Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. is committed to ensuring that seniors don’t feel alone during this difficult time so they can stay healthy and safe. Seniors in Service is pleased to announce that United Way Suncoast is providing our nonprofit $8,200 in emergency funding. The funds are a part of more than $1.2 million of COVID-19 emergency assistance from the United Way Suncoast’s COVID19 Response and Recovery Fund being distributed to human services agencies across the Suncoast to support housing/shelter, food, childcare, financial stability, and mental health services.

“Seniors in Service is so grateful to United Way Suncoast for their generous support of TelePals – ongoing friendly calls to check in on isolated seniors, who are now the big at-risk group. For some, it’s the only human connection they’ll have all day,” stated Seniors in Service CEO, Robin Ingles. “The needs of elders, particularly low-income elders, is not a sexy topic. Now with COVID-19 it’s even more complex. It’s easy to underestimate the danger of isolation. Loneliness in elders eclipses obesity and even smoking in factors contributing to rapid decline. Reaching out to people with just friendly conversation is easy – anyone can do it. TelePals can make a vital difference in someone’s life.”

Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. will use the funds to offer social connection and wellness checks over the phone to seniors through our volunteer-based TelePals program. Caring, trained volunteers ask considerate questions, talk about interests, check on the client’s well-being, and refer concerns to expert resources. Elders who need support and volunteers who want to help can apply at www.TelePalNow.org.

“It is our job to raise funds, awareness of need, and mobilize volunteers for the critical services needed during this crisis. United Way Suncoast is proud to partner with Seniors in Service. This funding is immediately being put to work to support seniors in our community” says Jessica Muroff, CEO United Way Suncoast.