“By allowing these seniors to remain independent, the Senior Companion Program has enriched the lives of thousands throughout the past 40 years,” said Patti Lyons, president of Senior Citizens, Inc. “Here in Savannah, I have seen the positive impact this program has made on their lives and how much stronger our community has become as a result of SCI’s dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of helping our most vulnerable citizens.”

Senior Companions provide friendship and assistance with daily chores to seniors in need, which allows many of them to continue living on their own, therefore lowering community and government costs for senior care.

“Borne out of a mission to provide meaningful volunteer service opportunities for low-income older persons to help others remain independent, the program has become a much-needed service in a continuum of care for numerous frail individuals,” said the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Dr. Erwin Tan, director of Senior Corps. “In the process, the service that Senior Companion volunteers provide has brought peace of mind to caregivers and, as research supports, an improved quality of life for the Companions themselves.” 

Last year, the SCI’s 78 Senior Companions provided almost 70,000 hours of service and companionship to more than 300 seniors in Chatham and Liberty Counties.