Get Involved with Volunteering! Learn More at South Shore Elder Services Open House Breakfast on November 14th

DATELINE: BRAINTREE, MASS…South Shore Elder Services invites the public to learn more about volunteering at an Open House Breakfast to be held on Tuesday, November 14th from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the main office at 159 Bay State Drive in Braintree.

South Shore Elder Services, a non-profit agency that provides valuable resources and services to elders and caregivers throughout the South Shore area, has many volunteering opportunities which help elders in the community live independently with an improved quality of life.

Volunteers can commit to as much or as little time desired, from one to five days a week. There is some training involved, depending on the job, and volunteers may be asked to attend occasional meetings as needed.

Whether you are 18 or 80, many volunteer opportunities exist in South Shore Elder Services’ programs such as:

Meals on Wheels – This program caters to more than 1,300 homebound elders throughout the South Shore who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Kitchen helpers are needed to package meals for delivery and volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to elders within their communities.

The Meals on Wheels program operates Monday through Friday from local sites in all 11 towns served by the agency. This rewarding opportunity can also be taken on as a group commitment by a business, civic organization, and school or faith community.

Friendly Visitor – Did you know that many elders experience isolation and loneliness? Friendly Visitors help to alleviate this as well as provide additional assistance with shopping or transportation to medical appointments.

Training and support are provided to make these special relationships rewarding and fulfilling for both the elder and their Friendly Visitor.

Money Management - Paying bills and budgeting money can become very challenging for some elders. Volunteers in the Money Management program help elders with these tasks by spending about four hours a month helping an elder in their home.

In association with AARP, volunteers are trained and monitored to assist elders in managing their day to day finances and a one-year commitment is required.

Ombudsman – In conjunction with the Mass. State Ombudsman Office, South Shore Elder Services’ volunteers are trained to advocate for nursing home residents. Volunteers visit a nursing home each week to educate residents about their rights and advocate for them when their rights have been violated. Three days of initial training is required as well as attendance at two-hour monthly meetings.

Office Assistance – From time to time, South Shore Elder Services needs volunteers to assist the Information, Outreach and Referral Department in disseminating information, promoting programs, gathering and entering data, etc.

“Volunteering is a great way of giving back to your community while bringing smiles to the faces of elders. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to make new friends and learn new skills,” said Edward Flynn, Executive Director, South Shore Elder Services.

Youth ages 14 to 17 years old may also volunteer under adult supervision in certain capacities.

Attend South Shore Elder Services’ Volunteer Breakfast on November 14th.
RSVP to Jody Hodgdon, Volunteer Coordinator, at (781) 848-9310 extension 430.

“Your Age Info Specialist”
Since 1977, South Shore Elder Services, Inc. has been providing South Shore seniors and caregivers with the resources and services that promote and maintain optimal levels of elder independence.

As one of 27 Aging Services Access Points in Massachusetts, South Shore Elder Services coordinates and provide a wide range of services to elders and caregivers throughout Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate and Weymouth. The agency’s mission is to promote and maintain an optimal level of elder independence through the coordination of resources, advocacy and caregiver support.

Supported in part by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, South Shore Elder Services is located at 159 Bay State Drive in Braintree, MA. For more information contact (781) 848-3910 or visit their website at www.sselder.org.

CONTACT: Steven Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com.