Bertha Burgos, a 9-year volunteer for the SDC Senior Companion Program, at the program Recognition Luncheon.
A group of seniors who help the homebound remain in their own homes has been honored. The Senior Companion Program, coordinated by the Social Development Commission (SDC), held a recognition luncheon for the dozens of senior volunteers who make the program a success.
Senior Companions are trained to make regular visits to homebound clients and assist them with a wide range of services including just being a friend. The program has been recognized as being successful in allowing people to remain living independently in their own houses or apartments.
At the Recognition Luncheon, the Senior Companions were told they are improving the quality of life for the residents with whom they work. During the past year, the Companions made more than 14,000 client visits, assisted with almost 6,000 meals, took their charges on more than 3,200 outings and provided an escort on more than 1,000 doctor’s appointments.
Stephanie Sue Stein, Director of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, was the Guest Speaker for the afternoon and she applauded the Senior Companions for their contributions to the health of their clients and the community as a whole. SDC’s Senior Companions Program is funded in part by the State of Wisconsin and the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information on the Senior Companions program, visit the SDC website at www.cr-sdc.org, click on the Programs link and then the Senior Companions page.