Executive summary-catholic charities diocese of fresno, senior companion volunteer program, will serve 79 senior companion volunteers, activities will include: independent living/companionship,…

Executive summary-catholic charities diocese of fresno, senior companion volunteer program, will serve 79 senior companion volunteers, activities will include: independent living/companionship, respite for caregivers & hospice for clients, companionship/ adult day care center & transportation for assigned clients. The primary focus of this project is to address health futures/aging in place, performance measures, 79 VSY's [volunteer service years/senior companions] shall target services in the following categories: independent living/companionship [for 70 seniors+/includes service to veterans], respite care [for 7+ caregivers] hospice [for 5+ clients], transportation [for 25+ seniors]; as targets/outcomes are for a three year grant. The corporation for national and community services federal investment of $358,396 [approximate per year] will be supplemented by approximately $50,000 [per year] of non-federal resources. Catholic charities diocese of fresno [ccdof] is a faith based non-profit organization serving the central SAN joaquin valley area [from bakersfield to merced] for over 45 years. Ccdof is the primary sponsor of the senior companion program and fully supports the program by providing oversight, administrative management, and in kind/ matching funds as an investment in the overall success of serving frail seniors who wish to live in their homes as long as possible. Ccdof has operated the senior companion program for over 30+ years in fresno/madera counties. The senior companion program serves both fresno and madera county areas and is located in central california. All potential senior volunteers are 55 years and older and must meet income requirements, have valid identification, undergo a background check, be fingerprinted and have clearance by their primary care physician to volunteer. The senior companion program does not directly place companions in the homes of clients; partner agencies in the community facilitate this part of the program. Partner agencies, under a memorandum of understanding [MOU], refer eligible frail senior clients in need of services of the program and are then placed with a trained companion, to provide companion services in their homes, to help them stay at home to maintain their independence as long as possible. Companions assist in a wide range of services including: light meal preparation, shopping, transporting clients to doctor appointments, light household tasks, respite care, and most importantly friendship. Companions aid in helping clients maintain happy healthy independent lives. Most companions volunteer 20 hours per week and receive a modest non-taxable stipend, transportation allowance and the proven benefits of volunteering, better health and increased happiness. There is no cost to clients who are in need of a companion. REV 2017