Daily Dunklin Democrat: Local News: VNA's Senior Companion program receives award (10/30/09)

VNA Director, Teresa McCulloch, right, receives a Senate resolution presented by Judge Steven Sharp, left, which was acquired by Rep. Tom Todd, that honors the Senior Companion Program for its 20 year Anniversary, making a difference in people striving to remain independent.

Staff photo by Joshua Payne

The VNA Senior Companion program recently received a resolution from the House of Representatives honoring 20 years of service to the community. The resolution was delivered by Rep. Tom Todd, and presented by Judge Steve Sharp.

The resolution noted that the program attempts to improve the lives of people striving to remain independent by utilizing volunteers in the community over the age of 55-years-old.

The volunteers work with the individuals by running errands, working in the homes, or simply being a friend, according to the resolution.

"This is a very impressive document and it is a pleasant task for me to able to present it," Sharp said.

VNA Director, Teresa McCulloch noted that she had been blessed with great people to work with and that the Senior Companions were some of the best.

"The services you provide are phenomenal," McCulloch said.

"In this day in age where the governments are out of money, I think they would do so much better if they would mirror this program across the country. Here we have people with heart and want to give and step forward and say let me give up my time, let me help someone who is less fortunate."