Like many smaller communities, especially those in rural areas, there are many senior citizens who would like to remain in their homes rather than relocate to a nursing home or assisted living facility. What they need to accomplish this is help with some simple tasks around the house, rides to medical appointments, social interaction with younger people and similar activities. This goal would not
only be beneficial to the individuals, but would save millions of dollars in nursing home costs, largely paid for by federal and state programs such as Medicaid. Many can remain in their homes and lead healthy and meaningful lives if they have some modest assistance from persons in the local community. To achieve these ends, the corporation plans to provide trained volunteers from intergenerational community members, church and community organizations who will provide support, assistance, and referrals for seniors and adults living with disabilities and their families. This will enable such citizens to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. The volunteers will provide assistance with simple tasks around the house, rides to appointments and similar activities. In addition, the corporation will have a secondary activity, namely, to provide training opportunities for students to assist seniors and adults living with disabilities. We plan to work with the local high school in that regard. The corporation is well aware that there are other programs with similar goals, some funded by state or federal monies. Those funding sources may be decreasing, however, the corporation will make a concentrated effort to not duplicate services provided by other programs, but will provide services if funding sources decrease as predicted. The corporation does not plan to charge for these services, but rely only on voluntary donations from those served, support from local businesses, churches and community organizations.