The Senior Connection of Montgomery County

Who We Are… Our Mission: Senior Connection of Montgomery County (SCMC) is dedicated to providing programs and services that preserve and foster independence, mobility and quality of life for our area senior citizens. Our History: Senior Connection (SCMC) was created in January 2003 through a merger of two long-standing community nonprofits – The Seniors’ Interfaith Resource Center (SIRC) and the Allied Silver Spring Interfaith Services for Seniors Today (ASSISST). The merger allowed the two organizations to better serve the greater Montgomery County, MD area by providing free, escorted and “through the door” transportation services to older residents. SCMC continues to be the largest provider of free, accompanied transportation in the county. We are supported in this effort, in part, by a contract with the Montgomery County Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Disability. In December 2010, Senior Connection took over the Red Cross’ Montgomery County Shoppers Program to its program services. Volunteers either escort the senior to the store or personally shop for them and help with putting the groceries away upon returning. This program is means-tested based on income and age. Over the last 20+ years, Senior Connection has provided more than 300,000 free services to over 8,500 senior adults in the region, with the help from more than 1,800 community volunteers. Our Pillars of Engagement Provide Programs That Foster Independence, Mobility and Quality of Life This focuses on serving the needs of seniors who want to age in place, developing and implementing programs accordingly, improving program benefits, and increasing community, client and volunteer participation. Support Education and Professional Development This pillar focuses on serving the educational needs of clients, volunteers and the general community we serve and providing valuable and accessible educational and training opportunities as well as development and continuing education to program participants, volunteers, and staff. Maintain Operational Excellence This pillar focuses on providing an ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of service, governance, transparency, and due diligence in every facet of operations. Engage Community Partners This pillar focuses on developing new and supporting current efforts in advocacy for all programs to outside constituents and the general public, developing strategic partnerships for our programs and services, and being active participants in supporting issues that we believe support our mission is good for the public interest.

Volunteer Today How You Can Help… If you are looking for a rewarding and flexible volunteer opportunity, look no further. The time you offer volunteering with Senior Connection can make a world of difference to our local seniors. To start the process, please complete an application or contact volunteer@seniorconnectionmc.org for more information. Upon receipt and review, we will contact you via email or phone with the next steps regarding orientation training. Volunteer Application: PDF | Online All volunteers: Are covered under our general liability and additional specialized Volunteer Insurance, protecting you while you help. Must have a background and motor vehicle records check, paid for and conducted by us. Will receive comprehensive and on-going training, including senior mobility and sensitivity, HIPPA compliance and the nuts and bolts of what we do. Join our team of volunteers and you will: Experience the satisfaction knowing that you are making a difference in your own neighborhood. Help someone else feel better. It’s the easiest way to have your spirits lifted. Learn valuable history and about life lessons and experiences. Seniors have many, many wonderful stories and much wisdom to share. They can also learn and benefit from your stories and activities. Live longer and happier lives. Statistics show that people who volunteer have healthier vital signs. Flexible volunteer opportunities include: Being an escorted driver. Using your own car to drive and accompany an older adult to a social, religious or medical appointment or the grocery store and return them back home. Most appointments are scheduled mid-day to avoid rush hour traffic and take two to three hours. Going shopping for someone who may not be able to get out on their own. Take along another’s shopping list as you do your own weekly shopping. It is a simple, but very much appreciated way to help a neighbor who may be homebound. Delivering and putting away their groceries while visiting with them in their home can make a real difference in how connected they feel. If you have at least 3-4 hours a month, we can find a way for you to help for you at the Senior Connection, and you can experience the joy and receive the gratitude expressed from helping a senior neighbor. We ask for at least 6 months of service, but hope for a year or more! Click here for a volunteer application Please complete the application and return it to us. Email a copy to volunteer@seniorconnectionmc.org Mail a copy to: Senior Connection 3950 Ferrara Drive Silver Spring, MD 20906