Helping eight people with numerous tasks on a weekly basis keeps Jerry Row on the move. Her passion for her clients while serving as a Senior Companion resulted in her being awarded the April Volunteer of the Month. It did not take her long after moving to Yankton six years ago to get involved with this gratifying program. She moved here to be closer to her daughter and family. Through her work with Senior Companions, she has extended the meaning of family to include those of her clients.

When a client's birthday is observed, Row is part of the celebration and often brings the cake! Her duties are determined by the needs of the clients on their scheduled day. They may include grocery shopping, taking them to doctor appointments as well as going with them while they see the doctor for support and understanding of health issues, assisting with light housekeeping, cooking dinner for them, taking them for a ride to the duck pond or visiting. Besides caring for clients, the Senior Companions attend monthly meetings with approximately one hundred other Companions attending trainings and networking sessions.

Currently she has two men and six women that she assists every week. She may see one client two or three times a week or may spend time with them only one day a week. If her clients need to go to a nursing home for a short stay, she will continue to visit with them. If her client has a caretaker, it gives the caretaker an opportunity to leave the house for a short time. Four days a week she spends between three or four hours each day doling out tending loving care to her clients. To date, Row has cared for eleven individuals.

Jerry Row enjoys her Senior Companion role. By using basic life skills, not only are the needs of the clients met but it greatly enhances the lives of the Companion. Row has expanded her circle of friends, has gotten to know the community as well as showing the changes to the clients and has the satisfaction knowing that she daily enhances the quality of life for others. How long would Row like to be a Senior Companion? She states, "...as long as possible!"