Intergenerational Program Will Connect Volunteers With Seniors
Earlier this month, I was pleased to announce the creation of our new “Friends of Older Neighbors” program, which seeks to provide organized, supportive, and consistent contact for senior citizens who live alone and have few or no family supports. While many seniors have secure and rewarding lives, many others find it increasingly difficult to connect with their neighbors, maintain their homes, or juggle other daily demands. This new initiative is intended to link willing and qualified volunteers to individual residents who need help with anything from shoveling a sidewalk to visiting a doctor.
Volunteers who wish to participate will be interviewed, screened and required to successfully complete a six to eight hour training course, and will then be expected to make 30 to 40 contacts with their neighbor over the course of the year. Senior residents seeking a “friend” from the program will also be interviewed, screened and then assessed throughout the program to insure an appropriate match has been made.
For more information or to participate, please contact Thomas Crossman in the Office of the Aging at (914) 235-2363 or tcrossma@newrochelleny.com.