Executive summary: the sponsor (phelps county commission) has been a part of phelps county missouri since 1857

They have been the sponsor of the phelps county senior companion program since july 1, 1976. The commission oversees all aspect of county management such as the maintenance of roads, bridges and highways as well as budgeting issues for all offices located in the phelps county courthouse. Purpose: the purpose of the program funded under the corporation for national and community service is to help individuals 21 and over in the community live fuller more independent lives. They enable at risk adults living in rural and oftentimes isolated areas to remain in their own homes longer, and help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation while improving self esteem and also give time off to families or family caregivers by providing respite care. Having a senior companion volunteer to help someone remain independent longer may help some delay use of medicaid funds for nursing home placements. Major activities: the program is funded for 73 volunteers ages 55 and over to serve over 125 adults ages 21 and over with particular needs throughout the entire county of phelps in the cities of: rolla, ST. James, newburg, edgar springs as well as the unincorporated village of jerome. Such needs can include: lack of transportation, respite, light housekeeping and companionship. The volunteers who will serve as senior companions are limited income individuals who must qualify as being at or under 200% national poverty guidelines. These individuals are then eligible for program benefits such as a stipend of $2.65 per service hour, mileage reimbursement and accident insurance and a yearly physical. The volunteers receive direct supervision out in the field from volunteer stations. Some examples of volunteer stations in phelps county would be: the rolla apartments and the missouri veterans home located in ST. James missouri; these stations help make and supervise assignments where they are needed. Volunteers will have received 40 hours pre-service training, a physical from a licensed physician, a background screening, and background profile before being given an assignment which will help the program coordinator in determining the correct volunteer for the assignment. Volunteers will also receive on-going monthly training which will focus on preparation, continued guidance and skill development. Volunteer appreciation and recognition events will aid in retention of volunteers. Funding from this grant will support a full time director (100%) a full time coordinator (100%) and a part time administrative assistant (100%). The program is required to fund the project in part through local, non-federal contributions. The required local contribution amount must be at least 10% and can be cash or in-kind matching funds. The annual federal amount, ($356,841.0) will be supplemented by over 10 % ($71,212.00) non-federal match funds.