COAD Programs: Senior Programs

Since 1973 COAD’s Senior Programs have provided volunteer opportunities for individuals age 55 and older. The programs are designed to help older Ohioans find meaningful community service opportunities as mentors and tutors to disadvantaged children and youth, and to other senior citizens who need supportive service to remain in their own homes. Currently over 800 volunteers perform over 450,000 hours of volunteer service each year.

 

Senior Companion Program

COAD’s Senior Companion Program has been providing volunteer opportunities to men and women age 60 and older since it’s inception in 1974. The COAD Senior Companion Program was one of the original 18 programs funded Federal Government. The Program currently operates in 14 the following Appalachian Counties in Ohio: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Meigs, Pike, Lawrence, Ross, Highland, Monroe, Noble, Harrison, Belmont, Tuscarawas, Jefferson.

Senior Companion Volunteers are healthy older adults who help other adults live independently. They assist with grocery shopping, providing support to family caregivers and with other task of daily living necessary to help their client maintain independence. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive, less personal care.

You don’t need special medical or technical skills to be a Senior Companion. All you need to know is how to be a friend. Senior Companions offer other older adults contact with the world outside of their homes and make their lives less lonely. Along the way, Senior Companions find out that few things feel as good as knowing you’re needed.

 

COAD Senior Companions serve 16 to 40 hours per week. A small non-taxable stipend of $2.65 per hour is given to volunteers who meet income eligibility requirements. Currently those requirements are 200% of the poverty level. Additional income deductions for medical expenses and length of service can also be used to determine income eligibility.

In addition to the non-taxable stipend, Senior Companions receive transportation costs while volunteering, supplemental auto and liability insurances, an annual physical examination, pre-service orientation and monthly educational trainings and the joy of knowing they are making a difference in the lives of the clients they serve.

Senior Companion Volunteers are matched with other older adults who need assistance and have similar interests. No Senior Companion is forced to serve in an area they do not feel comfortable with. Senior Companions receive pre-service training as well as monthly training to make them better volunteers.

Senior Companion Caregiver Services

Many families today are taking on the task of caring for their older family members in their homes. Many times this can create additional burdens and stress for those family members caring for their relative. COAD’s Senior Companion Program provides relief for these family care givers by providing them respite services. By placing a companion in your home to assist families with their care giving role, we can allow you to get out of the home. This may give you time to grocery shop and run other errands, or merely give you time to relax and socialize outside of your home.

Thoughts by Current COAD Senior Companions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Without my assistance, the husband of my client who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease would not be able to leave their home. With my help as a volunteer he can get away to do other chores and get some time for himself.”
Senior Companion, Mariann Sturniolo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have volunteered as a Senior Companion for over 12 years. I needed something to do after my wife passed away. I like working with people and keeping busy. I like the program because I help other seniors in my community and it helps keep my active and healthy.”
Howard Landefeld, Senior Companion

 

 

Foster Grandparent Program

Learn more about Foster Grandparents
Click Here [5MB Powerpoint Presentation]
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Since 1972 the COAD Foster Grandparent Program has been providing meaningful volunteer services opportunities to men and women age 55 years and older working with both children and youth who are in need.

Volunteers are placed in a variety of settings such as schools, Head Start Programs, daycare centers, MR-DD programs, juvenile justice facilities, hospitals and libraries.

Every day in the communities we serve, COAD Foster Grandparent Volunteers are the people children in need depend on for love, wisdom and support. Foster Grandparents help children develop the skills, confidence and strength to succeed in life. Foster Grandparents make their neighborhoods and communities stronger by helping with special and exceptional needs achieve their goals.

COAD Foster Grandparent Volunteers serve 16 to 40 hours per week. A small non-taxable stipend of $2.65 per hour is given to volunteers who meet income eligibility requirements. Currently those requirements are 200% of the poverty level. Additional income deductions for medical expenses and length of service can also be used to determine income eligibility.

In addition to the non-taxable stipend, Foster Grandparent Volunteers receive help with meal and transportation costs while volunteering, supplemental auto and liability insurances, an annual physical examination, pre-service orientation and monthly educational trainings and the joy of knowing they are making a difference for the children they serve.

COAD Foster Grandparent Volunteers are assigned 2 to 5 children or youth that they will work with as mentors and tutors on a weekly basis. They help children read, tutoring them so that they succeed in school. They work with troubled teens to help them gain confidence and to develop life skills. They work in pre-elementary school programs with preschoolers who need extra help to succeed in their future school endeavors.

In addition, the COAD Foster Grandparent Program works closely with our volunteers to help improve the quality of their lives. We assist volunteers with housing issue they may have, we update them on changes in Social Security and Medicare as well as assisting them in applying for prescription discount programs they may be eligible for. We provide opportunities for continuous education through monthly educational in-service trainings, help with getting their high school equivalency diploma and in some areas with free college coursework.

Currently the COAD Foster Grandparent Program operates in 17 counties in the Appalachian Region of Ohio. These counties are Athens, Carroll, Harrison, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Morrow, Holmes, Knox, Coshocton, Licking, Richland, Muskingum, Perry, Ross, Scioto and Tuscarawas.

If you are interested in becoming a COAD Foster Grandparent Volunteer, or in learning more about participation in this important program contact:

In Carroll, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Belmont or Jefferson Counties:
Kirk Guisti
COAD Foster Grandparent Program and Senior Companion
P.O. Box 176
122 South Main Street
Cadiz, Ohio 43907
Telephone: 330-987-7232 (740)942-8886
Email: kguisti@coadinc.org

In Athens, Hocking, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties :
Linda Gilden
Foster Grandparent Program
I Pinchot Lane, P.O. Box 787
Athens, Ohio 45701
Telephone: 740-594-8499
Email: lgilden@coadinc.org

In Lawrence, Jackson and Scioto Counties:
Linda K. Black, COAD Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs
P.O. Box 4371
Ironton, Ohio 45638
Telephone: 740-532-7725
Email: lblack@coadinc.org

In Coshocton, Holmes, Richland, Knox, Licking and Morrow Counties:
Pearlie Shannon
1250 Vernonview Drive
Mt Vernon, Ohio 43050
Telephone: 740-392-6251
Email: pshannon@coadinc.org

The COAD Foster Grandparent Program places volunteers in 46 different non-profit, government and faith-based sites throughout the region who serve children who have special or exceptional needs. If you are interested in having volunteers placed at your school, agency or office contact:

Gary Goosman
COAD Senior Programs Division

1 Pinchot Lane, P.O. Box 787
Athens, Ohio 45701
Telephone: 740-594-8499
Email:
ggoosman@coadinc.org

Listen to some thoughts by current Senior Companion Volunteers:

“You could just stay at home, or you could come here and make a difference in the life of a child.” Foster Grandparent Florence Meade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It amazes me that many of the children I work with are so creative with just a little extra encouragement that I give. They are always there ready to give a hug or get on in return. It makes me so proud when they are older and see me on the street and still call me grandma and still respect me. It program has truly helped make me enjoy my life. “
Foster Grandparent Letha McMannis

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Citizen Advocacy

In addition to the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program, the COAD Senior Programs Division collaborates with many other partners in special projects aimed at improving the quality of life of those older adults in the region.

ABC Coalition

The Affordable Benefits Coalition is a broad based action group whose goal is to enroll income eligible older Ohioan in current prescription discount program. COAD is working with over 36 partners in Ohio to help senior citizens in the region get their prescription drugs at the lowest possible costs. For more information concerning the ABC Coalition and enrollment in these discount programs you can email mbennink@coadinc.org, or by contacting the COAD Senior Programs Division at (740) 594-8499.
For additional information concerning Ohio’s discount prescription drug programs you can contact the Ohio Department of Aging at www.GoldenBuckeye.com.

Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Benefits

Beginning in January of 2005 the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) will be instituting a prescription drug program for Medicare recipients. COAD is partnering with the Ohio Senior Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) to assist older adults in applying for this new Medicare benefit. COAD will be sponsoring Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Educational forums in October and November of 2005. These forums will be held in Athens, South Point, New Philadelphia and Zanesville, Ohio. For specific dates and times for these events you may email tnause@coadinc.org or contact the COAD Senior Programs Division at (740) 594-8499. OSHIIP is a service sponsored by the Ohio Department of Insurance for people with Medicare and can be reached at www.ohioinsurance.gov or by telephone at 1-800-686-1578.


Funding for the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program is from the Corporation for National and Community Service. They fund a variety of volunteer service opportunities both in Ohio and across the nation. To learn more about the Corporation for National and Community Service visit them at their website at www.cns.gov The COAD Senior Programs Division also receives funding from the Ohio Department of Aging and through private grants, cash donations and in-kind support.

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
An Invitation to Serve

COAD became the sponsoring agency for the RSVP program in Athens and Hocking Counties starting September 1, 2009. Together with RSVP in Gallia, Jackson and Vinton Counties and its other senior programs, RSVP provides a wide range of possible volunteering options. RSVP offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers. RSVP matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans (55 and older) with opportunities to help solve community problems. RSVP volunteers choose how and where they want to serve - from a few hours each month to over 40 hours a week. RSVP makes it easy for older adults to find the types of volunteer service opportunities that appeal to them.
RSVP volunteers provide hundreds of community services. They tutor children in reading and math,   help get children immunized, model parenting skills to teen parents, participate in neighborhood watch programs, plan community gardens, deliver meals, help with cultural arts programs, offer disaster relief to victims of natural disasters, and help community organizations operate more efficiently.

  • Want flexibility in volunteer service: who they serve and how frequently they serve
  • Are 55 years of age or older
  • Want to make a difference in their communities
  • Receive supplemental insurance while on duty
  • Receive pre-service orientation
  • Receive on-the-job training from the agency or organization where volunteers are placed

Contact:

Susan Rogers, RSVP Manager
243 E Main Street
Jackson, Ohio 45640
740-286-4918
Email: srogers@coadinc.org

Gallia County
Lynn Pauley
243 E Main Street
Jackson, Ohio 45640
740-286-4918
Email: lpauley@coadinc.org

Vinton County
Sandy Shirey
McArthur, Ohio 45651
740-286-4918
Email: sshirey@coadinc.org

Citizen Corps Coordinator
Cher Bellar
243 E Main Street
Jackson, Ohio 45640
740-286-4918
Email: cbellar@coadinc.org

Mary Lewis, RSVP Manager Athens/Hocking
PO Box 787, 1 Pinchot Lane
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-594-8499
Email: mlewis@coadinc.org

Sandy Shirey, RSVP Assistant for Vinton, Athens and Hocking
PO Box 787, 1 Pinchot Lane
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-594-8499
Email: sshirey@coadinc.org


VISTA at COAD
COAD received a grant in 2009 to place 15 VISTA Members in Appalachian Ohio. AmeriCorps VISTA members live and serve in some of our nation’s poorest rural areas. With passion, commitment, and hard work, they create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or a one-time stipend after completing their service. About 6,500 VISTAs are placed each year in more than 1,200 projects in low-income communities around the country.

VISTAs develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers and many other services. VISTAs working in the COAD network are:

• Creating awareness campaigns and recruiting volunteers.
• Setting up transitional housing dedicated to helping the homeless turn their lives around.
• Expanding programs to help low-income families obtain access to food, housing, financial support and other needed services.
• Recruiting mentors for children.
• Expanding programs for seniors.
• Creating many other valuable services.


For more information contact:

Chris Zdinak, VISTA Leader
1 Pinchot Lane
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-594-8499
Email: czdinak@coadinc.org

To learn more about service and programs for Older Ohioans you can visit these websites

Ohio Department of Aging
www.aging.ohio.gov

Department of Health and Human Services: Division on Aging
www.aoa.dhhs.gov

AARP
(American Association of Retired People)

www.aarp.org


Verizon Foundation continues its support for seniors

In 2007 Todd Colquitt, President of Verizon Ohio, presented COAD with a check for $30,000 to create a pilot program that improves the recruiting and training of Foster Grandparents.

In August of 2009 Verizon announced it will again fund an expansion of services for the Senior Programs Division. These new funds ($18,000) will improve access to technology for COAD's senior volunteers and create new curriculum for in-service trainings. COAD appreciates the collaboration with Verizon and believes this support will greatly improve the resources available to our senior volunteers throughout southeastern Ohio.

Learn more about Verizon's work with literacy...

http://www.thinkfinity.com/home.aspx

 


 

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Thoughts a Foster Grandparent Volunteer Station:


The COAD Foster Grandparent Volunteers in our elementary schools help us provide the extra assistance to students who have the greatest need. They are vital in helping our schools reach their academic goals.
Principal in the Indian Valley School District

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts by a Family Member whose mother is served by a Senior Companion:

Helen, the COAD Senior Companion Volunteer who visits my mother, has been a benefit to my mother’s health, safety and emotional comfort. Her ongoing daily visits provide and important sense of comfort, trust and continuity for our mother. Helen always treats my mother with the utmost dignity and respect.”
Daughter of a COAD SCP Client in Belmont County, Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ort Volunteers

 

 

 

Director of Senior Programs Division - Gary Goosman ggoosman@coadinc.org

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