Saturday, April 25th will be a special day for many senior homeowners in Atlanta. You can get involved with SCS’ annual SWEEP! 2009 event and help to ensure the impact is strong. This event targets up to 10 seniors’ homes by having over 200 volunteers provide services such as painting (interior and exterior), yard clean-up and debris removal, gutter cleaning, and a whole host of other “maintenance” tasks that seniors have difficulty performing.
This is an excellent way to get your corporate group, church group, or any other group you may be involved with to help support those who have difficulty performing home maintenance. We, the “young’ens”, often don’t think twice about getting out in our yard and raking up the leaves or pine needles. But if you are in your 80s with a bad hip, this task is daunting. Through SWEEP! 2009, you can help not only improve the look of a seniors home but make an even bigger impact in the community.
You can be part of the solution – register for SWEEP! 2009 with your group or come as an individual… all hands are welcomed. You will enjoy a light breakfast prior to the work commencing and lunch in the park afterward. SCS staff and clients appreciate all who make this event happen – thank you.
by Patrick O’Kane
Director of Operations
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Running for Seniors
We are starting a new, spring event this year to raise funds for Senior Citizen Services. The geneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday morning, May 16, in Grant Park. May is Older Americans Month and the 5K is great way to get friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, out for a morning of light exercise.
We are co-hosting this event with Rainbows Georgia. Rainbows provides free grief counseling and support to children who have experienced a death or divorce in their family. This is a way to get to generations interacting with each other.
Planning any event takes lots of time and dedication from many people. We have a planning committee that conducts weekly conference calls to keep everyone on track and to check the progress of assigned tasks. We must get a special permit from the City of Atlanta to hold an event in a park. We must arrange for all kinds of little details such as a registration web page, brochures, drinks at the event, signage, security, port-a-potties, volunteers, publicity, post cards to promote our race, race timer, sponsors for the event – the list goes on and on.
We hope that many people will come out on race day to support the geneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk. For more information, go to http://www.generacetion.org/ and sign up to run, walk, and raise money for two deserving charities.
by Steve Hargrove
Director of Events and Marketing
We are co-hosting this event with Rainbows Georgia. Rainbows provides free grief counseling and support to children who have experienced a death or divorce in their family. This is a way to get to generations interacting with each other.
Planning any event takes lots of time and dedication from many people. We have a planning committee that conducts weekly conference calls to keep everyone on track and to check the progress of assigned tasks. We must get a special permit from the City of Atlanta to hold an event in a park. We must arrange for all kinds of little details such as a registration web page, brochures, drinks at the event, signage, security, port-a-potties, volunteers, publicity, post cards to promote our race, race timer, sponsors for the event – the list goes on and on.
We hope that many people will come out on race day to support the geneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk. For more information, go to http://www.generacetion.org/ and sign up to run, walk, and raise money for two deserving charities.
by Steve Hargrove
Director of Events and Marketing
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New Year's Resolutions . . . One Day at a Time
As legend has it, Groundhog Day every February 2nd signals either the end or start of more wintry weather. As rumor has it, this day also signals the time when most of us have neglected or forgotten our New Year’s resolutions! One eighty-year old Meals On Wheels senior citizen of ours, Alice, has a better notion.
Alice informed me that she makes Daily Resolutions rather than annual ones. She relishes even little victories, and keeping a promise to one’s self is easier if the span is but 24 hours. However, she also likes to celebrate her small victories, which helps propel her to keep her promise to herself yet another day. A year of resolutions, one day at a time.
Alice reminds all of us that if goals and promises can be planned and met on a daily basis, then a lifetime of resolutions are ours for the taking. What goal is facing you in 2009 that appears to be too big? Take Alice’s advice and take the small steps necessary to achieve the mark before next Groundhog Day!
By
Brad Catherman
Vice President, Gift Planning
Alice informed me that she makes Daily Resolutions rather than annual ones. She relishes even little victories, and keeping a promise to one’s self is easier if the span is but 24 hours. However, she also likes to celebrate her small victories, which helps propel her to keep her promise to herself yet another day. A year of resolutions, one day at a time.
Alice reminds all of us that if goals and promises can be planned and met on a daily basis, then a lifetime of resolutions are ours for the taking. What goal is facing you in 2009 that appears to be too big? Take Alice’s advice and take the small steps necessary to achieve the mark before next Groundhog Day!
By
Brad Catherman
Vice President, Gift Planning
Monday, January 26, 2009
$1 Million for Home Repairs
Senior Citizen Services (SCS) continues to touch the lives of many older adults in Atlanta. I am excited to share with everyone that SCS is the recipient of $1 million from the competitive grant process of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB). This funding will allow SCS to perform major home repairs for seniors living in Fulton County; 90 project home sites will benefit from this award, all being low- or very low-income seniors.
The beautiful thing about this funding from FHLB is that it will allow seniors to stay in their own homes, living independently. As one ages, it becomes more difficult to keep up with home maintenance. When proper home maintenance is not performed, it leads more major repairs. SCS’ home repair team will work with the seniors to educated them and assist with maintenance plans.
It’s not just about coming in and performing home repairs, but ensuring that the senior can continue to live independently. The home repair team will assess each senior to see if they may need other services, such as Meals On Wheels Atlanta, or the may want to join in the fun at a senior center.
Touching the lives of seniors is not just about providing one service, but listening to them to see what other needs they may have. I’m proud that we, as a team, work to ensure everyone we touch has a good experience, and to refer them to other internal programs or external agencies when appropriate.
-- by Patrick O'Kane
Director of Operations
The beautiful thing about this funding from FHLB is that it will allow seniors to stay in their own homes, living independently. As one ages, it becomes more difficult to keep up with home maintenance. When proper home maintenance is not performed, it leads more major repairs. SCS’ home repair team will work with the seniors to educated them and assist with maintenance plans.
It’s not just about coming in and performing home repairs, but ensuring that the senior can continue to live independently. The home repair team will assess each senior to see if they may need other services, such as Meals On Wheels Atlanta, or the may want to join in the fun at a senior center.
Touching the lives of seniors is not just about providing one service, but listening to them to see what other needs they may have. I’m proud that we, as a team, work to ensure everyone we touch has a good experience, and to refer them to other internal programs or external agencies when appropriate.
-- by Patrick O'Kane
Director of Operations
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Renewable Energy: Giving from the Heart!
Much is made these days about “renewable energy” sources. Essentially, energy which passes from one form to another, igniting motion again and again. I recently experienced the “renewable energy” of good feelings that can pass from one person to another, and back again.
A college fraternity brother and I organized a home repair project with some volunteer friends prior to the holidays. The home was owned by a wonderful senior woman who was grateful beyond words. Volunteers brought their youngsters who delighted in scraping, spackling, and painting. I asked one young man if he was having fun, and he said the best thing about the day was that “the lady who lived there gives great hugs… and as many as you want!” And the energy was passed back again.
Sure enough, I also experienced a warm, crushing, hug from the senior citizen whose inner energy of love and gratitude ignited a volunteer team. The experience remains one of the best gifts I received during the holiday season, and one which will keep on giving well into 2009 and beyond.
Happy New Year from the folks at SCS!
-- by Brad Catherman
Vice President, Gift Planning
A college fraternity brother and I organized a home repair project with some volunteer friends prior to the holidays. The home was owned by a wonderful senior woman who was grateful beyond words. Volunteers brought their youngsters who delighted in scraping, spackling, and painting. I asked one young man if he was having fun, and he said the best thing about the day was that “the lady who lived there gives great hugs… and as many as you want!” And the energy was passed back again.
Sure enough, I also experienced a warm, crushing, hug from the senior citizen whose inner energy of love and gratitude ignited a volunteer team. The experience remains one of the best gifts I received during the holiday season, and one which will keep on giving well into 2009 and beyond.
Happy New Year from the folks at SCS!
-- by Brad Catherman
Vice President, Gift Planning
Monday, January 12, 2009
9 Ways to Help in '09
January brings an opportunity to set New Year’s Resolutions for the New Year. What are some common things we can all do to ensure that Senior Citizen Services remains the safety net for seniors that so many depend on?
1. Invest Time
Many people do not respond to the word “volunteer.” So, I invite you to make an investment of time—whatever that means to you—in the mission of Senior Citizen Services. This can mean delivering meals during your lunch hour once per month, giving a ride to a CareShare senior from time to time, or even organizing a group to complete a half-day HOMES home repair project once per year. There are opportunities for every age, every schedule, and every interest.
2. Share Resources
A donation of $35 helps SCS support a senior attending our Adult Day Center for Alzheimer’s/dementia. A donation of $142 supports a senior for an entire month of Meals On Wheels Atlanta nutrition. Donations of all amounts directly and tangibly translate into services that keep seniors in their homes and communities.
3. Advocate
Local government and the United Way are both constantly seeking feedback in terms of limited human services dollars. A letter or phone call can make all the difference—or better yet, join us at the State Capitol this winter to advocate for funding for seniors!
4. In-Kind really is Kind
Our organization benefits from a wealth of in-kind support. Donating your car for Meals On Wheels Atlanta, donating computer equipment, sewing equipment, copy machines, craft supplies, or even office supplies allow our organization to cut back on operating costs and maximize donations to direct services. Canned food is a growing need for SCS’ new Community Cupboard initiative. “Santa for Seniors” is also a creative way to provide small specific gifts that seniors need.
5. Talk to your Workplace and Worship-place
Workplace matching gifts, corporate giving programs, group volunteerism and workplace food drives are a few ways to engage your workplace in our mission. Places of worship can also make a dramatic impact in volunteerism, special offerings and food drives.
6. Will you?
Including SCS in your Will can ensure that SCS is supported for years to come—especially as Baby Boomers age and require more services than ever.
7. It takes a Committee
A Meal to Remember, SCS’ signature black-tie event, as well as our Golf Tournament, new GeneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk, SWEEP Home Repair event, and Senior Centers Open Houses all require committees of dedicated and resourceful individuals to make them happen.
8. Speak Up
Involving our organization in a speaking event at your favorite club, association, networking group or social group OR volunteering to speak on SCS’ behalf at one of these venues allows SCS to raise its visibility and engage more Atlantans in our mission.
9. E-help
Use GoodSearch when you go to your Internet browser, use Benevolink when you shop online, make sure SCS has your email address to communicate (cutting back on mailing costs) and forward our emails to your family and friends—easy ways to help out!
What did I miss? Surely you can add a few more creative ideas to the list—just email me at jsmythe@scsatl.org. Thank you for entertaining these 9 simple resolutions that will build a better Atlanta for seniors in need.
-- by Jeff Smythe
Executive Director
1. Invest Time
Many people do not respond to the word “volunteer.” So, I invite you to make an investment of time—whatever that means to you—in the mission of Senior Citizen Services. This can mean delivering meals during your lunch hour once per month, giving a ride to a CareShare senior from time to time, or even organizing a group to complete a half-day HOMES home repair project once per year. There are opportunities for every age, every schedule, and every interest.
2. Share Resources
A donation of $35 helps SCS support a senior attending our Adult Day Center for Alzheimer’s/dementia. A donation of $142 supports a senior for an entire month of Meals On Wheels Atlanta nutrition. Donations of all amounts directly and tangibly translate into services that keep seniors in their homes and communities.
3. Advocate
Local government and the United Way are both constantly seeking feedback in terms of limited human services dollars. A letter or phone call can make all the difference—or better yet, join us at the State Capitol this winter to advocate for funding for seniors!
4. In-Kind really is Kind
Our organization benefits from a wealth of in-kind support. Donating your car for Meals On Wheels Atlanta, donating computer equipment, sewing equipment, copy machines, craft supplies, or even office supplies allow our organization to cut back on operating costs and maximize donations to direct services. Canned food is a growing need for SCS’ new Community Cupboard initiative. “Santa for Seniors” is also a creative way to provide small specific gifts that seniors need.
5. Talk to your Workplace and Worship-place
Workplace matching gifts, corporate giving programs, group volunteerism and workplace food drives are a few ways to engage your workplace in our mission. Places of worship can also make a dramatic impact in volunteerism, special offerings and food drives.
6. Will you?
Including SCS in your Will can ensure that SCS is supported for years to come—especially as Baby Boomers age and require more services than ever.
7. It takes a Committee
A Meal to Remember, SCS’ signature black-tie event, as well as our Golf Tournament, new GeneRACEtion 5K Run/Walk, SWEEP Home Repair event, and Senior Centers Open Houses all require committees of dedicated and resourceful individuals to make them happen.
8. Speak Up
Involving our organization in a speaking event at your favorite club, association, networking group or social group OR volunteering to speak on SCS’ behalf at one of these venues allows SCS to raise its visibility and engage more Atlantans in our mission.
9. E-help
Use GoodSearch when you go to your Internet browser, use Benevolink when you shop online, make sure SCS has your email address to communicate (cutting back on mailing costs) and forward our emails to your family and friends—easy ways to help out!
What did I miss? Surely you can add a few more creative ideas to the list—just email me at jsmythe@scsatl.org. Thank you for entertaining these 9 simple resolutions that will build a better Atlanta for seniors in need.
-- by Jeff Smythe
Executive Director
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Year's Resolutions for Seniors -- and the rest of us!
Each year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions or set goals for the new year. I recently read an article with suggestions for seniors, but it sounds like many of the suggestions could apply to almost anyone.
What did the article suggest?
Visit a senior center. Senior centers are spread through out the Atlanta metro area. SCS manages eight of them. Visit our website for locations at www.scsatl.org. Senior centers are not “just a bunch of old people.” The senior centers are alive with all sorts of activities including games, crafts, lectures, exercise classes, educational courses, special interest clubs, entertainment, travel, parties and dances and hot lunches. Involved seniors are alive and vibrant and in reasonably good health.
Plan to eat healthy meals. Make is a goal to eat at least one nutritious, healthy meal each day. Drive on by the drive through window. Avoid fast food. Invite a friend to eat a healthy meal with you.
Increase your social contacts. You can do this at a senior center, through volunteer activities, at a social club, church, synagogue or mosque.
Clean house. Go through and donate unused or unwanted items. Arrange to give them to family, friends or charity. Find someone who would like that item you have been saving for 50 years in case you ever need it again. Bite the bullet and get rid of it.
Get some exercise. Plan on a daily walk. Walk with a friend or engage a companion to walk with you. Senior centers offer exercise classes. If you don’t want to go out and can afford a treadmill, purchase one for your residence and set it up in front of a TV.
Engage your mind. Enroll in an adult education class. Many are short term and offer opportunities for a wide variety of interests. It is important to keep both body and mind fit. Regular mental stimulation will help you stay sharp, reduce memory loss, and some say, prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Start a new hobby (senior center can help); teach your hobby to another, perhaps a grandchild, join a book club or books-on-tape club.
These are all great ideas for seniors – and for all of us. Have a safe and happy new year!
-- by Steve Hargrove
Director of Events and Marketing
What did the article suggest?
Visit a senior center. Senior centers are spread through out the Atlanta metro area. SCS manages eight of them. Visit our website for locations at www.scsatl.org. Senior centers are not “just a bunch of old people.” The senior centers are alive with all sorts of activities including games, crafts, lectures, exercise classes, educational courses, special interest clubs, entertainment, travel, parties and dances and hot lunches. Involved seniors are alive and vibrant and in reasonably good health.
Plan to eat healthy meals. Make is a goal to eat at least one nutritious, healthy meal each day. Drive on by the drive through window. Avoid fast food. Invite a friend to eat a healthy meal with you.
Increase your social contacts. You can do this at a senior center, through volunteer activities, at a social club, church, synagogue or mosque.
Clean house. Go through and donate unused or unwanted items. Arrange to give them to family, friends or charity. Find someone who would like that item you have been saving for 50 years in case you ever need it again. Bite the bullet and get rid of it.
Get some exercise. Plan on a daily walk. Walk with a friend or engage a companion to walk with you. Senior centers offer exercise classes. If you don’t want to go out and can afford a treadmill, purchase one for your residence and set it up in front of a TV.
Engage your mind. Enroll in an adult education class. Many are short term and offer opportunities for a wide variety of interests. It is important to keep both body and mind fit. Regular mental stimulation will help you stay sharp, reduce memory loss, and some say, prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. Start a new hobby (senior center can help); teach your hobby to another, perhaps a grandchild, join a book club or books-on-tape club.
These are all great ideas for seniors – and for all of us. Have a safe and happy new year!
-- by Steve Hargrove
Director of Events and Marketing
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