Back in 1989, a group of volunteers began a project designed to care for the elderly. That group survives today and the seniors in our community are grateful for that.

Many seniors are perfectly capable of getting out and about. But some are not.
That's where Project Dana comes in.

"It is an inter-faith effort and it focuses on helping the frail elderly who live at home out into the community and providing social support and being a friend," said Rose Nakamura, from Project Dana.

The name of the volunteer effort speaks volumes about its ecumenical nature.

"Dana is a sanskrit word meaning selfless giving, to help people, to love and share and to be of service," said Nakamura.

Project Dana volunteers may do something as basic as making a phone call to a senior to see how they are doing - or drop by for a visit. But there are other tasks as well.

"We offer transportation for elders to go to the doctor, pick up medication, do shopping, either by escort or by list-shopping - we do light chores," said Nakamura.

Volunteers have also updated their services as the aging population grows and more seniors are aging in place, staying home.

"In the past few years, we have started home safety assessments since elders fall in their homes," said Nakamura.

A shortage of adult day care facilities and other factors means more seniors will be staying at home, and Nakamura believes that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"It's very important to, I think, respect their independence," said Nakamura.