OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla – In the age of isolation-- It can be difficult for seniors to stay connected.   

With the help of a grant, the Osceola Council on Aging is bringing back their Senior Companion Program. The program went on a three year hiatus due to lack of funding and the pandemic.

The Florida Blue Foundation recently donated $100,000 to the Osceola Council on Aging, to revive it. Companions volunteer to spend time with seniors and run errands with them. 

Sophia Bratton, one of the seniors participating said, “Sometimes the companion herself or himself, they are the only people we see. We just think God we have a ride to the doctor’s office or to Publix or wherever we want to go.” 

The grant from Florida Blue will fund 25 companions and up to 70 seniors. It will last until the end of the year. Volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend and get transportation costs covered.