Peer Counseling Offered for Seniors

Jewish Family Service of Ventura County has launched a peer counseling program for senior citizens who are dealing with grief, depression or other problems experienced by the elderly.

The nonsectarian program, staffed by professionally trained volunteers, offers free in-home counseling to those 55 years and older in Ojai, Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

“There’s no reason why a senior has to be alone or cope alone with illness or any of those everyday problems associated with aging,” said Janette Goldberg, a counselor with the program.

Goldberg and several other senior citizens received 10 weeks of training from licensed therapists to serve as peer counselors. The volunteers will have access to a variety of other programs--such as food banks and transportation services--aimed at assisting the elderly.

For more information or counseling assistance, call 659-7189.