Senior Companion Program Volunteers Honored at Holiday Luncheon

Posted on: Dec 14th, 2023 | News and Announcements Press Releases featured news

photo above: Phillip Armstrong, Senior Companion Program Volunteer of the Year

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – More than 60 Senior Companion Program volunteers were honored for their service on Dec. 13 at a Christmas-themed Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

The Senior Companion Program volunteers offer personalized services to meet the critical needs of frail and elderly community members. These services include in-home independent living support, such as preparing meals, helping with grocery shopping, escorting to medical appointments, and assisting with day-to-day living tasks. They also offer companionship for older adults in daycare centers and individuals with differing abilities, all free of charge.

Mobile County’s Senior Companion Program has successfully assisted more than 110 seniors during this grant period.

Phillip Armstrong, the recipient of the Senior Companion of the Year Award, expressed that being a Senior Companion is the second most honorable service he could have undertaken, following his service in the US Army. He values the opportunity to contribute to his community, and this sense of purpose motivates him every day.

Mobile County Senior Companion Program actively recruits volunteers year-round. Qualifications are that the program volunteer be aged 55 or older, qualify to be a Senior Companion Volunteer, and have completed training. All eligible volunteers will receive a monthly stipend for their time and mileage reimbursement. Applications are accepted from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Senior Companion office at 1150 Government St, Suite 103. For additional details, please contact SCP at 251-574-3232.

Program director Lorraine Reynolds said: “The Senior Companion Program has profoundly impacted our community by fostering meaningful connections and support for our elderly residents. Through this program, trained companions have been instrumental in alleviating social isolation among seniors, providing much-needed companionship, and creating a sense of belonging. The positive outcomes extend beyond emotional well-being, as seniors engaged in the program ften report improvements in mental health and overall life satisfaction.”

Representative Napoleon Bracy served as the keynote speaker for the event, praising the Senior Companion Program volunteers for their efforts and thanking them for their service. “The Senior Companions play a crucial role as unsung heroes, contributing significantly to the strength and well-being of our community,” he said in his remarks.

Senior Companions Program is an Americorps program funded through the Mobile County Commission. It has been operating in Mobile County since 1980.

Mobile County Commissioners Merceria Ludgood, Connie Hudson, and Randall Dueitt were featured in a video thanking the Senior Companion Program volunteers for their service and commending their impact on individual lives. WPMI’s Kym Anderson emceed the event.