LEWISTON – With the financial help of Irving Isaacson’s L and A Fund and the motor power of Salvation Army Captain John Bennett’s program van, a group of SEARCH clients rode in style to the “Just Us” concert at the Multi-Purpose Center on May 2.
Each person was helped into the van by volunteer driver Larry Lachance. “It is vital to provide socialization activities for elderly people who spend so much time alone,” said Phoebe Lowell, director of the SEARCH program. “I really enjoyed being with our clients and watching them clap and sing along with the musicians,” she added.
SEARCH stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope. Its mission is to enable frail, vulnerable elderly and those with disabilities to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.
The program began 28 years ago and is supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, the United Way of Androscoggin County, the Helen and George Ladd Charitable Corp., the JTG Foundation, the L and A Fund, the city of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant Program, the city of Auburn, Liberty Mutual and the Auburn-Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club.
Financial donations from individuals, businesses and civic groups are welcome and may be sent to SEARCH, 15 Westminster St., Lewiston, ME 04240.
SEARCH is looking for interested persons of all ages and religious denominations who would like to be a friendly telephone caller, or visitor, or part-time helper for an elderly person in Androscoggin County. For more information about becoming a short-term or longer-term SEARCH volunteer or to refer someone as a client, please call the program office at 784-0157.
For over 36 years, Catholic Charities Maine has provided compassionate services to people of all religious, national, racial, social and economic backgrounds. As one of the largest human services agencies in the state, it is committed to helping people overcome adversity and achieve dignity and self-sufficiency. It operates and administers over 40 programs, projects and services in more than 20 locations throughout Maine.
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