Volunteers Needed

JAYHAWK SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ELDERS

Jayhawk Support Services for Elders (JSSE) is a not-for-profit volunteer program for seniors that is offered through Kansas Legal Services of Topeka. This program is designed to assist seniors who are age 60 or older who are having difficulty managing their personal finances. The primary goal of JSSE is to allow seniors to maintain their independence in their homes and achieve personal financial management.

JSSE is funded by the Greater Topeka Area United Way and the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging through the Older Americans Act. The program currently serves Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas Counties. Direct services to JSSE clients are provided by volunteer advocates who are recruited by the program coordinator, Janice Watkins. The volunteers are administered a background check and then provided with a one hour training session before being placed with a senior who has been referred to the program.

Upon completion of training, the volunteer is placed with a client and assists them on an as-needed basis with activities, such as bill paying, checkbook balancing, check writing and record keeping. There are no formal requirements for those who are interested in becoming a volunteer. JSSE is looking for people who are responsible, have a basic knowledge and understanding of personal financial management, and enjoy working with seniors.

If you are interested in becoming a JSSE volunteer or know someone who needs a volunteer, please contact: