Nancy Sembar

“Not having a driver’s license has been hard, but Senior Friendship Centers has been so good to me. I don’t know what I would do otherwise.”

Nancy Sembar gave up her driver’s license in 2015 after having a stroke at 84 years old. At the time, she felt like she lost her independence and wasn’t sure how she would be able to take care of herself if she couldn’t drive. Through Senior Friendship Centers’ Friendship at Home program, Nancy was able to find help that allows her to stay in her home. A volunteer visits her several times a month and brings her to the grocery store, to the bank, to the doctor, and clothes shopping. Nancy also receives the friendship of the volunteer who helps her, and the program allows her to stay connected and social.

Isolation is a challenge older adults often deal with when they choose to age in place, and many fail to thrive on their own without intervention. This is where Friendship at Home steps in. Through the work of dedicated volunteers, this program offers many benefits to seniors who are home-bound or unable to travel unaided. Seniors can receive telephone reassurance, a friendly visitor, and supportive intervention such as one-time financial support for individuals facing a crisis.