by Mark Boutwell, Executive Director
That’s what it felt like last week when I signed letters to 21 organizations across the Senior Solutions service area announcing their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awards. Last year, Senior Solutions received ARPA funds through the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living to help support the expansion of services by our community nonprofit partner organizations. On June 8, the Senior Solutions Board of Directors approved the awards that ranged from kitchen equipment repairs and purchases to shared housing incentives and senior center capacity building. The proposals all focus on necessary and innovative ways to help older Vermonters meet their daily needs. The total of these awards came to just over $151,000.
|
|
After an incredibly successful inaugural Café launch last month in Brattleboro, three such events are now scheduled for July and will continue on a regular basis in future months. Memory Cafés are planned for July 13 in Brattleboro, July 20 in White River Junction, and July 27 in Springfield. There is no charge for any of these cafés.
A Memory Café is a wonderfully welcoming place for caregivers and their loved ones who are challenged with forms of dementia or other cognitive disorders. It is a safe and comfortable space where caregivers and their loved ones can socialize, listen to music, play games, and enjoy other appropriate activities, while providing caregivers with the opportunity to network and connect with each other.
|
|
In a unique collaboration, Senior Solutions and the CVCOA will be jointly focused on southeast Orange County during the month of July. Orange County is divided between the two agencies, with Senior Solutions covering Thetford and Post Mills, and CVCOA covering Fairlee, West Fairlee, Strafford, and Vershire. The "Southeast Orange County 100%" campaign will include a mailing to every household and a dozen drop-in sessions across these towns to assist residents with applications for next winter's seasonal heating fuel assistance, 3SquaresVT food benefits, electric discounts, Meals on Wheels, and other income and age-driven benefit programs. Senior Solutions will hold ‘drop-in’ informational and assistance sessions. Read more...
|
|
Most of our area senior centers and institutions are located in the Connecticut River Valley towns, which can present a transportation obstacle to seniors in the Route 100 corridor. Beginning on July 12, Senior Solutions staff will be present at the Wardsboro Public Library every second Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist area residents with benefit applications and information to help seniors age in the place of choice with the support that they need. Thom Simmons, one of Senior Solutions’ Outreach Specialists, will be available on a drop-in, no appointment needed basis, to help seniors navigate Seasonal Heating Fuel Benefits, 3SquaresVT food benefits, Farm to Family farmer’s markets coupons, Meals on Wheels, Green Mountain Power discounts, and more. Read more...
|
|
In what promises to be a fun and informative day, Senior Solutions and Black River Good Neighbors Services will be hosting a fair from 10 am to 2 pm on the grounds of Good Neighbors at 37B Main Street, Ludlow, rain or shine!
The fair will include health screenings by North Star Health, food and nutrition programs such as 3SquaresVT and Meals on Wheels, Seasonal Heating Fuel applications, a free BBQ prepared by Trio Community Meals, Arts programming, a Tai Chi demonstration, Anti-Scam information from the Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer opportunities, Veteran support, and more. Read more...
|
|
If y ou or someone you know is a family caregiver to a loved one living with advanced stages of dementia, you will want to consider participating in the CARERs Program offered by the UVM Center on Aging. These sessions will all take place virtually. The Adult Children Caregivers group will meet weekly from Sept. 15 to Nov. 10 (except Nov. 3) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The Partner Caregivers group will meet Sept. 16 to Nov. 11 (except Nov. 4) from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Learn more...
|
|
Website | Call the HelpLine: 1-802-885-2669
Senior Solutions, the Council on Aging for southeastern Vermont
|
|
Newsletter Editor: Thom Simmons
|
|
Senior Solutions is a non-profit agency that has served as the Council on Aging for southeastern Vermont since 1973. Our mission is to promote the dignity and well-being of older adults and our vision is that every person will age in the place of their choice, with the support they need and the opportunity for meaningful relationships and active engagement in their community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
