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Telephone Assurance Program (TAP)

man on phone

Through the Telephone Assurance Program (also known as TAP), volunteers make regular telephone calls to homebound elderly and disabled persons to check on their well-being and give people an opportunity to socialize. Relationships grow and can last for years. Through a contract with our department, Catholic Charities organizes the efforts of many agencies across Erie County to identify people who would like to receive calls (members), to recruit volunteers to make the calls and to match volunteers with people to receive calls. 

TAP’s main purpose is to alleviate some of the concerns facing those who live alone, and help them to remain independent.  TAP is the longest running program of its type in Erie County.

How to Get Involved

  • Become a member and receive telephone calls through TAP.
  • Become a volunteer and place calls to TAP members.
  • Refer an elderly friend, neighbor or relative to TAP.

Program Benefits

For Members

Seniors who are at least 60 years of age who live alone:

  • Opportunity to socialize by telephone with someone who cares
  • Allows individuals to keep in contact with their community
  • Helps decrease the feelings of loneliness and isolation

For Volunteers

Responsible to make calls at specified times as agreed upon with the member:

  • Call seniors who are often frail, homebound and isolated
  • Call members from their home or a TAP site

More information can be obtained by calling: Telephone Assurance Program at (716) 262-6164 . Program is funded by New York State Office for the Aging and Erie County Department for the Aging.

Click here for Catholic Charities information about TAP.

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