Recognizing Senior Companion Volunteers
By Allison Rowe
The Senior Companion Program’s Spring 2014 Recognition Luncheon – attended by City Council Member Margaret Chin, a representative from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s office and more than 100 Senior Companions – was held at the ConEdison building on Monday. The semiannual event is held to acknowledge the dedication and service of the program’s 105 volunteer senior companions.
Program director Debby Lowenstein recognized 11 volunteers who reached notable milestones with the program of five, 10 and 15 years of service.
Henry Street Executive Director David Garzapraised the program for connecting people across all five boroughs to improve the lives of seniors. Council Member Chin also expressed her enthusiastic support for the program. “Your time and your spirit is what makes New York City run,” she said.
The Senior Companion Program pairs healthy older adults with homebound or isolated fellow seniors to offer services including friendly visits, shopping assistance and escorts to medical appointments or other community activities.
Sponsored by Henry Street Settlement and funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Senior Companion Program is available in all of New York City’s five boroughs.
