An estimated 40 unduplicated senior companion (SCP) volunteers will serve, all but 2 placed in outcome assignments in richland county (primarily) and lexington county

Activities will include providing companionship, social support and assistance to home bound clients; providing respite care for primary caregivers; and providing one-on-one assistance to clients in a pace adult day care setting. The primary focus of this project is healthy futures- aging in place: independent living and respite care. At the end of the three-year grant, 56 independent living clients will report increased social support or improved capacity for independent living; caregivers of 24 respite clients will report increased social support; and 4 older adults will receive assistance while at a pace center. The cncs investment of $216,465.00 will be supplemented by $44,125. Senior resources, incorporated (SRI), the legal applicant, has been established non-profit organization in the SC midlands community since 1967. The SCP program has been sponsored by senior resources since 1988, thus IT is well-established in the community. The mission of senior resources is to provide coordinated services, resources and personal choices to promote healthy, independent living through the support of staff and volunteers. Research shows that volunteering promotes a personal sense of purpose and accomplishment, with higher levels of happiness, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The longitudinal study published by cncs in 2018 indicated that senior corps volunteers were healthier, less depressed, and less socially isolated than those who did not serve. SCP of the midlands is also uniquely positioned and qualified due to being housed in an organization that offers comprehensive programs and services along with established relationships with existing aging service providers, state and local offices on aging, and current volunteer stations.