Pay it Forward: Council on Aging’s Caring Connections program helps seniors thrive
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Having the support of a community can make life much easier. Our Pay It Forward program recognizes people who make our community a better place to live. On Monday, we had the honor of giving $500 to a program at the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, and we made it a surprise.
Jamie Lacore heads the Caring Connections program. What started as a program to give seniors friendly phone calls and check-ins has grown. Now, volunteers visit seniors in their homes for a cup of tea or a round of cards. Sometimes they even go out to eat or see a movie together.
Lacore isn't just the person running the program. She has first-hand experience.
Lacore told KTVZ News, "I love this program so much. I started as a volunteer in this program before I began working here, and so I really know how meaningful it can be as a volunteer. And we get so much positive feedback from our senior participants, saying how much it makes them feel connected to others and feel engaged with the community."
The weekly support is something a lot of people look forward to, and that's worth $500 to us and our sponsors, Mid Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee.
Our $500 doesn't stay in their pockets. They're paying it forward by using this money to fund one of Caring Connection's events, like a bingo night.
If you know of someone who deserves recognition for helping others, you can nominate that person or group for Pay It Forward, and you can find the Pay It Forward page on our website under the community tab.
