The mission of the Peer Support Program is to connect trained volunteers, called Elder Friends, to older adults clients who need support.

Description:
Elder Friend volunteers are trained in listening and communication skills, learn about community resources, normal aging, psychology of aging, mental health problems, alcohol and medication misuse and abuse, death and dying, elder abuse and neglect, stress reduction and relaxation techniques and reminiscing. They learn when it is appropriate to report problems to Case Managers so that referrals to other services can be made.
Elder Friends are paired with clients in need by Case Managers. They are asked to visit their clients weekly for at least six months to a year. The progress of the relationship is monitored by Case Managers and by the Peer Support Coordinator.

History:
The Peer Support Program was birthed in the 1980's by the Dane County Commission on Aging and Mental Health of Dane County when they identified a need to provide assistance to both older persons having difficulty coping with life and to Outreach Workers in Dane County. Four senior center directors took over the coordination of the program in 1995 when Mental Health of Dane County withdrew its support due to time constraints. In November, 2003 a Coordinator was hired to manage the program. The program continues to expand to serve all focal points of senior services in Dane County.

Contact people:

Jan Hoffman, Coordinator, (608) 846-9469, (email) Linda Green, Lead Agency/Consultant, (608) 846-9469, (email)

Address:

1884 Paddock Place Fitchburg, WI 53575 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

Volunteer work takes place on the phone or in the homes of clients.

Miscellaneous Information

Will you be using VolunteerYourTime.org for Donation Match ONLY?
	No