FHSU was first to sponsor Senior Companion Program 40 years ago

The Fort Hays State University Senior Companion Program will be celebrating its 40th year at FHSU Thursday, July 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.

The university was the first in the nation to sponsor a Senior Companion Program (SCP), one of 18 pilot projects which began in 1974, said program coordinator Jessica Shank in a news release.

The program was funded by a grant from the ACTION agency to provide low-income seniors the opportunity to serve others, helping them so they could remain independently in their homes. SCP began in Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, and Trego Counties.

SCP has grown over the years and is now funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Washington, DC, and Fort Hays State University.

Ellis, Gove, Phillips, Rooks, Rush, Russell, and Trego Counties, the cities of Ellis and WaKeeney, and the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging all contribute to the program’s growth and success.

senior companions recognized — Ellis County Senior Companions were recognized earlier this year for their service: Arlene Schlyer-Hays, 3 years; Alberta Knoll-Ellis, 21 years; Marvin Rupp-Hays, 4 years; Sister Loretta Clare Flax-Hays, 4 years; Donna Kuhn-Hays, 3 years

There are currently more than 120 Senior Companion volunteers serving more than 300 adults in private homes in Barton, Ellis, Ford, Gove, Graham, Hodgeman, Logan, Ness, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rooks, Rush, Russell, and Trego Counties.

Senior Companions are a vital, personal link between those they serve and the community.

A meal delivery program provides a homebound person a health lunch; a Senior Companion ensures the meal is not eaten alone. A doctor prescribes medication; a Senior Companion makes sure the medication is taken. Bill are due at the end of the month; a Senior Companion makes sure the checks get mailed. Just as valuable is the service of providing caring companionship on a regular basis; a lasting friendship is an essential part of the program for both companions and clients.