RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER Program Director Kathy Arnold with the Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency assists volunteer Victor Goodman of Kingsford with a call to a Keeping Independent Seniors Safe, or KISS, program client. Anyone who knows of a local senior who could benefit from the program is encouraged to contact DICSA. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Everyone should have the opportunity to live independently with dignity — especially seniors.

While aging can sometimes make that more difficult, having support such as the Keeping Independent Seniors Safe, or KISS program, helps seniors remain in their homes.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, sponsored by Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency, incorporated this free telephone assistance program more than a year ago.

RSVP Director Kathy Arnold said they thought a lot of local senior citizens could use a phone call on a daily basis.

KISS participants are given that “peace of mind” knowing that someone is checking on them and will come to their aid within 24 hours on weekdays.

“No one likes to think of the consequences if something should happen and not be able to contact anyone or not be found for days,” Arnold said. “This allows them to feel safer and more secure.”

KISS clients are provided with a telephone number to contact between 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. They can also choose to receive a call from a volunteer.

“This let’s us know everything is OK,” Arnold said.

Any client who fails to call or answer their phone will alert them of a potential problem. “We will then contact one of the references for a wellness check to be done,” she said “For those without a contact person, they will reach out to local law enforcement.”

Special arrangements can also be made for those who need weekend checks.

Anyone age 60 or older in Dickinson or Iron counties is eligible for the program. Residents in neighboring Wisconsin counties are accepted as well.

Seniors don’t have to be homebound or live alone to qualify for the program. “This is perfect for caregivers — especially those who care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s,” she said.

Clients in a recent survey gave the program a positive response, Arnold said. “One noted it’s a great social tool — nicely conceived and engineered to serve our decreasing abilities to function independently.”

Another said it makes them feel safer and provides someone to talk with every morning.

The program means as much to volunteers as it does to clients, she added.

RSVP volunteers must be 55 or older and pass two background checks. Volunteers are offered supplemental automobile insurance and reimbursed mileage up to $100 a month. RSVP provides supplemental life and health insurance as well.

DICSA hosts a recognition event annually for its volunteers. “Our community couldn’t survive without our volunteers,” Arnold stressed.

DICSA is currently trying to get the word out about the program to hopefully gain more participants. Those in the community who know of a good candidate who could benefit from the program are asked to contact DICSA.

“A lot of people don’t think of it on their own,” she said, adding she will reach out to each referral.

They also want to make new participants aware of what other DISCA assistance program are available, Arnold added. “Many are not aware what we offer — including home-delivered meals, weatherization program or SERA program that helps pay rent during COVID,” she said.

For more information, to sign up for the KISS program or to volunteer, call 906-774-2256 or email karnold@dicsami.org. Those interested can also write to DICSA KISS program, 1238 Carpenter Ave., Iron Mountain, MI 49801.