Georgia Southern University and Senator Jack Hill Recognize Senior Corps Volunteers

September 23, 2010

Governor Sonny Perdue has designated the week of Sept. 20-24, 2010 as Senior Corps Week in the State of Georgia. Georgia State Senator Jack Hill presented the proclamation to Georgia Southern University Senior Companion Program Director Margie Pevey and Diana Cone, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences to recognize the University and area volunteers and their valuable impact on the community.

The presentation was made during the program’s monthly in-service volunteer training session at First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro.

“Many of those that receive care from the Senior Companion Program have told us that the volunteers have become an additional member of their family,” said Pevey. “We have received numerous letters thanking our senior volunteers and Georgia Southern University is proud to be a part of such a wonderful program.”

Senator Jack Hill in presenting the proclamation said, “This is an outstanding program and the service that it provides for individuals in area communities is incredible.”

The Senior Companion Program at Georgia Southern University began in 1988 and is a federally funded grant within the College of Health & Human Sciences. For more than 20 years, the program has attracted outstanding volunteers at least age 55 that have assisted adults age 21 and up with activities involving daily living.

“Our volunteers provide a valuable service within the community,” said Pevey. “Whether they are giving families or caregivers much-needed time off, running errands, or simply being a friend, they are making a major difference in the lives of those in need.”

Georgia Southern’s program currently has 51 volunteers while only being funded for 37. The volunteers are spread throughout nine counties in South Georgia. During the past fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 volunteers in the Senior Companion Program generated 43,681 hours of care.