Make a new friend and make a huge difference in the lives of seniors in DuPage County. Metropolitan Family Services is home to DuPage County’s only no cost to participants In-Home Senior Respite program and they need your help. This incredibly vital program is fueled by amazing volunteers and funded in part by private donations and generous grants from United Way, City of Naperville, Community Services Block Grant and the Elmhurst Rotary.
This free program helps keep more seniors in their homes while affording breaks to their full time caregivers. Often, family caregivers cannot leave their loved ones home alone, even for brief periods; In-Home Senior Respite volunteers give these caregivers the gift of time. The senior population is growing and more volunteers are needed to reach as many families as possible. Volunteers provide weekly visits that are social only, no medical or personal care is required.
“The benefits of this program are so tangible for all involved. A single volunteer respite visit can include stories from war veterans to women who have braved incredible changes in history. Volunteers and client families grow bonds over card games and stories; it’s about being a good friend. What my volunteers walk away with is so much more than just helping a fellow resident, it is a true experience,” said Jody Kanikula, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and program coordinator, Metropolitan Family Services, In-Home Senior Respite.
For more information on this volunteer opportunity, please contact Jody Kanikula directly at (630) 784-4875.