SAC MIN 1994-09-12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to speak at two AARP meetings to discuss the program and she will also be speaking at a Fun After Fifty meeting to try and recruit counselors. Delia Moonrider said if 5 to 6 people from Redwood City/South County will be attending the peer counseling training, then one training session could be held at the Veterans Senior Center. Supervisor Mannia felt this program was a very "hard sell" and is having a hard time recruiting volunteers and asked for any ideas the Commissioners might have. She suggested using the Senior Center van to transport the trainees to San Mateo with Anita Lollar driving. Chairperson Anthony suggested "telling a story" to groups about the peer counseling program. Commissioner Lloyd suggested recommending the program to the Senior Advisory Council. Commissioner Metzdorf, a former peer counselor, spoke about the program and stated that trainees cannot miss more than two training meetings, but found great satisfaction from being a peer counselor. Supervisor Mannia said Concerned Seniors will be paying for the supervision component requiring a social worker after the peer counselors are trained. She will report back in October. ITEM 3-FRIENDLY VISITORS UPDATE Supervisor Mannia reported this program is also a "hard sell" to seniors but all other volunteer programs are going great, including SASH, Loan Closet, Hospitality Desk and Phone Pals. Commissioner Newell suggested using middle-aged people or students as volunteers for the program. Volunteers could be obtained from local high schools or from local service groups. Supervisor Mannia will check further and report back. ITEM 4-DISCUSSION OF ONGOING COMMISSION WORKPLAN Chairperson Anthony said the only recommendation made to the City Council that is still not complete is the one regarding the "seniors driving seniors" liability issue. Chairperson Anthony suggested making a presentation to the senior clubs to solicit their ideas for the new workplan. Commissioner Lloyd suggested holding a town meeting with the various senior clubs, including ones from the Fair Oaks Senior Center, to brainstorm ideas. The Commissioners will bring their ideas for the workplan to the October meeting. Staff will send copies of the 93-94 workplan to the Commissioners for their review. Supervisor Mannia suggested having a two year plan rather than a one year plan. Commissioner Newell felt we need to continue to check with the community to determine if their needs have changed. He also suggested that the Commission should give a report to senior groups on what we have accomplished, where we would like to go, and to solicit their ideas and comments.