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General Questions

How is The Senior Connection funded?

The Senior Connection contracts with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Disability and receives a significant portion of its funding by providing the free services required by that contract. Other support comes from Foundation grants, free will contributions from individuals, congregations, community organizations and local businesses. You may also designate The Senior Connection to receive funding through your contribution to  United Way # 8246 and Combined Federal Campaign #61134

Does The Senior Connection duplicate services provided by congregations, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations?

Montgomery County Government provides curb-to-curb transportation for seniors and some through the door service through its Metro Access and Paramed Medical Transit programs. Escorted transportation is best found through The Senior Connection’s contract with the county and several other nonprofits, which provide similar services for fee or on a sliding fee scale. The demand for this type of service is greater than all the service providers together can handle. Cooperation among providers allows for a person who needs transportation five days a week for radiation treatments to obtain the help they need without depending on one agency to meet the entire need.

What is the relationship with Faith In Action?

The Senior Connection was formed as a result of two agencies which merged operations to become The Senior Connection in January 2003. Both parent organizations began operations as a result of Faith in Action startup funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  For more history of Faith in Action see the drop down under the About Us tab on this site. The Senior Connection continues to provide its volunteer services using the model promoted by Faith in Action. The Senior Connection’s affiliation is listed as Faith in Action Montgomery in the Faith in Action National Network.

Why is there no fee for services?

The services are provided by 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?

Volunteers range in age from children who accompany parents on shopping trips, all the way to our century old seniors, who call a neighbor to reassure them that someone is around to check in with them and offer a friendly chat. Volunteers come from all walks of life and represent a variety of ethnic and spiritual backgrounds.

How far in advance should I request a service?

Since all transportation services are provided by volunteers, we need to allow volunteers to work other activities around their commitment to The Senior Connection and to allow our staff person enough time to arrange the rides!  The more time you allow – the better chance you have of being matched with a volunteer. You can never call too early.

I don’t want to take charity but I do need help. What can I do to support The Senior Connection?

The services delivered through our volunteers are like returns on your investment. The community has benefited from your contributions you have made 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!

What is a volunteer’s risk for liability while serving as a volunteer?

The Senior Connection carries umbrella liability insurance protection for all our volunteers. This 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 help an older adult on my own. Is there a benefit for doing so as a volunteer for The Senior Connection?

Yes, The Senior Connection gives you the assurance that your risk of liability is lessened as a result of being registered through the volunteers insurance protecton.In addition, you receive orientation and training, offering “Tips from the Pros”, which provides you with information on making your efforts easier with more confidence that you are doing the right thing for the person you are caring for. It is sometimes very difficult to say “no” to someone who is asking for more than you are willing to do. The ability to refer the need to The Senior Connection lessens the guilt and assures that someone will be able to help, even when you may want to get away for a vacation. Lastly, you are recognized for your efforts by being invited along with the other volunteers to the Annual Volunteer Recognition.

How do I find the answer to a question not address in this section?

The Senior Connection is staffed Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 4 pm and unless the all the lines are already busy and/or during the lunch hour from 12:30 – 1:30 pm the phone will be answered by one of the staff people equipped with the knowledge to answer most questions. You may also E-mail to <http://www.privatedaddy.com?q=R1txYlhtfFpPEhVuaGFBOCNjflJtHWIyZlV1S3lPSGc-3D_19> or leave a message on the recording system at 301 962-0820 and a staff representative will return your call as soon as the work load will allow.