BRIDGES

FRIEND TO FRIEND

A Volunteer Service Credit Program

1120 N. Webster

Taylorville, IL 62568

(217) 287 - 7257

BRIDGES

Program explanation:

    Formal and informal support systems for the elderly are currently being closely scrutinized and evaluated.  Anticipated increases in this population which utilize the greatest percentage of health and social services, along with continued budgetary cutbacks, provide a formula for an increasingly needy elderly population.  Gaps in the health and social service delivery systems have contributed to the premature institutionalization of many elderly.  Had long-term car services been available in their own community, they might have been able to continue to reside in their own homes.

    An ever increasingly splintered family structure has led to instances where children lack the role models of parents, grandparents, the importance of community involvement and a sense of values.  These deficiencies can lead to a gap in the educational processes of children.

    A new volunteer system has been implemented in Christian County to fill this gap of support care while providing services to youth (i.e., senior tutors, mentors, school aides.  This system is called BRIDGES.  Members of the program volunteer their time and skills to help other members of the program volunteer their time and skills to help other members of the program of the community at large.  Volunteers earn credits for the time they spend helping others.  One hour of service earns one hour of credit.  Credits are then banked in each volunteer's individual account for future use, such as "purchasing" the services of another volunteer.  Credits can be banked for future use or transferred to family members, friends or others in the community.

    Mrs. B and Miss E are both imaginary members of the BRIDGES program.  Miss E is assisting in clerical operations of the office during her non-work hours during the week.  She is currently banking hours  that she plans on  transferring to her mother for respite care.   Miss E's father is suffering from Alzheimer's.  Mrs. B meanwhile is the "telephone Granny" whom children can call after school to hear a one-minute short story.  She uses her banked credits for transportation to the grocery store.   This  program is a true barter system that reflects the values of community of years past.

    There is no cost to join the BRIDGES program to the individual members.  Funding for staff, insurance and office operations is sought through private donations or grants.

The primary goal of the BRIDGES program is to maintain the quality of life and a relative degree of autonomy for the elderly and disabled population of Christian County.  BRIDGES provides an exchange of needed in-home supportive social services through an intergeneration setting.