Pictured above Senior Companion volunteers proudly show the certificates DHS awarded them for their service.
Pictured above Corporation for National and Community Service State Program Director Derrick Ariyoshi, DHS Director Rachael Wong, Senior Companion Program Director and Adult Protective and Community Services Branch Administrator Elliot Kano honor Eufrocina Mariano(front center), a Senior Companion Program volunteer.
Sometimes a helping hand goes a long way. The Department of Human Services Senior Companion Program brings helping hands together with people who need them. On April 8, 2016, the Senior Companion Program recognized its O‘ahu volunteers for their service to Hawai‘i and its kūpuna. Volunteers were treated to a special luncheon and ceremony at the Pagoda Hotel.
The Hawai‘i Senior Companion Program recruits and trains limited-income individuals age 55 and older to provide companionship and assistance to seniors living in their own homes. Volunteers provide emotional and physical assistance to elders, allowing them to remain more independent and live their lives more fully.
Pictured above Adult Protective and Community Services Branch Administrator Elliot Kano (right) and DHS Director Rachael Wong (center) thanks Joe Walter for his service as a Senior Companion Program volunteer.
In fiscal year 2015, 86 Senior Companion volunteers served more than 93,000 hours working with kūpuna. These hours pay dividends for the seniors who benefit from volunteers’ services. More than three-quarters of caregivers noticed the elders volunteers worked with increased their social ties and social support. And, 100% of seniors with disabilities reported that volunteers’ work increased their social support.
The Senior Companion Program is part of DHS Adult Protective and Community Services Branch. Pres. Nixon first urged for the establishment of the Senior Companion Volunteers in 1971. Hawai‘i adopted the program in 1978. The program is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which includes the national Senior Corps.
Volunteers on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island will also be recognized later this month.