Home Frequently Asked Questions

General

• How is The Senior Connection funded?
  
  The Senior Connection is funded through donations from individuals, congregations, community organizations, local businesses and private foundations. We are also a member organization of the United Way. (Please designate #8246!) For the past four years, we have also received funding from Montgomery County's Department of Aging and Disability Services.
   

• Doesn't The Senior Connection duplicate services provided by congregations, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations?
  
  Many congregations provide services like those offered by The Senior Connection. As a Faith in Action program, The Senior Connection is dedicated to helping congregations by training and recognizing their volunteers and by facilitating services to neighbors outside the congregations. Since other nonprofit organizations and government agencies also provide help in certain categories (for example, shopping assistance), we work collaboratively to avoid duplication. The need for escorted transportation, however, is so great that we cannot help everyone in need. Although Montgomery County Government provides curb-to-curb transportation for seniors, it does not address the need for escorted transportation. Other nonprofits provide door-to-door services for a fee, but they cannot meet the increasing demand. A person who needs transportation five days a week to obtain radiation treatments may need to call upon several agencies to help provided escorted transportation. In short, the growing demand for senior services in Montgomery County far exceeds the ability of the current social service infrastructure.
   

Faith In Action Montgomery

Care Receivers Often Ask

• Why is there no fee for Faith in Action services?
  
  The Faith in Action model revolves around trained volunteers who contribute their time to help neighbors in need. Seniors can stretch their often limited resources through the kindness of volunteers who help them.
   
• Who Volunteers Through The Senior Connection?
  
  Our volunteers range in age from the 14-year-old high school freshman who grocery shops for his neighbor to a 95-year-old telephone reassurance visitor! Volunteers come from all walks of life and represent a variety of ethnic and spiritual backgrounds.
   
• Why do I need to request transportation two weeks in advance?
  
  Since all transportation services of The Senior Connection are provided by volunteers, we need time to arrange the rides! The flexibility and advanced planning offered to the volunteers is the reason that so many folks enjoy driving for The Senior Connection.
   
• I don't want to take charity but I do need help. What can I do to support The Senior Connection?
  
  We believe that the services delivered through Faith in Action Montgomery are like returns on an investment. The community has benefited from your contributions throughout your lifetime and it is now time for us to give back to you in your time of need. If you want to support us, please tell your friends and neighbors about our services and encourage them to make a donation to The Senior Connection!

Volunteers Want to Know

• Why should I volunteer to support the older adult community?
  
  Many frail, older adults are isolated and in need of just a small amount of assistance in order to remain in their own homes and neighborhoods. The community is enriched by the continued involvement of an older adult in the neighborhood. The institutionalization of an older adult costs society far more than the cost of helping him or her remain at home. Moreover, most of our volunteers report that their own lives are enriched through their community service.
   
• How much time will I need to commit?
  
  The number of hours you volunteer is up to you! If you have at least two hours per week we can find a volunteer role for you at The Senior Connection! Reliability is the key element to consider as you make a commitment to volunteer. A little bit of your time can make a real difference in the lives of one or more older adults who have given much of their own time to causes in our community. The motto of the Faith in Action program is: "A neighbor's independence depends upon you!"
   

• Why report on our activities?
  
  Although we all know of the virtue of "giving without counting the cost" of our contributions, it is important that the good works be reported. When volunteer activities are unreported, our state and local government officials do not know the extent of the needs of older adults living in Montgomery County. Montgomery County is becoming the home of an increasing number of older persons whose needs must be addressed in the future. Documented volunteer contributions enlighten policy-makers to make realistic plans to respond to these needs.
   
• Am I covered by insurance?
  
  In addition to the Good Samaritan Act, which exempts volunteers from liability as long as there is no harmful intent, The Senior Connection carries liability insurance to protect our volunteers. Our coverage provides protection over and above the coverage of your own automobile and accidental injury policies. Our coverage is in effect whenever a person is volunteering through The Senior Connection. There is no cost to volunteers for this coverage.
   
• I already care for an older adult. Why should I join The Senior Connection?
  
  The Senior Connection provides roundtable discussions and training courses for its volunteers. In addition, you will be linked to a wider range of services to assist you in your caregiving role.
   

Congregations

• How can my congregation benefit from association with The Senior Connection?
  
  Many frail, older adults suffer from loneliness because of losses in their lives, and they turn to their religious communities for relief and support. They appreciate visits or telephone calls from members of their faith communities. Religious communities often have contact with the "invisible" older care recipients who would never come to the attention of public agencies. Volunteers working through their own congregations provide an enormous service, but they may have a limited understanding of the full range of services that their older friends are qualified to receive. Congregations that are linked to The Senior Connection through Faith in Action Montgomery can better address the needs of their senior members.

Seniors On-Line

• I have read about many low-cost computer learning opportunities in Montgomery County. Why is the Senior Connection sponsoring Seniors On-Line?
  
  While many older persons are able to take advantage of these programs, they are not accessible to seniors with limited economic means nor those who have mobility challenges. In addition, after the class is over, who provides the on-going coaching that many folks need? Seniors On-Line not only provides instruction but also offers a lab setting where staff or volunteer computer coaches and mentors can help seniors further develop their skills. Just as regular taxi services are not sufficient for those persons who need escorted transportation, regular computer classes are not sufficient for those who need to have their learning continually reinforced.