LEWISTON – “I’ve always been concerned about elderly people who live alone and have no one,” said Larry Lachance after his re-election on Oct. 6 as chairman of the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH Advisory Committee. “That’s why I have been involved with the SEARCH program for most of its 30-year history,” he added.

“It is an honor to serve with our vice chair Gabe Couture and the other committee members as we strive to meet the needs of the elderly in our community,” said Lachance.

In addition to chairing the Advisory Committee for more than 20 years and diligently seeking funding for the program, Lachance is active at Holy Family Church and has served on the Lewiston School Committee (representing Ward 2) since 2001.

SEARCH stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope. Its mission is to enable frail, vulnerable elderly and those with disabilities to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. “We are serving 100 elderly and disabled people in Androscoggin County and could serve even more if we had enough friendly callers and visitors,” stated Phoebe Lowell, manager of the SEARCH program.

The group is looking for interested persons of all ages and religious denominations who would like to be a friendly telephone caller, or visitor, or part-time helper for an elderly person in Androscoggin County. For more information about becoming a short-term or longer-term SEARCH volunteer or to refer someone as a client, please call the program office at 784-0157.

SEARCH began in 1975 and is supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, the United Way of Androscoggin County, the Helen and George Ladd Charitable Corporation, the JTG Foundation, the L & A Fund, the City of Lewiston (Community Development Block Grant Program), the City of Auburn, Liberty Mutual, Grace Lutheran Church, and the Auburn/Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club. Financial donations from individuals, businesses, and civic groups are always encouraged and may be sent to SEARCH, 15 Westminster St., Lewiston, ME 04240.