August 16, 2018 – Senior Companions of South Dakota celebrated 40 of years of service recognizing the Senior Companions that serve the Charles Mix, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Turner, and Yankton Counties. The 40th Anniversary Celebration was held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 8th in Sioux Falls. Along with a buffet lunch, Senior Companions, staff, and guests were entertained by “Somewhere in Time” barbershop quartet of Sioux Falls.
Senior Companions from Dell Rapids recognized for their service:
Up to one year of service with a certificate: Theresa Roberts, also received the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for service over 500 hours; seven years of service: Marjorie Johns, also received the Lifetime President’s Service Award for service over 4,000 hours.
Senior Companions provide in-home services to older persons and other adults in need. They assist others with grocery shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to doctor appointments, and various daily tasks necessary to maintaining independence. This service is provided free of charge. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living in their own home and might require placement in a nursing home or assisted living facility. In 2017, 66 Senior Companions in South Dakota provided 57,417 hours of service to their 358 clients. These Senior Companions are the foundation of one of South Dakota’s most positive programs. Their dedication to the clients they serve is a blessing to the clients, the clients’ families, and communities.
Our Companions LOVE what they do and are not shy about telling people how much the program benefits not only the clients they serve but also themselves. Our Companions often remark that they feel they are really making a difference in their clients’ lives and are rewarded in many ways, making this a truly enjoyable volunteer experience.
Senior Companions enjoy many benefits, including: an hourly tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid training, paid personal leave, paid holidays, accident insurance, friendships with peers, and the satisfaction of helping others. If you are 55 or older and enjoy helping others and looking for a way to impact the lives of the senior population in your community, become a SENIOR COMPANION! We are now accepting applications. If you are interested in learning more about Senior Companions of SD, call 605-361-1133 or toll-free 1-888-239-1210 or visit the website at: http://www.good- sam.com/scpsd/.
Senior Companions serving Charles Mix, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Turner, and Yankton counties:
Back row, left to right: Betty Berry, Irene Nelsen, Donna Ligtenberg, Bill Wood, Geraldine Schnabel, Kip Steinberg, Marge Johns, Wanda Sanftleben, Audrey Weidenbach, Jon Youngberg, Joseph Oleson, Lorna Gardner, and Shirley Larson
Middle Row, left to right: Loretta Hill, Pat Humphrey, Lorraine Damm, Carolyn Anderson, Rosemary Kilment, and Marilyn Hobert
Front row, left to right: Donna VanHouten, Dorothy Nelson, Cindy McFadden, Connie Peters, Arlene Jockheck, Theresa Roberts, Dee Hass, Bernice Kjos, and Gloria Kolbeck.