Seniors

Last Updated on Thursday, 30 November 2017 04:39

Organizations work together to increase awareness, recruit volunteers

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM), United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Wesley Family Services, with support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation, are working together to deepen the impact of United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior initiative throughout the South Hills.

South Hills Interfaith Movement LOGO

The program connects volunteers with older adults to provide transportation support, companionship and reprieve for family caregivers, so seniors can stay safe and healthy in their own homes.
In the South Hills, 19% of - or nearly one out of five - individuals are over 65, 78% of whom depend on friends and family as their only sources of help. “The need is here. We’re happy to work with United Way to recruit more volunteers who can reach seniors who need support. Volunteers can be someone who wants to help an older adult, to a retired individual with the time and energy to give, to a young professional looking for a way to get involved in the community, and more,” said Jim Guffey, executive director, SHIM. “And we want our senior neighbors and their caregivers to know they have a place to turn.”

Currently, across the region, nearly 2,000 volunteers help more than 7,500 seniors through United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior program. Volunteers offer rides to the doctor, help with grocery shopping, companionship, weekly phone calls, home safety checks and more.

“For many seniors in the program, the visits from their Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteer is something they look forward to, and the support allows them to remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own homes,” said Heather Sedlacko, director of programs for seniors and people with disabilities, United Way. “The program also allows family caregivers – grown children, spouses, neighbors, friends – some time to run errands, focus on other responsibilities or even relax.”

With generous support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation, SHIM, United Way and Wesley Family Services will expand the presence of this program in the South Hills to reach more seniors in need. Community members can sign up by visiting https://uwswpa.org/open-your-heart-to-a-senior/.