There are more than 300 people involved with volunteer programs at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SECS), helping out with nutrition, medical appointments and companionship, to name a few.
In honor of National Volunteer Month, SCES Resource Specialist Colleen Morrissey recently caught up with some of our dedicated contributors, to hear about how they’re making a difference in our community. 
Over the course of that project, she connected with volunteers from the following SCES programs:
Medical Advocate, which helps individuals negotiate the healthcare system by providing emotional support. They empower individuals to be in charge of their doctor’s visits and treatments. Click here to read Colleen’s interview with Tina from Medical Advocates.
Medical Escort, which matches frail older adults with a volunteer who will drive or accompany them to medical appointments. Click here to read Colleen’s interview with Peter from Medical Escort.
Money Management, which assists low-income elders with bill-paying, reconciling bank statements, budgeting, and bank errands. Click here to read Colleen’s interview with Patricia from Money Management.
New Friend, which matches volunteers with isolated older adults in their homes to provide companionship, share interests and hobbies, and share their experiences. Click here to read Colleen’s interviews with Pamela and Doris from New Friend.
SeniorPet, where volunteers take older adults and their pets to and from medical appointments, deliver food and supplies, trim cat/dog nails, and provide pet care and dog walking when necessary. Volunteers also care for pets when clients are in the hospital or rehab. Click here to read Colleen’s interview with Phil from SeniorPet.
Spiritual Caregiver, an interfaith/non-denominational program which gives volunteers help enhance the health and overall welfare of older adults struggling with depression, loss, grief, illness, or spiritual concerns of normal aging. Click here to read Colleen’s interview with Jeanne from Aging and Spiritual Wellbeing.
For more information about these or any other SCES volunteer programs, call 617-628-2601, x3051 or send an e-mail to vol@eldercare.org.
