Good day, my friends and fellow Seniors!
I have a ‘NUGGET’ to share with you senior adults in Statesboro, Bulloch County and surrounding counties. This Senior Program is a ‘GEM’ that very few people know about.
It is the GSU Area Senior Companion Program (SCP) which began in the late '80s with a federal grant and is an affiliate of the larger umbrella organization, AmeriCorps Seniors. They are sponsored by Georgia Southern University Center for Social Gerontology and serve citizens in the area.
A Vital Program for our Aging Community
Senior Companions assist adults who need extra support to live independently in their own homes. They serve frail older adults, adults with disabilities, those with terminal illness and offer respite for care givers. Senior Companions care for adults in Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Screven, and Tattnall counties.
Senior Companions are matched with clients according to needs, abilities, and distance. Senior Companions serve 15-40 hours per week and earn tax-free hourly, meal, and mileage stipends. Senior Companions assist their adult clients in basic but essential ways, including:
- Supervision for those who wander or are bed-bound
- Offering companionship and friendship to isolated and frail adults
- Assisting with simple chores to maintain living conditions
- Limited transportation
- Assisting with meals
The GOAL of this ‘Senior Companion Program’ is to make a difference by providing assistance and building valuable friendly relationships to adults who have additional needs.
There is NO INCOME requirement to receive assistance.
The ‘Senior Companion Program’ is totally FREE. NO ONE is REJECTED!!
Senior Companion Volunteers Needed
Seniors or ‘Older Adults,’ here is an amazing opportunity to spread your ‘WINGS and JUMP IN’ and be of assistance in this Senior Companion Program. Truly a beneficial outreach!!!
Senior Companions serve 15-40 hours per week and qualify to earn a tax-free hourly, meal, and mileage stipend that helps support them with items such as utility bills, medication, and transportation. As a Senior Companion, you’ll also attend an orientation and monthly training.
As usual the NEED is high, and Companions/Volunteers are low. Please feel free to reach out to their office and apply to be a Companion, or if you are struggling and in need to become a Client. Contact the office by phone 912-478-0712 or email [email protected]”
Program Director
Deb Blackburn, M.Ed.,Higher Ed, MA in Sociology, is the Program Director. She has been with Georgia Southern University as the Area Senior Companion Program Director since 2012. She is also a board member for National Senior Corps Association representing small community-based organizations and rural programs.
During her career, she has developed, managed and evaluated non-profit and government budgets. Deb is known as an enthusiastic trainer and instructor during her 30+ year career.
"Thank you for your interest in us. We have a valuable service in Statesboro and the surrounding region.This magnificent event is a major fundraiser for the ‘Senior Companion Program’ that makes independence a REALITY for older adults, over 50, and adults with disabilities," said Deb Blackburn. "Our waiting list is long with people in need. We need volunteers and funding. I'm so grateful for the support from you.”
Dance thru the Decades Fundraiser
SAVE THE DATE! MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
NOW another FANTASTIC way you can contribute to this AMAZING program is to come and join their DANCE Thru the DECADES fundraiser.
Georgia Southern University Area Senior Companions is hosting their first ‘DANCE THRU the DECADES’ fundraising event.
This event will be held at the Statesboro Farmers Market venue, behind the Statesboro Visitor’s Center, 222 S.Main Street in Statesboro on August 12, 2023, from 7:00 PM -10:00 PM. Advanced ticket sales will be $35.00 and will go on sale soon. I will updated you as soon as they are available.
Plan to COME and CELEBRATE!!
Dust off your dancing shoes, dress for your favorite decade or NOT, and get ready for a night of FUN, FOOD, and ENJOYMENT!!
Plan now to join this entertaining evening of celebrating and dancing with a local favorite ‘The Ripley’s’ with a 70’s, 80’s, 90’s flair. Enjoy a wonderful buffet catered by Dolan’s of heavy hors d'oeuvres and BBQ, refreshments, and a cash bar. Several of Statesboro and surrounding area’s popular businesses are contributing gift items up to a value of $1000. 100% of ALL proceeds will support the Senior Companion Program(CSP).
Just in case, you want to know HOW this event came about: WELLLL, the idea was born, when Deb Blackburn (SCP Program Director) and her friend Nancy Wilson (Chairperson) were having dinner one night and Nancy shared about her personal need for a caregiver and how it was difficult to find.
One thing led to another, and Deb said, "I am planning a fundraiser for my Department ‘Senior Companions Program,’" and Deb asked Nancy if she would like to assist with the event. Nancy agreed saying, “This is a cause close to my heart. I know first hand what it's like to need home care for someone (Nancy’s husband) and how hard it is to find someone.” WELLLL, the rest is history!!
To continue this beneficial work SCP needs your HELP!!!
For more information about the program or this fundraiser please check Grice Connect’s event calendar, Facebook or email your inquiries to Deb Blackburn at [email protected]. or contact Nancy Wilson, Chairperson by cell 912-237-0707.
Get ready to DANCE, EAT and DONATE generously for this very giving program.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!
This is your chance to get out, get active and make a difference.
Have a Senior Moment idea you want me to share?
Join my mission to get seniors back out into our community, discovering ways they can stay active, be appreciated and live a healthier life.
How can you help? Share with me your FRESH ideas, senior activities you would like me to share, senior needs not met. I am waiting on your email at [email protected] …. I would like to know and share. Until then …
Enjoy your next Senior Moment in Bulloch County!!
