Project Grant 21SCESD001

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY HAS BEEN THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION FOR THE SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM IN SOUTH DAKOTA (SCP) SINCE 1978. THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF SENIOR COMPANIONS OF SOUTH DAKOTA (SD) IS HEALTHY FUTURES - AGING IN PLACE, PROMOTING INDEPENDENT LIVING AND PROVIDING RESPITE CARE. SENIOR COMPANIONS ASSIST THEIR CLIENTS WITH ACTIVITIES INCLUDING MEAL PREPARATION, LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING, AND TRANSPORTATION FOR GROCERY SHOPPING AND HEALTH CARE APPOINTMENTS. THIS SUPPORT HELPS OLDER ADULTS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY. ALSO, THE WEEKLY CONTACT WITH THE SENIOR COMPANION HELPS REDUCE ISOLATION AND INCREASE SOCIALIZATION. COMPANIONS ALSO PROVIDE RESPITE CARE FOR CAREGIVERS, PROVIDING A BREAK FROM THE STRESSFUL 24/7 CARE OF THEIR LOVED ONE. WITH IN-HOME RESPITE SERVICES, CAREGIVERS CAN EXPERIENCE CLOSER TIES TO THEIR COMMUNITY, GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, WHICH ALSO DECREASES THEIR FEELING OF ISOLATION. AN ESTIMATED 58 SENIOR COMPANIONS WILL HAVE OUT-COME BASED ASSIGNMENTS SERVING AN ANTICIPATED 250 PLUS CLIENTS STATEWIDE, PROVIDING 60,552 HOURS OF ASSISTANCE. THE AMERICORPS FEDERAL INVESTMENT OF $369,407 WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY $206,200 IN LOCAL NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES. WE HAVE ALSO ADDED EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF $39,170 FOR 10 NON-STIPENDED VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE.