www.sssc.org - Services - Social Services









			Senior Peer Counseling 425.290.1252 The emotional challenges and life transitions we face in growing older can be difficult. Loss of loved ones, health problems, retirement and many other age related changes can lead to depression, isolation and anxiety. WHAT IS SENIOR PEER COUNSELING? The Senior Peer Counseling Program offers confidential, no-cost counseling services to Snohomish County seniors, age 60 and older, who are experiencing problems that may be associated with aging. Volunteer peer counselors meet with individuals in their own homes on a weekly basis to offer support for such issues as: • Caregiver stress • Loss of loved ones • Coping with chronic pain or illness • Isolation from family or friends • Other life changes or losses. Senior Peer Counselors are volunteers, age 55 and older, who are screened, trained, and supervised to offer emotional support to individuals within their own communities. Our volunteers commit to maintaining client confidentiality and the highest ethical standards. WHAT WE PROVIDE • Assessment by a professional • Free, confidential counseling • Weekly in-home visits • Emotional support • Community resource information • Support groups WHAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE • 24 hour emergency response • Assessments for dementia • Counseling for addictions or major mental illnesses JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE! We are recruiting volunteers age 55 and older who would like to help Snohomish County seniors in need of emotional support. Volunteers commit to volunteering 4 hours a week (including travel and supervision time) for a minimum of 6 months, within their own communities. Forty (40) hours of training is required for all program volunteers. This training gives volunteers the tools they need to use their own life experiences to benefit others. Training topics include: • Aging and mental health issues • Counseling and communication skills • Principles of healthy aging • Management of chronic illness or pain • Community resources Previous counseling experience is not necessary; we provide all of the training and supervision necessary to effectively help others. Staff mental health specialists screen all clients in their homes and work with the volunteer in planning counseling sessions. Volunteers enjoy the opportunity to: • Learn new skills • Make meaningful connections with other volunteers • Contribute positively to the community and the lives of others Volunteers agree to maintain client confidentiality and the highest ethical standards. Volunteers commit to compassion, sensitivity and tolerance in attitude and behavior toward program clients. PLEASE CONTACT OUR PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION ABOUT • Receiving support from a peer counselor • Becoming a volunteer • Next scheduled volunteer training • Making a donation to our program 8221 44th Ave. W, Suite E Mukilteo, WA 98275 (425) 290-1252, 1-800-422-2024 TTD (425) 347-7997 Get answers online. Email us at seniorinfo@sssc.org