Irish Senior Connect Receives 100th Phone Call
Listening Line Helping Seniors and Exceeding Expectations in First Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aileen Leonard Dibra
e: aileen.dibra@ciic-usa.org
t: 914-837-2007
w: www.ciic-usa.org
April 24, 2013—Dorchester, MA—The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) is pleased to announce that its senior outreach program, Irish Senior Connect (ISC), received its 100th phone call on April 19, 2013.
The mission of ISC is to provide Irish and Irish American seniors with a listening ear and a response that conveys empathy and respect, alleviating feelings of isolation and loneliness through telephone contact, and where appropriate, community referrals.
During the past year ISC has held strong to this mission, and the positive results are apparent. The number of calls to the listening line are consistent and increasing, and senior callers indicate an increased sense of community connection, as well as comfort in the knowledge that a friend is available to speak with them.
Susan Doody, ISC Program Coordinator, stated “The listening line has found a solid home in the Boston area. Seniors are calling and finding the support they seek through connection with our ISC volunteers who are trained in active listening.”
“Irish Senior Connect is directly combating the epidemic of isolation and loneliness facing Irish and Irish American seniors, and CIIC is thrilled to announce this 100th call milestone,” stated Breandán Magee, CIIC Board Member & ISC Subcommittee Chair. “We are pleased by the positive community impact ISC is yielding, and look forward to continued strengthening of the program in the Boston area and future expansion to other regions as a resource for seniors in the greater US.”
Irish Senior Connect operates out of the Irish Pastoral Centre in Dorchester, MA, a CIIC member center, as follows: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm, and can be reached at 855.249.5146.
Irish Senior Connect is generously funded by The American Ireland Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
ABOUT THE COALITION OF IRISH IMMIGRATION CENTERS
The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) is a national umbrella group for all of the Irish Immigration Centers in the US. The CIIC was established in 1996 to promote the welfare of Irish immigrants in the US at a national level.
The mission of the CIIC is to represent immigrant organizations throughout the United States who are committed to providing services to Irish immigrants. The Coalition provides support and assistance to the various centers in their work through advocacy, education and the exchange of information. CIIC member organizations are located in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington.
To learn more about CIIC visit, www.ciic-usa.org
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