10-29-2023 6:00pm

Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services Honors 180 Volunteers

Donnella Tilery Editor

Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake (left) and Deputy Director Douglas Singleterry (right) stand with volunteer Winnie Klein at the Volunteer Recognition Ceremony luncheon held at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – More than 180 volunteers were recently honored during the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Senior Wellness Center at Bridgewater. Volunteers were recognized at a ceremonial luncheon by the Office on Aging and Disability Services and the Somerset County Board of Commissioners for being instrumental in helping to successfully provide services and programs to residents for almost fifty years.

“For decades volunteers have helped deliver hundreds of thousands of meals, as well as support services and programs for homebound seniors and people with disabilities,” said County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Office on Aging and Disability Services. “Just this year volunteers gave more than 20,000 hours, and they have been key to helping our programs run smoothly. We are grateful for those who have given us support.”

Since 1975, the Somerset County Home Delivered Meals Program has been an in-demand, volunteer-based service that has grown exponentially. In 1985, 38,000 meals were delivered throughout Somerset County to homebound residents, and last year 152,000 meals were packed and served to senior wellness center clients and distributed to homebound residents by the Somerset County Transportation Department. The success of the program is primarily due to volunteerism.

Specifically, volunteers at the senior wellness centers help with daily operations, including office duties, lunch service, and peer-led classes and programs. Project Healthy Bones, an exercise and education program that requires training for peers who lead the classes, and Tai Chi, are just a few examples of programs led by volunteers.

“Our senior wellness centers are an important part of our communities. Studies have shown that when people attend senior centers once or twice a week, it provides numerous physical and mental health benefits,” said Somerset County Deputy Director Douglas Singleterry, liaison to Public Health and Safety. “Keeping connected to the community through senior wellness center attendance can help people age in place, which is the goal for many older residents. We are grateful to our senior wellness center volunteers because many of the programs would not be possible without their help.”

The Office on Aging and Disability Services Needs Volunteers
There are multiple openings available for volunteers at the senior wellness centers. People seeking a fulfilling way to spend time and help others should consider volunteering. For more information, call the Office on Aging and Disability Services at 908-704-6346.

About the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services

The Somerset County AAA/ADRC is a local agency that helps seniors (60+), adults with disabilities (18+) and their caregivers gain easy access to information, long-term services and support.