[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SENIOR COMPANION 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of 
Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program as it celebrates 
its 30th Anniversary.
  For the past 30 years, the Senior Companion Program has paired 
homebound elderly citizens with dedicated Senior Companions, age 55 and 
older, who enable these citizens to live longer in their own homes. The 
program serves 606 Maine citizens in 14 of the state's 16 counties. 
Having logged an astounding 85,000 hours of volunteer time, the 
program's 130 companions give both independence and support to Maine 
seniors.
  With an aging population, Maine is increasingly in need of support 
systems for its older citizens. Many seniors do not have relatives 
close by, leaving them on their own without help for household tasks, 
errands or basic companionship. The dedicated volunteers from the 
Senior Companion Program are there to aid seniors in their day-to-day 
lives so that these seniors are able to remain in their own homes and 
improve their quality of life.
  The Senior Companion Program provides many Maine seniors with the 
support and friendship all people need and deserve. The care and 
dedication of the program's volunteers is nothing short of amazing, and 
the program helps not only with essential tasks, but also offers the 
opportunity to foster meaningful relationships between seniors and 
volunteers.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me again in congratulating the University of 
Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program on this joyous 
occasion.

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