Stories of Service

If you were 90 years old, what would you be doing everyday? Senior Companion, Ms. Lucille Williams or “Momma Lucy”, as she likes to be referred to, has served within the Senior Companion Program for 21 years.  Lucille Williams currently serves a client in a private home setting, and the client just adores her.  She fixes lunch, lends a listening ear, and does activities with the client.  She previously served as a volunteer at Gerontology Network’s CareTree Adult Day Services for 19 years.  She provided exemplary service to participants suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other forms of serious illness and disability at CareTree.  Lucille states, “I volunteer because it keeps me active and alive.”  She has assisted with special recognition luncheons for CareTree participants and has hosted many staff recognition lunches for both CareTree staff and Senior Companion Program staff.  CareTree is proud of the wonderful service Ms. Lucille provides on a daily basis to the participants and recently honored her at a luncheon with a Certificate of Appreciation.  Lucille represents the Senior Companion Program on many issues within the community.  In January 2003, she was interviewed by Channel 13 and appeared on the six o’clock evening news.  She shared her views on the high cost of prescription medications for seniors, and voiced her opinion about how difficult it is for many seniors to be able to purchase the medications they need.  She stated that countless seniors often go without their medications because they are unable to afford them.  Her heartfelt performance touched the community in a positive manner. Senior Companion Lucille Williams, "Momma Lucy",  was nominated and received the “Spirit of Service Award” on June 6, 2004 in Kansas City.  She and her niece flew, all expenses paid by the Corporation for National and Community Services, to Kansas City to receive the award.  There were 300 program nominees from various Senior Core programs nationwide, and Ms. Lucille was one of 12 award recipients.  This award honors volunteers who provide exemplary volunteer service at their prospective sites and within the community.  Thank you for all your hard work and dedication Momma Lucy!!