January 10, 2023, St. Louis, Missouri – Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) has been awarded a federal grant from Community Care Corps, which provides older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers with much-needed nonmedical assistance. LSS is the only St. Louis metropolitan area care provider to receive the grant.
The grant provides more than $30,000 to support the expansion of Senior Connections Plus, an LSS volunteer program that provides both companionship and light housekeeping support for older adults. Volunteers visit with an older adult for two hours at least twice a month and provide social interaction, housekeeping help, and digital communication advice.
“This support reduces social isolation and enables older adults to remain independent and live full lives. It will also be so rewarding to our volunteers who will make meaningful connections and change lives with just a few hours of their time,” said Diane Sinclair, Director of Volunteer & Community Engagement for LSS.
“This grant allows LSS volunteers to provide assistance to older adults who face barriers due to income disparities, transportation access, and disabilities.,” said Adam Marles, President and CEO of LSS.
Community Care Corps is granting $2.85 million to 23 innovative local programs nationwide, including LSS, to establish, enhance, and grow innovative volunteer models. The program was extremely competitive. In all, 171 organizations requested funding for their programs. The organizations selected serve a mix of urban, suburban, rural, and tribal communities from across the country.
“We are pleased to make this award to Lutheran Senior Services. Their excellent volunteer model was chosen over other outstanding programs across the country,” said Paul Weiss, President of The Oasis Institute which administers Community Care Corps.
Tens of millions of Americans are in critical need of nonmedical assistance to continue living in their homes. Many also need companionship to avert the devastating effects of isolation. Volunteer support is vital for individuals to maintain the ability to live independently and stay connected within their communities.
Community Care Corps, through a cooperative agreement with the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL), is led by three national non-profit organizations: The Oasis Institute, Caregiver Action Network, and USAging.
Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) is a mission-driven, nonprofit network that specializes in housing, care, and supportive services for older adults 62+. With 18 locations in Missouri and Illinois, LSS serves more than 13,000 seniors a year through options that include Senior Living Communities offering all levels of living, Affordable Housing for those with limited incomes, and Home & Community Based Services. LSS builds upon more than 160 years of excellence in living out its Christian mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest.