The Senior Companion Program of Allegheny County—offered through the Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging—hosted its annual recognition luncheon on June 14 at Edgewood Country Club. Senior Companions are volunteers, ages 55 and older, who visit lonely or isolated seniors once or twice a week, providing much needed companionship and friendship.
Seniors receiving visits typically require some extra assistance to remain living independently at home,” explains Senior Companion Program Manager John Miller. “While some of these seniors have medical issues, others are simply lonely or isolated, or lacking in family or social supports. Having visits from Senior Companions helps to brighten their days and lift their spirits.”
Miller kicked off the luncheon by thanking the Senior Companions for their volunteer service. “It is amazing how you start out as strangers and very quickly become friends with people who benefit so much from your visits,” he commented.
He highlighted that the program is now 50 years old, having started in 1974. To demonstrate how long ago that was, he noted that a dozen eggs back then cost 45 cents and a gallon of gas was 42 cents. Miller then told the story of the young girl who was seen on the beach throwing stranded starfish back in the water. A man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one!”
Miller furthered the point of this story by noting that while the program cannot help every senior in Allegheny County, it sure benefits those who participate. He read some testimonials from care recipients:
- My Senior Companion and I get along fine. She is a nice lady. She is about my age. She really cares.
- She is an exceptionally kind, compassionate person. She works hard to arrange activities my husband enjoys.
- She comes over for some well-needed conversation and companionship.
The recognition event got into full swing with musical entertainment from local singers Darryl and Kim Askew. Their songs had many folks on their feet and dancing. After lunch, key leaders from the Area Agency on Aging praised the Senior Companions for what they do. The director of the agency, Dr. Shannah Gilliam, remarked that “You are the eyes and ears for the community. What you do is an invaluable part of our agency’s mission.”
Miller spoke next about how the program has grown in the past year. “We brought on a total of 26 people this year—14 people in December and 12 folks in May.” He asked the new Senior Companions to stand and be recognized.
The awards presentation followed, with various Senior Companions being recognized for their milestones of service. Twelve volunteers were recognized for five years of service with the program; six volunteers were recognized for 10 years of service; and two were celebrated for 15 years of service. (Please see sidebar for a listing of names.) All received floral bouquets and certificates of achievement.
The day culminated with the announcement of Senior Companions for 20 and 30 years of service, respectively. Rose Rouse was recognized for 20 years and Dorothy Pisano, who could not attend due to a previously scheduled family trip, was recognized for 30 years with the program. “I am impressed by each and every one of you,” Miller commented, “but these two individuals are particularly incredible. They are still out helping others at ages 86 and 94. They do not let their age slow them down or deter them from helping others.”
Rose was happy to share the moment with her two daughters, Darla and Lori. “I love this program,” she said, beaming with joy. “It helps me as much as I help them.”
For more information about the Senior Companion Program, call John Miller at (412) 350-4061.
SIDEBAR:
Five Years of Service:
- Nancy Borres
- Eleanor Brickley
- Nancie Cassata
- Barbara Cohen
- Beverly Davis
- Lynette Devers
- Amy Fulton
- Jeannie George
- Arlene Hurt
- Elizabeth Jennings
- Debra McMillian
- Vera Threet
10 Years of Service:
- Hilda Arture
- Chitra Gurung
- Norma Jean Milner
- Marge Saban
- Pat Turney
- Catherine Warner
15 Years of Service:
- Shirley Marshall
- Lorraine Meskowski
20 Years of Service:
- Rose Rouse
30 Years of Service:
- Dorothy Pisano
