Senior Companion Volunteer Gary Harmening wins Spirit of Volunteerism Award

Senior Companion volunteer Gary Harmening was named the 2012 Argus Leader Spirit of Volunteerism Award winner in the adult category in May. The Spirit of Volunteerism Luncheon in May is an annual event of the Helpline Center. It honors volunteers in the Sioux Empire area for the impact they make in the community.

Gary Harmening accepted the award from Randell Beck of the Argus Leader, which sponsored the award. 

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Senior Companions of South Dakota is a volunteer program that provides in-home assistance and respite care to the elderly and disabled in more than 50 communities across South Dakota. The program has been called one of South Dakota's most positive senior programs. It allows low income, healthy volunteers an opportunity to provide companionship and in-home assistance to those who need help to live independently.

Senior Companion activities might include companionship through visits, transportation, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, playing cards, reminiscing or just enjoying the friendship of a peer. Senior Companion volunteers receive an hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, meal allowances and other benefits. These benefits do not reduce any governmental assistance and are not taxable.

The Senior Companion is valuable in the care and support of our clients, especially in our rural communities. There is no charge for our services to the client or a client's famiy. Clients report that Senior Companions help prevent or delay long-term care placement, increase the client’s ability to live alone, reduce loneliness and isolation, and reduce stress levels.