CENTRAL KENTUCKY COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL PROPOSES TO BE THE SPONSOR OF THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM. CKCAC'S MISSION IS TO BE INNOVATIVE, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND DILIGENT IN THEIR SEARCH AND ADVOCACY FOR PROGRAMS THAT BRING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE AND GROWTH FOR THE CITIZENS THEY SERVE. AN ESTIMATED 44 SCP VOLUNTEERS WILL SERVE IN THE PROJECT. THEY WILL PROVIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND RESPITE CARE THROUGH A NETWORK OF 7 VOLUNTEER STATIONS, SUCH AS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC HOUSING SITES ACROSS A 6 COUNTY SERVICE AREA, CONSISTING OF BRECKINRIDGE, GRAYSON, HARDIN, MARION, NELSON, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. THE PRIMARY FOCUS AREA OF THIS PROJECT IS TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY NEEDS, WHICH INCLUDE, BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT ALLOWS INDIVIDUALS TO REPORT HAVING INCREASED SOCIAL SUPPORT, FOR THE FRAIL ELDERLY/DISABLED TO RESIDE INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR OWN HOMES, RECEIVING A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE, WHILE ALLEVIATING STRESSFUL LIVING CONDITIONS FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS. AT THE END OF THE 12-MONTH PERFORMANCE PERIOD, OUR GOAL IS TO ALLOW AT LEAST 80% OF THE CLIENTS WE SERVE TO REMAIN LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR OWN HOMES, WHILE INCREASING THEIR SOCIAL SUPPORT. WE ALSO HOPE TO REPORT THAT 13 OF THE 15 PRIMARY CAREGIVERS RECEIVING RESPITE WILL REPORT HAVING INCREASED SOCIAL TIES/PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT DUE TO HAVING A COMPANION. THE CNCS FEDERAL INVESTMENT OF $241,133.00 WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY $32,144.00, MAKING IT A TOTAL BUDGET OF $273,287.00 TO OPERATE THE PROGRAM.