Safety For Our Seniors
As we live longer, independent seniors want to stay in their homes, opting for familiar surroundings, memories and the psychological comfort it brings. Aging can bring changes to a senior's quality of life and well-being. In today's mobile society with family members often living out of state, many seniors live alone. That may produce unhealthy lifestyles, behaviors and fear.
For this reason, the Newport News Sheriff’s Office's Safety for Our Senior (SOS) program connects our staff to housebound and disabled individuals.
How does it work?
The objective of the SOS program is to check on the physical welfare and safety of seniors living alone or persons in need of special attention. The program is specifically designed to offer comfort, security and independence for these seniors.
Registered participants receive phone calls from our personnel to help ensure that they are not mistreated or isolated from the community. In addition, SOS participants are routinely contacted to make sure they are safe during times of need such as storms and natural disasters. We can determine if assistance is needed or a referral to another community organization is called for.
Our staff, well trained in interpersonal communications, develops a personal relationship with clients and one of mutual trust. In fact, empathy and trust are a platform for effective understanding of their emotional, physical and mental well-being. It’s our promise to reach out to our housebound or disabled individuals regularly to reassure them and give them a sense of security and social connectivity.
- We listen to understand.
- We listen to enjoy.
- We listen to obtain information.
- We listen to learn.
- We listen because we care.
How do I enroll?
City of Newport News citizens interested in participating in the SOS program must complete an application or call (757) 926-8585. Upon completing the application, mail it to: Safety for Our Seniors, Newport News Sheriff's Office, 2501 Washington Ave., Newport News, VA 23607.
Upon receipt of the application, a Sheriff's Deputy will contact you with additional information. The SOS program includes:
- Monday – Friday (except holidays) welfare phone calls
- Crime prevention information
NOTE: The prospective client must live alone and be a resident of Newport News.
Safety for Our Seniors
Newport News Sheriff's Office
2501 Washington Ave.
Newport News, VA 23607
– Or –
E-mail to: