Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Program Volunteers

From the Land of Sky's April Impact Report

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS AND IMPACTS FROM LOSRC

Senior Companion volunteers are on “pause” during the COVID-19 quarantine as they and clients are among the high-risk, vulnerable population. Senior Companion volunteers are staying in touch regularly with their clients by phone to check for any critical needs of food, medicine, and to alleviate social isolation. Our federal funder, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), has been responsive to COVID-19 impact on our program. CNCS has authorized a temporary stipend payment to volunteers while our programs are on hold.

Senior Companion volunteers are receiving regular phone calls, emails, texts and, mailings from staff. Relevant COVID-19 information and local resources are shared to assist volunteers and clients coping with mental/physical stress, food insecurity, and isolation. Grant applications are being written for our federal CNCS grant, Urban 5310 Transportation grant, and required reporting for WNC Bridge Foundation and Pisgah Health Foundation grants.

National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, is being celebrated by mail with a Senior Companion 2020 Pin and personalized thank you note. All of our Senior Companion Volunteers are eager to resume their service.
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Volunteers in the Foster Grandparent Program are on “pause” during the COVID-19 quarantine as schools, Head Start programs, and early learning centers are closed in an effort to keep our community safe. Our federal funder, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), has been responsive to COVID-19 impact on our program. CNCS has authorized a temporary stipend payment to volunteers while our programs are on hold.

As volunteers are among the high-risk, vulnerable population, staff is doing everything we can to support them while under the Governor’s Stay Home Stay Safe order. Staff reaches out weekly with phone calls, texts, and emails checking in on the volunteers to ensure they are well and have their essential needs met. In addition, thinking of you cards and letters are mailed each week to help them cope with feelings of isolation. Relevant information and local resources are also mailed to assist volunteers cope with mental/physical stress, food insecurity, and isolation.

As a Board Member of the National Association of Foster Grandparent Program Directors (NAFGPD), staff participates in monthly National Associations conference calls with Senior Corps Director Deborah Cox-Roush to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the volunteers of the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs as well as the RSVP. Deborah Cox-Roush’s is extremely committed to Senior Corps doing everything possible to keep volunteers safe and supported through the pandemic.