WTBQ helps spread the word about the Friendly Visitor Program

WARWICK — County legislators joined Warwick’s Friendly Visitor Program personnel in a broadcast hosted by WTBQ on Feb. 15.
The broadcast was intended to help publicize the service, which is operated in a partnership with the Orange County Office for the Aging, Jewish Family Service, and the Town of Warwick. Program Coordinator Marie Luca, Board Chairperson Vince Colello and legislators John Vero, Paul Ruszkiewicz and Barry Cheney participated.
The broadcast covered a description of the program as a service to help town residents remain in their own home for as long as possible by matching local volunteers with residents that need support.
The town has targeted a goal of serving 100 neighbors in its first year of operation. The rapid program growth in Warwick has exceeded the growth in the other Orange County towns. The fact that Warwick has a senior population of 8,000, an impressive 25 percent of the total town population, may well be a contributing factor to its rapid growth.
Copello has 10 years of experience with the Office for the Aging that includes serving as board chairperson. He also served as president of the Seward Seniors in Florida for a number of years.
The recent appointment of a Coordinator Marie Luca is a logical progression in the program development. Luca is a retired educator with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. She is currently becoming familiar with the individuals who have received service to date and is interviewing those who are applying for assistance. Not all seniors are suited for receiving help through the FVP; in Marie’s role, she will help steer individuals to resources that may better fit their needs if that is the case.
Volunteers helping with grocery shopping, with transportation to local appointments, with home visits, by chatting on the phone and providing clerical assistance.
Neighbors in need of assistance may call the Warwick Town Hall at 986-1124 Ext. 400.
There is no charge for the service. Services are offered to older adults and adults with disabilities.
Consider becoming a volunteer by calling the Town Hall at 986-1124 ext. 400.
Monday, March, 5 is the next training opportunity.