Despite all of the obvious negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some positive aspects to be found; and the AmeriCorp Seniors program at Sunflower Humphreys County Progress Incorporated did not allow the lockdown to lock them out.
The senior volunteers were able to escape —metaphorically—the imposed isolation due to the social distancing mandates and use that time to develop even closer bonds with their regular contacts. "They have maintained contact with their clients throughout this pandemic enabling them to have social contact and any services that they need through our agency," said Program Director Debbra Williams.
The senior companions have continued to reach out to their clients and provide information back to the agency of any needed assistance. Williams said they have set up telephone communications so the program participants can be contacted every day to make sure they are well and not in need of anything.
AmeriCorp has also continued to provide the senior companions with a stipend throughout the pandemic.
Last week was AmeriCorp Week and SHCPI celebrated all of the services under the Americorps umbrella and commemorated the occasion by honoring their senior volunteers. "So, today we are honoring AmeriCorps as well as our seniors who have continued to provide the companionship needed for the older Americans in our communities in Cleveland, Ruleville, Belzoni and here in Indianola," said Williams.
AmeriCorps Seniors, formerly the Senior Companions Program, was rebranded in September of 2020.
