LEWISTON – Living near the Auburn Hannaford store seemed ideal to Nancy Dugal until she suffered a stroke and had heart bypass surgery. From that time on, walking unaided and trying to juggle grocery bags wasn’t possible.

When Dugal enrolled in the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH program, she asked about getting a walker with a seat and basket so she could be more independent.

Due to the program’s Client Assistance Fund, Dugal’s wish came true in January when a Roll Lite Rollator was purchased at Alpha One Medical.

“Nancy’s eyes lit up with joy when I delivered the Rollator,” said Phoebe Lowell, SEARCH program director. “Once again, we have been true to our mission to assist elderly and disabled people to live independently.”

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.

The program 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 and A Fund, the city of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant Program, the city of Auburn, Liberty Mutual and the Auburn/Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club.

Financial donations from individuals, businesses and civic groups are encouraged and may be sent to SEARCH, 15 Westminster St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

SEARCH is looking for interested persons of all ages and religious denominations who would like to be a friendly telephone caller, 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, call the office at 784-0157.