A new program that will pair adult volunteers with older adults on the Medicaid Frail Elderly waiver will be explained during a program at 1 p.m. Friday at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave.

The senior Peer Support Group is a new program offered by the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. For Friday’s presentation, agency spokesman Bib Lininger will explain how volunteers in the support group will work with the person assigned to them over a 10-week period to assist in increasing their support system and social activities, or in reaching goals.

The Kansas Medicaid Frail Elderly waiver is designed to help elderly people who require nursing home level care to remain living in their homes or in the community and receive the care they require in those locations. The support group aims to train trustworthy volunteers who can assist participants so they can live a happier and healthier life.

"Volunteers are people you can trust and depend upon. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or need a volunteer, this program is just for you," Lininger said.

This free program is sponsored by the Great Bend Recreation Commission and at least five people must be signed up, said Garet Fitzpatrick, GBRC program coordinator. Call the Senior Center, 792-3906, by noon on Thursday to make a reservation.

For more information call the Recreation Commission office, 793-3755 ext. 2, or e-mail recreation@gbrc.kscoxmail.com.

SWKAAA has joined with University of Kansas School of Social Welfare to offer the Peer Support Program in the Great Bend area. The agency received a grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation of Great Bend to assist in accomplishing the goals of the program.

Volunteers who would be interested in participating in the program may also contact SWKAAA by calling 1-800-742-9531.