Courtney Campbell, Senior Companion Program Director
The SCP Program recruits volunteers that are aged 55 or older to provide in-home services to the frail elderly that helps them remain living independently in their own homes. SCP volunteers provide companionship, light housecleaning, light meal preparation, short distance transportation, and respite care. All services are delivered at no cost to the client or recipient. We currently serve six counties: Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Marion, Nelson, and Washington.
All SCP volunteers have been receiving a temporary allowance, which allows them to still receive their monthly stipend, while they are currently unable to serve, due to no fault of their own. Volunteers are still carrying out the companionship piece that SCP provides via telephone, by practicing social distancing and safe volunteering during these challenging times. Many of the volunteers have been provided services by doing front porch visits to still connect face to face without being in the client’s home. Others have been writing letters and sending pictures via mail. The Senior Companion Program volunteers have been receiving the allowance since the pandemic hit. During this time, I have been preparing to implement return-to-volunteer service plans that promote both volunteer safety as well as the individuals we serve.
The Senior Companion Program has felt the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic as we are dealing with one of the most fragile populations in our program. Recruitment plans have already been initiated and I am excited to start bringing aboard some new volunteers as we start entering homes once again after almost two years.