Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Awarded the North Dakota Senior Companion Program Grant
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has been awarded the North Dakota Senior Companion Program grant, which is up for renewal every three years. LSS assumed operations of the North Dakota Senior Companion Program on February 1, 2021, assuring that essential support through this service continued for older adults.
“We are grateful to continue to sponsor the Senior Companion Program in North Dakota,” said Nicole Bauer, senior director of Companion Services at LSS. “The program has fit well with our Minnesota Senior Companion Program.”
Over the last year of sponsorship by LSS, the North Dakota Senior Companion Program has adapted to change and introduced technology to promote services.
“We were able to provide tablets, loaner phones and technology training to our volunteers,” said Becky Telin, program director of North Dakota Companion Services at LSS. “The partnership kept services available for older adults in North Dakota and we are striving to expand our volunteer base to serve more communities,” she said.
The Senior Companion Program, funded by AmeriCorps Seniors, matches trained Senior Companion volunteers age 55 and older with other older adults to provide weekly visits and assist with errands, grocery shopping and transportation to appointments to help them remain healthy and in their homes. Volunteers also report being healthier and happier as a result of their service. Currently, 50 volunteers provide weekly support and friendship to 300 older adults in 32 counties across North Dakota.
“We are ready and open for service,” said Telin. “Matching volunteers with older adults allows peace of mind for their families.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, services were adjusted to allow for phone and via video chat. Recently, in-person volunteering has resumed, however there is still the opportunity to volunteer or receive services over the phone or video chat.
If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion volunteer or using the Senior Companion service, please call 701.389.2293, email becky.telin@lssmn.org or visit lssmn.org/companion/seniorcompanion.