Friday, April 19, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
To the Editor: The Friendship Volunteers have been described as being “a Godsend.” One family member says “I can’t thank you enough.” According to the United States Census Bureau there are …
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To the Editor:
The Friendship Volunteers have been described as being “a Godsend.” One family member says “I can’t thank you enough.”
According to the United States Census Bureau there are more than a thousand seniors over age 65 living in Colton, South Colton, Parishville and Pierrepont.
The concept of aging in place -maintaining the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably - is the goal of many living in this area of St. Lawrence County.
According to an AARP study, 90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older — and not go into senior housing, a nursing home or assisted living facility. A new organization called the Friendship Volunteers is trying to fill the gap between seniors’ desire to remain in their own home and the reality of doing so. Friendship volunteers are ordinary people who give some of their time - whether it is a few hours a month or a few hours a week to help the seniors in their community maintain their independence. The Friendship Volunteers extend friendship and companionship to older adults living in their own homes or other independent living communities in Colton, Pierrepont, Parishville or South Colton in an effort to ease the isolation and loneliness they may feel. The volunteers will help the elderly with almost anything one friend might do for another. Besides just enjoying time together visiting or going out to lunch, the volunteers provide transportation for shopping or medical needs. They help with lawn and yard work. We enjoy concerts and go to other community events.
The Friendship Volunteer program matches volunteers with elderly individuals who would enjoy or benefit from somebody visiting on an ongoing basis. The Friendship program will make every attempt to ensure “matches” are favorable for both the volunteer and recipient. Offer to volunteer, share a little about yourself, and you will be introduced to someone special! Contact: 315-261-0969 or trecfriendship@gmail.com.
Friendship Volunteers
Colton, Pierrepont and Parishville
