LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On board for a year, Barbara Nuckols, LMFT and Senior Peer Counseling director for Konocti Senior Support, is making great progress developing strong connections with the community.

She has attended many of the county outreach and planning programs, has introduced herself to more than 30 different agency representatives, and doubled the number of senior peer counselors serving elders in Lake County.

With the Konocti Senior Support Board’s vision to open up the program to visit elders in the senior centers as well as in elders' homes, Nuckols has initiated trainings at all senior locations around the Lake.

Starting in November, the one-hour workshops will be held Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Clearlake Oaks, Lakeport and Lucerne senior centers, and at the Konocti Senior Support office. Call your senior center or our office to find out which one is near you.

Worthwhile training topics vary from suicide prevention to learning active listening skills. With Nuckols’ background as a counselor for more than 20 years, she is a great asset to clients and counselors alike.

Nuckols feels her main strength is in helping others reconnect to the support and joy in their lives. “What may feel like a lonely path or an uphill battle can become a joyful process of discovery.”

Her past training includes a master's in counseling psychology (somatic emphasis), a master's in educational counseling psychology and a PPS credential (guidance counseling).

In other Konocti Senior Support news, Friendly Visitor Program Director Norma Shepherd was nominated for a Stars of Lake County Award for her outstanding service to community elders.

She has expanded the program to more than a dozen friendly visitors who make life to life contact with homebound seniors.

Meanwhile, Konocti Senior Support Board members are working to improve the organization's programs.

With the encouragement of Board President Pat Goodson, the duties, procedures and by-laws have been reviewed and a new, straightforward vision has been initiated: “To serve isolated seniors through peer counselors and friendly visitors.”

An updated Web site and brochure have been developed by Karen Magnuson and Rick Ventura now brings the program to various senior living facilities.

The board has been further strengthened with the addition of Amy Fox, who was an assisted living administrator at Orchard Park and also an attorney, as well as J. Richard  who has 45 years' experience in corporate and nonprofit governance.

Come join in serving the community by joining Konocti Senior Support’s Friendly Visitor or Senior Peer Counselor Program.

Prospective volunteers will be offered training to become a senior peer counselor or friendly visitor. Check the Web site, www.konoctiseniorsupport.com , for dates and times. Those trained will visit elders in their homes or staff drop-in sessions at local senior and wellness centers.

Elders often request counseling for loss and grieving or emotional support. Each meeting is confidential and provided by volunteer visitors or peer counselors who receive guidance to best assist their clients.

If you have questions, want to attend workshops on senior issues, would like to volunteer or know someone 55+ who might benefit from our services, call Konocti Senior Support's office at 707-995-1417 or visit www.konoctiseniorsupport.com .