By Sarah Cagney, SCSS Senior Outreach Coordinator and Communications Specialist
As part of our ongoing series about services at South County Community Services, we would like to introduce you to our senior outreach. Over the past few years, beginning under the direction of Danna Downing, our former executive director here at SCCS, and with the support of several local partnerships, senior outreach has evolved into a group of programs specifically designed to serve older adults of South County. We know that it can be hard to understand all the intricacies of aging resources and services, especially because people who need them likely have not experienced the situation before! Therefore, we strive to meet people where they are, help them navigate overwhelming tasks, and facilitate seamless access to aging services and support. Some of the senior services we offer at SCCS include:
Safe At Home (SAH) – SAH aims to improve independence and safety for older adults living in South County. It often provides injury prevention and emergency preparedness with the installation of grab bars, smoke detectors, reflective house numbers, and more.
Transportation – SCCS Transportation provides rides to older adults or individuals who have a disability living in our service area. The service is FREE and has well-trained volunteers who serve as drivers. Eligible rides include to and from medical, human services, and legal appointments.
Care Calls – Care Calls work to fill socialization needs by offering consistent, friendly phone calls to older adults who are at risk for isolation and loneliness.
Kinship Caregivers – The Kinship program supports older adults raising a relative’s school-aged child(ren). Families receive emotional support, resources, tips, advice, and possible financial assistance to help meet family needs.
Food For All (FFA) – FFA provides an accessible food option for older adults who cannot obtain nutritious food. Emphasis is on assisting older adults who are dealing with a crisis and require additional observation and stabilization.
Commodities Supplemental Food Delivery Program (CSFP) – CSF is usually referred to as Commodities and is a monthly food delivery program that helps ensure older adults receive nutritious food.
Plus, more – With over 16 years of working with older adults, our senior outreach coordinator, Sarah Cagney, is passionate about helping the aging population and eager to provide resources, referral assistance, and support to older adults as they navigate their aging journey.
If you or someone you know is interested in any of these programs or has questions about aging in their own home, senior safety, and nutrition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah! You can reach her by email scagney@southcountycs.com or by phone at 269-649-2901 ext.7.