In response to anti-Asian hate incidents, the Senior Escort Program was formed as a collaborative effort to protect seniors while out in the community. Over time, the program has evolved from a safety initiative to a source of independence and social connection for seniors – one walk at a time. The Senior Escort Program matches seniors with friendly volunteers who meet them at their home or a location of choice to take walks around the neighborhood, shop at local grocery stores, or navigate through doctors’ offices for appointments. During walks, participants are able to connect with volunteers one-on-one and boost their physical and mental health.

“At the heart of The Center’s Stop the Hate initiative is a commitment to equity, safety and hope for communities impacted by hate and bias. We are incredibly proud to support ACC’s Senior Escort Program through our CDSS Stop the Hate funding, which has transformed fear into connection and empowerment for seniors of all backgrounds. This incredible milestone of 2,500 walks exemplifies the power of community-based solutions in fostering inclusion and progress,” said Kaying Hang, president of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, which serves as regional lead for Stop the Hate statewide, Northern California and San Joaquin Valley partnerships.

Recently, volunteers and participants gathered together at the ACC Senior Services campus to celebrate a milestone for the program.  The Senior Escort Program has coordinated over 2500 individual walks throughout the Sacramento region.  This is a major milestone reached since the programs humble beginnings in 2021, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, with just one volunteer and one participant.  The rapid growth of the program is due in part to the amazing dedication of the many volunteer escorts.

Dani Lee was the first volunteer with the Senior Escort Program and shared the inaugural walk with participant Mollie Chow in 2021, “It is amazing to see how the program has grown from just one volunteer and one participant to now serving hundreds of people! To this day, Mollie and I are still friends four years later, and it is just a testament to how the program can connect two complete strangers and make lasting connections. The Senior Escort Program is a great way for people to give back to the community, but come away with lots of wisdom and lasting friendships.”  Mollie adds “Walking is the best way to be active for me. Seniors like to get out and do things, but don’t always feel safe to do so, and we feel very accepted at ACC.”

Since 2021, the Senior Escort Program has thrived in a post-covid environment. With seniors feeling the isolation of the Pandemic, and family members encouraging their loved ones to get back out and socialize, SEP has become a lifeline in many seniors’ mental and physical health routines. “To be able to serve people in need is incredibly rewarding and it’s so simple. Sometimes basic human contact is all that’s required, whether it’s walking, shopping, chatting or just listening. By holding a hand or providing a steady arm, I definitely feel that I get as much benefit from the program as I give”, Mike Miller, a recent retiree and volunteer with ACC’s Senior Escort Program, explains, “This program has truly changed my life for the better. I have met so many wonderful people of varying ages and abilities. They are all inspiring. At the end of nearly every walk, one of us will say – “You made my day!” – and we mean it.”

Frank Lee, son of Helen Lee, who walks with Mike shared how this program has benefited his family, “it has been a true blessing. Besides having companionship outside of family members, mom said that talking with her new friends stimulates her mind. The volunteers have all been wonderful; they make connecting with mom look easy. Mom looks forward to going on her weekly walks with Mike. Sometimes they even walk to get coffee together. My mother and Mike bonded over their love of cooking and have shared tips on how to make oxtail stew. It is very comforting to me to know that mom is safe when she is out with Mike or with any of the other ACC volunteers.”

Jeri Shikuma, ACC Home & Community-Based Programs Administrator shares “At ACC, we’re focused on helping isolated seniors and their family caregivers make meaningful connections, build relationships, and “get out of the house” because our experience shows us, and studies prove, that isolation and loneliness are linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes including higher rates of chronic disease, depression, dementia, and suicide. To combat what the US Surgeon General has named our epidemic of isolation and loneliness, our Senior Escort Program (SEP) meets people where they live, and helps them feel safe and comfortable being out in the community to socialize, exercise, or accomplish daily errands and appointments.  As an added benefit they often befriend the volunteers who accompany them, talking to them, and learning about their backgrounds, creating moments of connection and expanded awareness.  The care and joy that result from these moments are contagious!  The SEP truly is a model for how individuals and communities can be healthier, happier, and more connected.”

To learn more about the Senior Escort Program, volunteer or donate, please visit our website at https://www.accsv.org/senior-escort-program/ or call (916) 503-0292.

ACC Senior Services – Senior Escort Program (SEP)
7334 Park City Drive, Sacramento Ca 95831
https://www.accsv.org/