A grateful client with Neighbor Helping Neighbor volunteers.

Many older adults are lonely, in fragile health and have no transportation. The Neighbor Helping Neighbor program of the Area Agency on Aging and United Way mobilizes people in neighborhoods to help socially isolated seniors 60 and older. 

Volunteers and professionals from neighborhood and church groups, government, businesses and human service organizations work together to provide a variety of services. These services include volunteer transportation, home repairs, shopping assistance, wheelchair ramps, safety equipment, yard maintenance, household chores, visits by phone and in person, and information and referral. 

More than 4,000 older adults have been served through Neighbor Helping Neighbor. The program operates in Azle, Central Arlington, Greater Stop Six in Fort Worth, Haltom City, Handley/Meadowbrook, Lake Worth, North Richland Hills, Northside Fort Worth, River Oaks, Sansom Park, Southside Fort Worth, and Western Hills/White Settlement. Three more Neighbor Helping Neighbor areas are being identified to bring the total number to 15 by the year 2010. 

Currently partnering with United Way and the Area Agency on Aging to coordinate the program are Isolated Senior Resources Group, Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County, Senior Citizen Services of Greater Tarrant County and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle. 

To learn more about Neighbor Helping Neighbor or to volunteer, call 817-258-8124.