Benita Livingston is the United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton's July Volunteer of the Month. She volunteers for many tasks with the Senior Companion Program in Yankton, while also bringing friendship to her clients.

The Senior Companion Program provides important services in Yankton so that older adults can remain independent in their own homes. Livingston has been volunteering with the program since September of 2003 and currently serves nine clients every week. With everyday tasks that need to be done, such as grooming (washing hair or polishing nails), driving clients to doctor's appointments, assisting with grocery shopping and other errands, and mending and sewing, Livingston also spends quality time with her clients. She plays board and card games, goes for walks, bakes cookies, and just spends time visiting. She enjoys talking to her companions and hearing about when they were young, among so many other things, as well as being there for social support. She also assists her clients with reading and filling out forms for needed services such as food stamps or commodities.

According to Tracey Lehmkuhl, a social worker for the Office of Adult Services & Aging, "Benita is always friendly, pleasant, and helpful. She goes out of her way to help clients and is able to build a lasting rapport with them."

Livingston feels it is important for her clients to be able to stay in their own homes longer and loves being able to help them with this goal. She enjoys the people she encounters and is so grateful for the opportunity.