ORONO – The Senior Companion Program is celebrating 40 years of connecting volunteers age 55 and older with community service efforts.
Created by the federal government, SCP began in 1974 in 18 communities nationwide. Maine was added in 1978 when then-President Jimmy Carter expanded the program.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension became the program’s sponsor in 1981 and last year, approximately 120 senior companions assisted more than 425 homebound clients in 11 counties. In Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Waldo counties, 14 SCP volunteers worked regularly with 37 clients, offering friendship as well as assistance with daily tasks.
For information about the national program visitwww.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps/senior-companions. For information about becoming involved in Maine, visit umaine.edu/seniorcompanion or contact Wanda Lincoln at 581-3326, wanda.lincoln@maine.edu. For information on the program, visit umaine.edu/seniorcompanion or contact Terri Eldridge, at 581-3870 or theresa.eldridge@maine.edu.
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