Shepherd's Center of Kansas City, Kansas

Program: Friends for Seniors

Program Description:

A friendly visitor program for homebound older persons in Wyandotte County. Trained volunteers regularly visit and provide services for their older adult friend. Older adults are referred primarily by home health and social service agencies. Typical match activities include listening/visiting, telephone calls, light cleaning/ chores, meal preparation, eating together, assistance with reading/writing letters, providing transportation, running errands, and assisting with groceries/shopping.

Program Long-Term Success:

Friends for Seniors is a community-based program which addresses the isolation and resulting needs of frail homebound older adults. Isolation contributes to depression and an increase in difficulty in coping with chronic illness. It also threatens the ability to live independently. Friends for Seniors are trained volunteers who provide social, emotional, and practical support. Through regular contact, friendships develop and additional community resources can be accessed when needed, such as handyman services or transportation, etc. This makes it possible for older adults to have happier, healthier lives and to live independently in the community for a longer time.

Program Short-Term Success:

There are currently 8 volunteer/older adult matches in 2011 with a goal of 16 matches by the end of 2011. Ninety-five per cent (95%) of homebound older adults who are visited by a Friends for Seniors volunteer will report an increase in social contact as a result of this relationship.

Program Success Monitored by:

Volunteers submit monthly reports which describe their contact with their older adult friend. This gives the Shepherd's Center Director of Home Services the opportunity to monitor the regularity of visitation and the nature of the relationship. Friends for Seniors volunteers are able to call the Director of Home Services when they need information or help regarding their older adult friend. Quarterly inservice trainings are provided for the volunteers. An annual survey is mailed out to the older adults and the volunteers to evaluate the program.

Program Success Examples:

One older adult wrote the following: "When I broke my leg, I never felt so helpless in my life with my family members all in New Mexico and Colorado. [Your staff and my friend] were truly angels. Between the grocery store, library, hardware store and dog food store, my friend kept me from going hungry, nutty from boredom and abusing my old beagle with meager rations." Another wrote: "My volunteer does my grocery shopping and other errands, and I'm quite grateful to have someone fulfill these services." Another wrote: I needed help in writing an important letter. "My friend was very helpful and wrote the letter for me. She helps me in so many, many ways." In another instance, a Friends for Seniors volunteer made it possible for his older friend to get dentures. This involved securing the services of a dentist who donated his time. Upon receiving his dentures, the older man enjoyed his first hamburger in a long time!

Program: Creative Classes

Program Description:

Classes in the spring and fall which offer about 12 hours of instruction and focus on special-interest topics. Classes are taught by skilled volunteers, most of who are retired. Class examples: Conversational Spanish, Crocheting, Defensive Driving, Drama, Drawing and Water Color, Folk Dancing, Fun with Singing, Hand Quilting, How to Stop Being Afraid of the Computer, Knitting, Plastic Canvas, TALK Book discussion through the Kansas Humanities Council, and Writing Your Life's Stories.

Program Long-Term Success:

Studies show that creativity in later life is beneficial in keeping one's mind active, in providing for socialization, and in nurturing spirituality. Shepherd's Center Creative Classes will enhance the health and mental wellness of older adults in Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County. Because of the multicultural nature of Wyandotte County and Shepherd's Center of KCK programs, Creative Classes will also help build a community that promotes greater understanding of diverse cultures and ages.

Program Short-Term Success:

90% of the Creative Class participants will report that the class in which they were enrolled has positively impacted them. They will report that they have made new friends or renewed old acquaintances and that they have learned a new skill and/or knowledge as a result of the class. 90% of the Class instructors will report that they feel they have made a difference in the lives of their students by teaching a skill or sharing knowledge.

Program Success Monitored by:

A Creative Class Committee made up of older adult volunteers plans and arranges for the classes by securing teachers and locations. The Shepherd's Center office manages publicity. A satisfaction questionnaire that measures the participant's perception of an increase in knowledge and socialization as well as an increase in understanding of other participant's life experiences will be completed at the conclusion of each of the spring and fall series of classes. The instructors will complete a survey that measures their perception of whether or not the class has made a difference in the lives of the participants. Class enrollment will vary from 80 to 120 participants depending on the availability of teachers and classes offered.

Program Success Examples:

A participant in the Writing Your Life's Stories class reported that she has a greater understanding of the experience of several African-American class members because of the stories shared about desegregation. A participant in the Knitting class commented on her appreciation for the intergenerational and culturally diverse makeup of the 10 persons in the class. She also noted that she learned to knit and made several Christmas presents as a result of the class.

Program: Adventures in Learning

Program Description:

A monthly learning series held at First Baptist Church, 29th and Minnesota, the third Friday of each month. Includes health screenings, workshops at 10 and 11 a.m., lunch, luncheon speaker and music.

Program Long-Term Success:

Adventures in Learning is a volunteer-planned program. A committee of older adults plans and secures workshop leaders as well as luncheon speakers and entertainment for this monthly event. The Health Enrichment Committee also arranges for screenings and the health workshop. In the process, volunteer leaders are more strongly connected to persons of all ages in the community. They find increased meaning in sharing their lives and talents. The participants benefit through intellectual stimulation, which studies show promotes healthy aging. They also benefit because they have increased health literacy and an increased ability to communicate effectively with their health provider. Participants are engaged with each other and with life issues.

Program Short-Term Success:

90% of the participants will report making new friends or renewing friendships. 85% of the participants will report that information received at Adventures in Learning helps in addressing personal and/or community issues. 95% of the Volunteer Leaders will report that they find increased meaning in sharing their lives and talents.

Program Success Monitored by:

An annual satisfaction survey will be administered which measures the perception of the participant's increase in knowledge and socialization. A monthly survey will continue to be used to evaluate the programs and services of that particular month. The results are reviewed by the Adventures in Learning planning committee at their monthly meetings.

Program Success Examples:

One participant: "I learn something new each time I come to Adventures in Learning." A Committee Member: "Adventures in Learning is the best thing going for older adults in Wyandotte County!" Another participant: "I'm able to say that I've enjoyed 6 years with old and new friends."

Program: Minor Home Repair and Referral Program

Program Description:

Handyman volunteers provide help with minor repairs. Recipient pays for materials, no labor charges. Projects only 1-2 hours in length. Minor plumbing, electrical, hanging pictures, etc. Referrals given for jobs beyond scope of program.

Program Long-Term Success:

Assistance with minor repairs is an important factor in making it possible for older adults to remain living independently in their own homes. The program has handyman who are skilled, and they are individuals who can be trusted in the homes of older, vulnerable residents. The minor repair service enhances the sense of people caring for each other and builds a stronger sense of community.

Program Short-Term Success:

85% of the persons using the minor repair service for the first time will call again for assistance when they have another minor repair need.

Program Success Monitored by:

The Director of Home Services will monitor the number of requests and repeat requests for use of the program.

Program Success Examples:

Quotes from persons who have used the Minor Repair service: "Your handyman was wonderful. It's so nice to find someone you can trust." "I wish to express my thanks for all the help you have given me [through the handyman program]. It is really nice to turn on faucets and get hot water and no drips."

Program: Next Chapter Initiative

Program Description:

A community collaboration to develop a program that will (1) provide help for persons in the second half of life as they transition to a "next chapter" and (2) work with various employing entities in the community to provide opportunities for meaningful civic engagement on a volunteer or paid basis.

Program Long-Term Success:

Baby boomers in Wyandotte County will be better prepared for what's next after retirement, and will have access to help in navigating this new life transition. Employers will be better informed about how to work with baby boomers by offering a "boomer-friendly" workplace.

Program Short-Term Success:

Program Success Monitored by:

Program Success Examples: