The sponsor organization is spiritrust lutheran

Spiritrust lutheran is one of the leading non-profit organizations in the region and served more than 25,000 people in 2016. The agency's service area now includes 23 counties across pennsylvania and maryland. Mission statement: spiritrust lutheran, witnessing to the gospel of jesus christ, provides exceptional health, human and senior living services by supporting persons in achieving an optimal quality of life. We are requesting 36 volunteer service years for the new application at a funding level of $163,853. An estimated 40 SCP volunteers will serve. The primary focus area of this project is in the healthy futures/independent living focus area. The project will address the two service categories of companionship/outreach and respite for caregivers. Socialization will be provided to those individuals who are lonely/isolated in the community to allow them to remain independent in their own homes through companionship, encouragement and support. The other need that will be addressed is to provide respite to family caregivers from their constant duties so they will be able to maintain their own health and well being, while at the same time providing socialization and companionship to the individuals being cared for. Many individuals are providing 24- hour care to older family members with some form of dementia or other chronic illness such as cancer, parkinson's disease or stroke. Through regular client surveys, both after the first 3 months in the program and annually thereafter, the project will continue to identify and address ongoing client needs for companionship/outreach and respite for caregivers. The project anticipates that 150 isolated or homebound older adults will receive in-home companionship and support for a minimum of 4 hours per week and 20 family caregivers will receive regular breaks from their caregiving responsibilities for a minimum of 4 hours a week.