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WINSTON-SALEM — Senior Services has announced that it has received a $5,000 grant from Meals on Wheels America and Caesars Foundation to help expand its Friendly Visitor program for  Meals-on-Wheels participants. Funding will support Senior Services in offering older adults who are isolated an additional opportunity for socialization beyond regular meal delivery.

“Loneliness is one of the greatest obstacles to older adults living a healthy, purposeful life. Having the opportunity to engage with others in meaningful ways tends to reduce stress, improve emotional stability and health outcomes. These funds will help us increase the number of personal interactions and vital moments of connection between volunteers and participants in our programs,” said T. Lee Covington, president and CEO of Senior Services.

In total, Meals on Wheels America distributed $100,000 in Friendly Visitor Programs grants this year thanks to support from Caesars Foundation. The grants will enable Meals-on-Wheels programs across the country to pursue volunteer recruitment, training and volunteer-participant matching, among other things, to begin or expand a Friendly Visitor program.

“Today, one in five seniors reports feeling lonely, which has been shown to increase their risk of health complications and negatively impact their well-being,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “For many Meals-on-Wheels recipients, the person delivering their meal is often the only person they will see that day, so Friendly Visitor programs serve as an invaluable way to keep them socially connected. We’re thrilled to be able to contribute to Senior Services’ effort to do just that, thanks to ongoing support from Caesars Foundation.”

Senior Services is looking for volunteers who are interested in visiting with seniors one on one in their homes. Visit seniorservicesinc.org/volunteer or call Holly Beck, 336-721-3411.