The town’s Social Service Department has partnered with UR Community Cares of Manchester to assist residents aged 70-puls and/or those 18 and older who have temporary or permanent disabilities in a program that matches volunteers with those in need. According to the department, the program will enroll Guilford residents in need of help and provide community-based volunteer support to those that are coming out of the hospital, recovering from surgery, or they are less mobile due to aging.

Recognizing a growing aging population in Guilford, Guilford Social Services (GSS) Director Tammy DeFrancesco and Seniors Supervisor Terry Buckley sought a solution to the service gap they recognized for this population. Knowing Guilford is a community of civic-minded individuals, DeFrancesco said the collaboration will safely match patrons and volunteers.

“Sixty-nine percent of the demographic we serve at GSS are over 60 years old and/or disabled and we wanted to help provide them with a resource that allows them to stay independent and safe at home without depleting their financial resources,” says DeFrancesco.

Buckley said the program is designed to keep seniors and those in need in their homes longer and to do so without cost.

“Many people ask for rides to church, help with shopping, a companion to medical appointments, seasonal tasks such as yard work or snow shoveling, or just changing a light bulb. Guilford Community Cares will help keep residents safe at home,” says Buckley.

Buckley and DeFrancesco reached out to the Guilford Rotary for a grant to fund the initial phase of the program for the Guilford community. The Rotary was a critical link for the town’s plan to implement the program, according to DeFrancesco.

“GSS and Senior Services are incredibly grateful to the Guilford Rotarians for…making the initial investment to bring an invaluable service to many,” said DeFrancesco. “Whenever you can assist someone in need of kindness…the community member, the volunteer, and the community as a whole benefit. We are beyond thrilled that the Guilford Rotary immediately recognized the value of this resource for the Guilford community and provided the early funding needed to initiate Guilford’s partnership with the UR Community Cares digital platform to match those who need help in our community with those that are eager to help.”

Michelle Puzzo, M.D, co-founded UR Community Cares in February 2019. The concept of UR Community Cares was created around a digital platform to match those in need with those in the same community who are eager to help.

“Guilford encompasses the idea of community service to the members served, building community connections with one volunteer act of kindness at a time. We are doing everything in our power to provide free, non-clinical, at-home services to the aging with and without physical disabilities, so they can maintain their independence to remain safely in their homes. Specifically, we provide volunteer services in the areas of housework, yardwork, companionship, and transportation,” said Puzzo.

Any Guilford resident or business that wishes to contribute to this program can contact DeFrancesco at 203-453-8009 or Buckley at 203-453-8086. Residents can also visit the UR Community Cares website www.URCommunityCares.org.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story provided an incorrect description of those eligible to benefit from the program.