A True Senior Companion

We have a heart-warming story of community service and dedication. A woman has volunteered to visit another senior citizen, almost every day for the past seven years! The relationship grew out of the Mobile County Senior Companions program.

After Reba Seaburn suffered a stroke, she needed help with daily tasks. That's when ONeal Campbell entered her life. Ms. Campbell decided to volunteer with the Senior Companions Program after being in the workforce for 40 years. She started to get lonely at home and wanted to have somewhere to go every day. She was paired with Ms. Seaburn. "I look forward to waking up every morning and seeing M. Seaburn. She makes my day. She has a great sense of humor. We laugh every day."

Ms. Cambell makes coffee and breakfast every morning for Ms. Seaburn. She also helps her with her personal needs and even takes her to her many doctors appointments. Ms. Seaburn says the two have formed a lasting friendship, that is more like family. "God just sent her to me. I don't have any family around here. She is my family, my friend, and my everything."

Belinda Metzger, director of the Senior Companions Program, says her Seniors are often amazed how volunteering makes them feel. "They are finding they are benefiting more than the client, because they have something to get up for. They know the client needs them."

If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion, you have to be at least 55 years old. You are given a stipend, to cover meals, transportation, and other expenses.. For more information, call (251)574-3232.