| Elderberries
Our goal is to be a caring, all ages community
of followers of Jesus Christ by reaching
out to the senior adults of the First
Presbyterian and beyond. The ministry
addresses seniors’ social needs
through programs such as luncheons (The
“Elderberries”), and Travel
Activities, visitation in both the home
and residential care facilities
(“FirstPAWS”), and service
within and outside the church.
First PAWS
(Pet Therapy)
The First Presbyterian Church of Greenville
has more than 4,500 members. Of those,
more than 500 are seniors age 65 or older,
many of whom currently reside in senior
care facilities throughout South Carolina.
At some time in their lives, many of these
senior adults had pets. However, now,
because of their life circumstances and/or
health restrictions, they can no longer
benefit from the companionship and comfort
that a pet can bring.
First Presbyterian Church recognized
the need for a pet therapy program, as
well as the numerous outreach opportunities
a ministry of this type would provide
for our members. Dedicated to the glory
of God, our FirstPAWS pet therapy ministry
began as a scribbled note on the side
of a new member’s time and talent
card. The card was submitted to our church’s
Volunteer Office in May 1998. Today, the
FirstPAWS program and its volunteers
fulfill God’s purpose by furthering
the bond between all His creatures through
Christian love and service.
No experience is needed - just a willingness
to share God’s love and further
the bond between all His creatures.
Visits
Currently, most FirstPAWS volunteers go
on one or two visits a month. However,
each volunteer determines how many visits
he or she will make, based on their own
availability. Visits are made monthly
to a number of senior care facilities
in South Carolina. Facilities now being
visited by FirstPAWS volunteers are: The
Presbyterian Home, Clinton; Foothills
Presbyterian Home, Easley; Pendleton Manor,
Rollingreen, Homewood, Marshall Pickens, The Haven, and Brighton Gardens.
Keep in mind that the more volunteers
our program has, the more facilities we
can serve and the more visits our volunteers
can make.
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