Plainview-Old Bethpage Cares, an innovative community-based program for seniors 60+ years old, recently honored its volunteers at a recognition luncheon at the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center in Plainview. POB Cares program coordinator Elissa Friedman welcomed and thanked everyone for their invaluable time, energy and commitment to ensuring the program's success.

Alan Hodes, POB Cares Advisory Board Chair, informed the group of volunteers, clients and staff about the great strides POB Cares has made in bringing people and organizations together in coalitions and partnerships to provide seniors the support they need to remain in their homes. Guest speaker Constance Todd, Director of the National Institute of Senior Centers, a program of The National Council on The Aging (NCOA), presented POB Cares with a plaque in recognition of its contributions to the civic engagement of older adults through the Wisdom Works Initiative. The JCC was one of eight recipients of a MetLife-Wisdom Works grant from NCOA.

"What is truly unique about our program is that not only are the seniors receiving much-needed services, but our volunteers are gaining a sense of pride in doing something worthwhile," said POB Cares volunteer coordinator Harriet Blatt. Since its inception three years ago, many lasting relationships have been formed.

POB Cares identifies, recognizes and harnesses the capabilities of the community's more active seniors who wish to volunteer and provide services for the frail elders of Plainview-Old Bethpage. Among the services offered are: transportation assistance (medical appointments, grocery shopping, visiting loved ones in health and nursing facilities), small home repairs, countering social isolation, and obtaining information about local services and entitlement programs.

If you are interested in volunteering or know someone 60+ years old who needs a volunteer, please call Harriet at 822-3535 x345. POB Cares is conveniently located in the Mid-Island Y JCC at 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview.