A program that helps the homebound remain in their own homes has celebrated 35 years of service.
Portia Young, WISN Anchor, congratulates Senior Companion Barbara F. Thomas at program recognition luncheon.
The Senior Companions Program of the Social Development Commission (SDC) celebrated its 35th Anniversary with a recognition luncheon for the 90-plus seniors who volunteer for the program. During the ceremony, Senior Companion program manager Mattie Payne noted that the SDC program was one of the original program sponsors in the nation when the program started in 1974.
Senior Companions make regular visits to homebound residents, providing such services as light housework, making doctors appointments, helping with shopping and just being a friend. They are credited with allowing many to remain in their own homes and avoid being placed in assisted care situations. Ms. Payne told the volunteers that every day, they help the sick and frail maintain their quality of life.
Portia Young, anchor and reporter for WISN TV, was the guest speaker and presented a powerful story of an experience that illustrated the positive impact that friendship can have on the vulnerable. She congratulated the Senior Companions for volunteering their time and energy to do the same for Milwaukee County homebound residents.
To learn more about the SDC Senior Companion program, go to the SDC website at www.cr-sdc.org, click on the “Out Programs” tab and then on the “Senior Companions” page or call 414-906- 2781. The Senior Companion Program is funded in part by the Corporation for National Service and Community Service and by the State of Wisconsin.