Elder abuse is a complex problem that is gaining awareness. It occurs in any setting and in relationships where there is an expectation of trust, or when a vulnerable person is targeted because of age or disability. Every community has different circumstances, strengths, challenges, and priorities when it comes to addressing elder abuse.
United Way is expanding its programming to help our senior residents stay in their own homes longer, reduce isolation, and catch early warning signs of potential elder exploitation and abuse by developing a peer mentoring program. This program will begin in July 2021 and we are currently recruiting Volunteers!
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping to guide conversations with their peers, work one-on-one or in small groups with seniors who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to exploitation, or help to facilitate coffee chats in your local area.
To keep our Volunteers safe and engaged, and will offer virtual and hybrid opportunities in addition to our normal face-to-face options. Rest assured, this will be discussed prior to service with interested volunteers. Additional details will be shared during orientation.
With the COVID-19 Pandemic keeping people isolated, it's more important than ever to make sure our senior volunteers stay connected.. To limit contact, and align with back to school plans, we will be recording volunteers. You can either record a video reading a story or demonstrating a skill.
