Program Services
Eligibility:
- Adults 62 years or older
- Live in any of the Montgomery county zip codes beginning with 209__ or the 208__ zip code areas of Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Kensington, Garrett Park, Cabin John, Potomac, Glen Echo, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Spencerville and Colesville.
- One must have enough mobility to get in and out of an automobile. Since the volunteers use their own private vehicles, we are not equipped to transport wheelchairs. Just for the time you are using our transportation services, we also encourage the use of a lightweight walker, over the heavier and understandably more desirable style.
Benefits Include:
- The ability to maintain heath and dignity as a result of the escorted transportation services.
- The ability to live independently for a longer period of time as a result of receiving help with shopping and running errands.
- The ability to stay better organized with files and documents as a result of help with paperwork and form assistance.
- The ability to stay connected to the community as a result of the friendly visitation and telephone reassurance program.
- Feeling more confident and less stressful around keeping medical obligations.
- Engaging and meaningful relationships with caring volunteers.
- The ability to save financial resources as a result of the volunteer services provided free of charge.
- Services are delivered through the proven model of care giving, as sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Faith in Action movement and the continuing support of the National Network of Faith in Action programs. See the Faith in Action tab for a brief description of the model and a link to the network site.
Direct Assistance to Individuals
Anyone may submit a request: the individual in need of assistance, a friend, relative, caregiver or referring agency. Our staff interviews each person to see how we can be of assistance. The coordinator will match a volunteer with a care receiver’s request whenever possible.
Direct Referral to Other Providers
Not all senior services are available through our volunteer program. If the request is beyond our scope of providing assistance, the staff person will gladly refer the caller to other resources better suited to meet the need. The Senior Connection is well connected with other providers and acts to refer individuals who do not fall within our volunteer program delivery.
Assistance through Congregations and Community Groups
Our collaborations with other “groups” make their efforts even more efficient. The Senior Connection provides administrative support systems already in place and can further screen individuals who need assistance. Groups we work with include:
- Congregations of all faiths
- Community agencies
- Civic and social groups, especially those serving dedicated language and ethnic communities.
