Older Adults & Local Volunteers Connect to Combat Social Isolation

By Karly BullockPosted on May 3, 2021May 3, 2021Posted in Social Isolation, Solutions, Volunteer Opportunities

Geisinger and the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA are partnering up to combat social isolation in our region by connecting older adults with local volunteers. The program is called “Friendly Neighbors” and is open to residents of Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties. Local volunteers and seniors will be paired based on mutual interests, hobbies, needs, and […]

Foster Grandparent Program of Central PA

By Karly BullockPosted on April 14, 2021April 14, 2021Posted in Solutions, Volunteer Opportunities

The Foster Grandparent Program of Central Pennsylvania connects older adults with children who could use the support of a grandparent-like figure in their lives. It’s open to anyone 55 and older living on a limited income who is passionate about helping kids. The brief description of the Foster Grandparent Program that follows can be found […]

Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging: COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance

By Karly BullockPosted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021Posted in COVID-19, Older Adult Health

The Union-Snyder Area Agency on Aging (USAAA) is available to help people 65 and older (or 60+ with qualifying health issues) sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. If you or someone you know could use assistance making a vaccine appointment, call the Union County location of the USAAA at (570) 524-2100 or the Snyder […]

Treehole: Using technology to bridge the gap between isolated older adults and young adults

By Karly BullockPosted on March 31, 2021April 13, 2021Posted in Social Isolation, SolutionsTagged Bucknell, Technology, Treehole

This month, Bucknell’s Student Design Group hosted its first annual Design-A-Thon, a week-long competition during which student groups problem-solved for local community groups. We’re excited to announce that the winning group designed a system for Union County Connect to reach isolated older adults here in Central Pennsylvania! The Design-A-Thon was open to Bucknell students of […]

Lewisburg PA’s Little Free Pantry

By Karly BullockPosted on March 17, 2021April 1, 2021Posted in SolutionsTagged central pa food pantry, lewisburg pennsylvania

As the COVID-19 pandemic began rearing its head in the spring of 2020, Lewisburg resident Clare Sammells noticed that many community members were losing their jobs. “There soon became a need for food,” said Sammells, a professor of Anthropology at Bucknell University. She and her family responded to this need by setting up a Little […]

Projects in the Works at Union County Connect

By Union County ConnectPosted on March 2, 2020April 1, 2021Posted in Social Isolation, Solutions, Union County Connect UpdateTagged All Ages Park, Bucknell, Dementia Friends, Social Isolation

Learn about our upcoming Conversation Stations, an all abilities playground, and thank you to all of the kind folks who have contributed to our project so far.

Volunteering Is Fun!

By Farida ZaidPosted on January 20, 2020April 1, 2021Posted in Volunteer OpportunitiesNo Comments

New friends, new ideas, new experiences