LSS Senior Companion service awarded FM Area Foundation funding to support older adults

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, also serving North Dakota, was awarded $3,000 by the FM Area Foundation to continue supporting older adults in the community through the Senior Companion service. This service provides meaningful opportunities for older adult volunteers, age 55 years and older, who are matched with other older adults that share their interests and need person-to-person support so they can remain healthy and independent.

Senior Companion volunteers visit older adults weekly to offer friendship and encouragement, enjoy shared hobbies and interests, and provide transportation for errands, grocery shopping and appointments.

Transportation assistance is especially appreciated by older adults who often benefit from personalized help getting in and out of the vehicle and having someone to accompany them to their destination and beyond as needed. This hands on, individualized approach alleviates stress and anxiety that older adults may experience with group transportation rider services that only provide curb-to-curb or door-to-door assistance. Funding from the FM Area Foundation will go toward mileage/transportation reimbursement for the volunteers.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding,” said Becky Telin, Senior Companion services program director for Lutheran Social Service. “Senior Companion volunteers positively impact the lives of the older adults they serve. This funding helps make it possible for our volunteers to continue to provide valuable one-to-one transportation assistance. We greatly appreciate FM Area Foundation’s recognition and support of this important work.”

To learn more about Senior Companion services or to become a volunteer, call Lutheran Social Service at 701.389.2293, email becky.telin@lssmn.org or visit lssmn.org/volunteer/seniorcompanion.