CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Have gas prices kept you from giving back to others in this recession?

Good news – a special grant has allowed the Senior Peer Counseling and Friendly Visitor programs to reimburse you for your gas as you travel to lend a listening ear to a senior in need.

If you are 55+ and would like to give back, make new friends and learn the secrets of aging gracefully, please call now for our Senior Peer Counseling Fall Volunteer Training beginning Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Learn to help seniors talk through a discouraging time, access services, cope with losses and learn the emotional benefits of aging.

Volunteers will learn skills such as compassionate listening, conflict resolution, and clear communicating.

Volunteers will share their experiences with other inspirational volunteers, engage in lively discussions about senior issues, and receive weekly training in the gifts and challenges of aging.

You will learn the keys to increasing peace of mind, reducing stress, recovering from a loss, building healthy relationships and exploring the spiritual advantages of later life.

As a volunteer, you will spend a total of about four hours a week with clients and attending a Tuesday morning group supervision session.

This free training facilitated by psychotherapist and Program Director Kim Baughan Young MFT includes experiential practice, movie clips, lively group discussion and even free lunches.

The training will be held on six Tuesdays beginning Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Call Konocti Senior Support by Oct. 5 for your application at 707-995-1417.