Jackie Pritchard of Hoisington was honored for her community service at the Senior Companion Program In-service meeting held on March 16, in Great Bend. Pritchard has served individuals in Hoisington and Great Bend as a Senior Companion for ten years.
Senior Companions provide daily assistance and friendship to adults needing support to enable them to remain living in their homes as independently as possible. They also provide respite care to family caregivers. There is no cost for the services provided.
Companions are individuals 55 years of age and older. Those with limited incomes receive benefits which include a tax-free stipend of $2.65/hour, a travel allowance, training, accident and liability insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and recognition. They are insured with accident and liability insurance while serving.  
The Program is sponsored by Fort Hays State University and funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service, Washington, DC. Senior Companions serve in Barton, Ellis, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Trego, Ford, Gove, Graham, Phillips, Hodgeman, Ness, Logan and Pawnee counties. If you are interested in serving others, call 785-628-5809.