Program Purpose:
To empower older adults to maintain their independence by working through
the transitions of aging to develop a higher quality of life.
History:
Senior Outreach was founded in 1973 by one of the agency's therapists to
provide services for older adults who were not able to come to an office
because of age or disability. Volunteers complete an extensive training
program and provide individual counseling to people in their homes.
The program now has 35 volunteer
peer counselors that offer peer counseling in English and
Spanish.
Service Description:
- Trained peer counselors counsel people in their homes or at our offices.
- Peer counseling provided at no cost to the client.
- Services in English and Spanish.
- Support groups led by peer counselors throughout the county.
- Volunteers learn active listening skills and issues of aging. Peer counselors meet twice
monthly for ongoing training and supervision. They make friends while helping others and
experience personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Drop-in peer counseling is provided at the Watsonville Senior Center by a bilingual,
bicultural staff person.
- Empathic peer counselors help people with depression, anxiety, bereavement, illness, and
family problems.
- Information and referrals are provided to clients regarding community
services. Peer counselors can act as advocates.
Staff:
Rita Flores, Program Director
Helen Eidemiller, Assistant Director
Alan Dampsey, Assistant Director
Angie Ledesma, South County Coordinator
For information,
phone: 831-459-9351 x206 (Santa Cruz) or 831-728-9009 (Watsonville)
fax: 831-423-1532
email: heidemiller@fsa-cc.org
Alcance a los Ancianos:
Ayuda a los ancianos a mantener su independencia y a superar transiciones de la tercera edad para
desarrollar una vida de mayor calidad en esta etapa. Los consejeros son voluntarios entrenados que visitan
a sus clientes en la comodidad de su hogar y así o ayudarles a combatir y superar la depresión, la ansiedad,
el dolor por la muerte de un ser querido, la enfermedad y los problemas familiares.
Tel. 831-459-9351 ext. 206 (Santa Cruz); Tel. 831-728-9009 (Watsonville)
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