website: www.coanassau.com.
In its 40th year serving the needs of Nassau County Seniors, the Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, the highest level of charitable organization. We cheerfully deliver critical services to Nassau County seniors in five categories including Meals on Wheels, COA Transportation, In-Home Care, and Adult Day Health Care, while operating two senior recreation centers. We are funded by donations from private individuals and some government grants.
March 23, 2014 1:00 p.m.