Community Ambassadors Needed for Loudoun Seniors

From Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services: Since Loudoun County’s “Community Ambassador Program” was launched in September 2014, eighty volunteers have been trained to advocate for seniors, and more volunteer ambassadors are needed.

Area Agency on Aging Director Dr. Lynn Reid relates that volunteer ambassadors “extend our eyes and ears into the community.” These volunteers provide resources for issues including caregiving, suspicious calls, nutritional assistance, affordable prescription plans, fire alarms, battery checks, and transportation. Often, help is needed to navigate the administrative layers that can cause delays.

The award-winning program represents a partnership between county service organizations, volunteers and local law enforcement to promote programs that enhance the health and safety of Loudoun seniors. The Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging and Commission on Aging launched the program and train volunteers with the goal of ensuring that all seniors have access to needed resources.

Betsy Henry, a new community ambassador with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reports, “I am honored to be part of an innovative program to provide resources to protect and inform members of my church and others I come in contact with in the community. I also realized I learned important tips to support my parents as they age."

Program organizers hope to recruit enough ambassadors to reach seniors wherever they live, gather and socialize in the county. If you are interested in representing seniors in your local community, contact Debra Bressler at debra.bressler@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0257 for more information.

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