Senior Services

Meeting the needs of Milwaukee County’s senior population.

The Social Development Commission (SDC) offers a variety of programs for Milwaukee County’s older adult population. For seniors, regular activity and being involved are some of the most important things you can do for your health.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) reports that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Being lonely leads to a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions, according to the CDC.

Get involved with SDC’s Senior Services and keep yourself active while making an impact in the community.

Some seniors may need a little extra help at home. Other seniors may be more active and are looking for volunteer opportunities. SDC’s Senior Services offers programs to fit a variety of needs.

Complete the inquiry form below to get involved with SDC’s Senior Services!

Download SDC’s Senior Services Flyer

Foster Grandparent Program

In 1960, a White House Conference on Aging highlighted the need for all older people to stay active. Organizers believed this could be accomplished if Americans found a way to serve their country. Ultimately, this led to the creation of the Foster Grandparent Program.

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with educational and social needs.

Our Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteers with young students – pre-school through sixth grade. The relationship that blossoms also helps young students develop self-confidence for life. Volunteers age 55 and older serve youth at various locations, including Milwaukee Public Schools. Volunteers also serve young people at organizations that:

  • Help children learn to read and provide one-on-one tutoring.
  • Care for premature infants or children with disabilities.
  • Help children who have been abused or neglected.

We are always in need of foster grandparents. Discover more about the program and apply today by completing the inquiry form below!

SDC Foster Grandparent Testimonial

August 2022

I am writing on behalf of the summer assignment with the Foster Grand Parents and the students. We couldn’t have chosen a better place. The SDC employees were very polite, efficient, loyal, and trustworthy. The SDC workers were always very professional. They gave the young students a feeling of belonging. They taught them how to work as a cooperate team. Ms. Pat, Candace, Ron ran the kitchen clockwise. They never lost sight of who they were, and neither did the other staff. We as Foster Grandparents and the students were eager to get to work every morning and complete our task. We brought immerse energy to the kitchen. They always kept the atmosphere positive. We had quite a revolving door of the kitchen staff and office managers Earl, Griselda, students, and the foster grandparents. I really like the way our youth conducted themselves. They showed up on time, followed command, and carried themselves in a polite and respectable manner. Who said that our Black Youth can’t listen and follow direction? They represent themselves with a level head and confidence. All they need is someone to take the time out and believe in them that they can achieve. The love their music. I watched them as they work so diligent patting their feet as they complete their task. Thank you SDC Senior Services for placing the Foster Grandparents at this site. We learn how much hard work it takes to make a program.

Michelle Curston, Edwina Matthews, Bertha Pulliam-Carlson, Velma Frazier

SDC Foster Grandparent Volunteers

Senior Companion Program

The Social Development Commission has a long tradition of working to enrich the lives of senior citizens. In 1974, we started the Senior Companion program because as we age, we may need a little extra help.

SDC’s Senior Companion Program helps older adults maintain an independent lifestyle at home. Those who receive care are typically elderly individuals who are homebound, live alone in their own home and may be at risk for institutional placement.

Senior Companion volunteers help. Each Senior Companion volunteer, age 55 or older, cares for two to four adult clients.

The Senior Companion volunteer assists with simple chores like grocery shopping. They provide transportation to medical appointments and many program participants enjoy fun outings together like a movie.

  • Senior Companions serve 15 to 40 hours per week.
  • Volunteers receive pre-service orientation, mileage reimbursement, training, and supplemental insurance while on duty.
  • Some volunteers may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent or a Senior Companion, fill out the form below, or click this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Ch69WD8Zc2

Senior Services Impact | SDC Annual Report 2020

Senior Companions When Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers issued a mandatory “Stay At Home” order during the height of the pandemic, regular social activities stopped. It left older adults isolated and detached from the usual check-ins that ensure seniors stay active,...

Meet SDC’s Poverty Warrior of the Week: Diane Robinson

Meet the Social Development Commission's Manager of the Free Tax Prep VITA program and Senior Services Diane Robinson: How long have you worked at SDC? 22 years What do you do at SDC? I have the awesome opportunity to run a nationally recognized poverty reduction...

Look What You Did For SDC’s Senior Volunteers!

Thanks to those who donated to the Social Development Foundation's 2020 Senior Giving Tree Fund, we were able to purchase gifts for our senior volunteers in the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent programs. Collectively, SDC employees, board members and supporters...

SDC Celebrates National Senior Citizen Day!

At SDC, we love to celebrate Milwaukee County residents who make a difference in our community. That's why our Senior Services team went all out for National Senior Citizens Day. We honored local seniors with a creative drive-by! National Senior Citizens Day...

Senior Companion Program

A Day in SDC’s Senior Companion Program If you happen to hear jazz coming from Bob’s apartment, there’s a good chance Joe, the SDC senior companion is there. On this day, the gentlemen sit in Bob’s cozy, sun-filled apartment listening to Miles Davis’ Kind...

2019 Super Senior Friday

In a morning Zumba class, the music is blasting. You can feel the bass shake the floor as shouting participants clap, beat drums and shake their hips to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk. Unless you peeked inside, you’d never guess that these energetic dancers are...

Partners & Funders 

AmeriCorps Seniors Logo

Supportive Services

We are here to help those individuals and families find their pathway to success. We encourage you to check out some of our other services that may help you find your path, especially during these troubling times.

CR-Social Development Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need this information interpreted to a language you understand or in a different format, please contact Jennifer Harris, Equal Opportunity Officer, at 414-906-2784 or jharris@cr-sdc.org. Callers who are deaf or hearing or speech-impaired may reach us at Wisconsin Relay Number 711.

SDC-Main Office
1730 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53205
414.906.2700

SDC-Chase Avenue
CLOSED

SDC-Northwest
9155 North 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53223

SDC-Southwest
9004 West Lincoln Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227

SDC-Teutonia
6850 North Teutonia Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414.963.2684

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