Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Aging Partners, the Seniors Foundation, and ServiceSpace today launched a new program called NeighborLNK. The program is designed to facilitate personal connections by directly linking volunteers with seniors (age 60 and over) or persons with disabilities who are homebound and seeking additional support as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Volunteers will provide services without having physical contact with the participants, and they will not enter their homes. The program is free to volunteers and participants, and more information is available at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: NeighborLNK).
This additional support provided by the volunteers may include food or medication pick up, as well as phone or video calls to foster deeper connection. “In these days of physical distancing and isolation, it is important that we not only support each other with access to food and other basic necessities, but that we also offer each other the gift of listening and friendship,” said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. “We in Lincoln have the power to reach out and let our seniors and other homebound neighbors know that, just because they live alone, they need not feel alone.”
Residents age 60 and over and persons with disabilities can fill out the application at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: NeighborLNK) and email the completed packet to NeighborLNK@lincoln.ne.gov. They may also call 402-441-7575 to request an application packet.
Applicants should note any special requirements on the forms. Volunteers must complete an application, sign a waiver, and pass a background check. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old and must complete a brief online training.
Aging Partners staff will review all volunteer applications and assistance requests and pair people based on location and services requested. Once a match is made, both parties will be notified by phone, text, and/or email.