SCS Kicks Off Older Americans Month with SWEEP! Day

Mrs. Young has lived in Atlanta her entire life, but recently has found it difficult to maintain her Vine City home. Because of family medical issues and her advancing age, she is not able to maintain her yard and do the exterior painting that she would like to do.

Mrs. Young is one of ten older home owners who will receive needed home repairs on Saturday, May 7th. Senior Citizen Services will hold its annual SWEEP! Day for their HOMES Program (Home Owner Maintenance and Enhancement for Seniors). The event will take place from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm based at the Fulton County New Horizons Neighborhood Senior Center. SWEEP! is a focused, high-impact event celebrating Older Americans Month. On the morning of May 7th, a volunteer team will “sweep” through each sponsored home and perform improvements inside and out. Improvements will include painting (inside and out), yard maintenance, gutter cleaning, and minor carpentry. SWEEP! will target ten homes in this event and will host an after-party for volunteers, homeowners, their guests, and donors.

“I like the outside of my home to look nice. But after retiring from Sears in 2006, I don’t have the money it takes,” stated Mrs. Young.

The HOMES Program provides minor home repairs, enhancements, and yard work to senior homeowners (age 60 an older) living in metro Atlanta. The HOMES program completes nearly 500 homes each year and is supported by The Fulton County Board of Commissioners/ Fulton County Human Services Grants program, The Home Depot Foundation, Thanks Mom and Dad Fund, and other individuals and foundations.

For more information or to register to volunteer, please visit http://www.scsatl.org/ or call 404-351-3889.

Is America Failing Our Nation's Seniors?

In 2008, the Meals On Wheels Association of America released the results of a groundbreaking research report entitled "The Causes, Consequences and Future of Senior Hunger in America" that our Foundation had commissioned. The findings of the co-principal investigators, Dr. James Ziliak of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Craig Gundersen then of the University of Iowa, were shocking and unacceptable. In 2001, the research showed, five million seniors in the United States, or one in nine, were facing the threat of hunger. The next year, we asked the same researcher examine several more years of date and update the report. By 2007, the number of seniors facing the threat of hunger was six million. Any reader who can do the math knows that is a 20 percent increase in just six years. But without context, the average reader might not be able to grasp the magnitude of the number. Let me give some context. There are 33 states in this country that each have total state populations of less than 6 million.

Is America failing our nation's seniors? And if we are moving in the clearly wrong direction where senior hunger is concerned today, what of the future?

The baby boomers (and I am one of them) are now entering the ranks of older persons, and it is safe to assume that we will be a demanding lot, constantly in search of more and different kinds of services. We will not likely want to live in assisted living or the even less desirous nursing home environment as generations before us have. Rather, we will want to live independently in community settings. Yet that raises a critical question: Can community-based organizations and the concomitant services needed keep up with the demand? Or will America, having failed to turn the tide on senior hunger with the current generation continue down the path of failure with the next-- and much larger-- generation of our nation's seniors?

It is easy to focus on the short term view of the past, the last couple of decades that have seen a faltering economy that went from great highs to unparalleled, sustained lows and a burgeoning population of older adults, and to lay the blame here. But we have seen depression in the place of deep recession in the more distant past. And we have seen population surges like that of the last century, not driven by birth rates, but by immigrants who came to these shores seeking a better life. Many of those numbers of older persons, like my own grandparents who came into his vast, wonderful land of ours, this great melting pot, seeking the American dream. Even with its own troubles, America did not fail them.

But it is different for millions of older Americans today. At least 6 million in 2007; and while we do not have more current research to account for the impact of the economy of the past several years on seniors, one researcher has suggested that the real number of those facing hunger's real, ominous and daily threat might be 30 percent higher.

All the while, when the national attention, or should I say national debate, turns to seniors and senior issues, the discussion seems confined primarily to Social Security and Medicare - "their programs," those entitlements to which individuals who have paid into the system look for help to sustain them in their elder years. They regard their payments to the trust funds as investments, and they expect to reap some advantages from those investments. Fair enough. But because these programs are entitlements -- which means both that they guarantee some benefit and that they are costly to the budget to maintain (particularly as there are fewer and fewer young people paying into the system than in years past) -- they have become the rallying cry for those who say "look at what we do for seniors. What more do they want?"

Well, sometimes it's not about what they want, but what they need. Feeding the hungry is not a response to an optional want. It's a moral obligation... and food is certainly something to which every man, woman and child is entitled. Plainly put, it's not good enough any longer for Meals On Wheels to be viewed as a feel-good, do-good social service program. Surely local Meals On Wheels programs are that, and they are integral parts of the fabric of every community. That is why the data show us that 99 percent of the American public views these programs positively. But that's not enough. Our elected officials love these programs, and we are grateful for that. At least once a year they are pleased to do a photo-op delivering a meal. But is once a year enough?
When budget issues arise in Congress and the two parties are duking it out on the floor of the Congress, Meals On Wheels generally comes up. But is it good enough to use the story of cutting off meals to seniors and then fail to make adequate funds available to meet the need, so that in the end, after the partisan sparring is over, Meals On Wheels programs in fact have to reduce the number of meals or the number of seniors they serve?

So, I ask the question again. Is America failing our nation's seniors? And, what do we do about it? We, at Meals On Wheels programs throughout the United States, continue to deliver the best services and meals that we can. We are asked to perform two separate tasks. First is simply to feed those seniors who would otherwise go hungry. Second -- and this sets Meals On Wheels and our services apart -- is to ensure that those being fed receive food that is nutritious; that meets government guidelines for nutritional composition; that is maintained at proper temperatures, even if they are being transported forty or more miles along with other meal deliveries being made to other seniors waiting for their food; that is medically, ethnically, and religiously appropriate; and that tastes good too.

Is America failing our nation's seniors? The statistics would say the answer is yes. But are we failing our nation's seniors? No. We are Meals On Wheels, and Meals On Wheels programs are not failing our nation's seniors. Our programs are a lifeline and an anchor for the hundreds of thousands of seniors who need a helping hand. Yes, we can and we will end senior hunger and provide nutritious meals at the same time. We have the courage of our convictions and we will stand up against those who would seek to shut us out and shut us down. There simply is no other option.

Stand with us. In this the richest nation on Earth no one should go hungry. We must not fail our nation's seniors. Stand with us in this fight.

-- by Enid Borden, President and CEO of the Meals On Wheels Association of America

Food for Thought

According to the Atlanta Regional Commission (2011), access to fresh food decreases with income. This means that our lower-income neighborhoods have less access to the healthier foods needed to successfully age-in-place. Access to fast food was much greater than access to fresh food for both low and very low income subpopulations.

What does this mean for Senior Citizen Services? Our meals and wellness initiatives will continue to be vital for seniors who have low or very low incomes. Under the leadership of our Director of Operations Jerrell Saddler and Meals On Wheels Atlanta Manager Jamell Hamm, our pantry program “Mobile Meals Pantry” is supplementing canned goods with fresh fruits and vegetables. That means that the seniors who benefit from our pantry collaboration with Visiting Nurse Health System, Open Hand and The Atlanta Community Food Bank are now receiving fresh fruit and vegetables as well!

This also means that further brainstorming and partnering will be needed going forward to ensure that our nutrition via Meals On Wheels Atlanta gets to the right seniors when they really need it.

More than “being there” for our seniors, I believe that our education approach via our Neighborhood Senior Centers will be more and more critical as well. Rather than forcing education on our seniors, we utilize proven tools like Stanford’s Chronic Disease Self Management classes and Arthritis Self Management Classes. We also connect amazing providers like our fitness instructor with our seniors—this was our top ranked program of any senior center programs per our last survey.

I am more confident than ever that SCS can make a difference for lower-income seniors who do not have enough access they need to age-in-place successfully. I am also confident that SCS can convene other partners within the transportation arena to enable better access as well.

-- by Jeff Smythe, Executive Director

Senior Citizen Services Announces Older Americans Month Activities

Each May, Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta participates in Older Americans Month as part of the annual nationwide celebration that commemorates the signing of the Older Americans Act. Older Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. This year’s national theme -- Older Americans: Connecting the Community -- pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities, and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. Thursday, May 5, 10 am—4 pm Neighborhood Senior Centers Open House Fulton County/SCS Senior Centers will be open for seniors to drop by and tour each center. Food and drinks, games, Wii, music, aerobics/exercise, arts & crafts, and much more will be offered. Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am SWEEP! Day—New Horizons Neighborhood Senior Center SWEEP! is a focused, high-impact event where hundreds of volunteers perform home maintenance and enhancement projects for seniors. Get out your paint brush and yard gloves for a special day of service in Atlanta! Thursday, May 12, 10 am—4 pm SPARC Health Fair—Senior Citizen Services Health screenings, referrals, memory screenings, dental exams, blood pressure checks, etc. Tuesday, May 17, 10 am—2 pm Senior Talent Show—Senior Citizen Services Seniors from the Neighborhood Senior Centers will sing, dance, perform dramatic readings, etc. Thursday, May 19, 10 am—2 pm Taste of SCS—Senior Citizen Services Seniors from the Neighborhood Senior Centers will cook up their best dish to share with friends. Saturday, May 21, 8:15 am geneRACEtion 10K and 2K Fun Run— Grant Park Proceeds raised from geneRACEtion will benefit two worthy organizations: Kate’s Club, a non-profit organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling (www.katesclub.org) and Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc., a nonprofit, community-based organization, has been providing services since 1965 (www.scsatl.org). Register to participate at www.geneRACEtion.org! Wednesday, June 8, 12 noon Open House and Annual Meeting—Senior Citizen Services Senior Citizen Services will open its doors to community and corporate partners to celebrate 46 years of continuous service for older adults in Atlanta.

Seniors Be Aware of Scams

Scams of senior citizens are growing each year. Here are some of the most prevalent scams to be aware of: Investment and work at home schemes: In an effort to supplement their fixed incomes seniors respond to these direct mail and e-mail ads. The investment invitations promise huge returns and usually require victim to sign up quickly. In working from home scams, whether it is stuffing envelopes, data entry or serving as a “mystery shopper” the offers that are not legitimate ask the applicant to send money up front to cover start up costs. Medicare scams: Seniors are called or e-mailed by someone who claims to be with Medicare saying some errors have occurred and they need updated information such as social security, bank account or credit card numbers. Medicare will never request personal financial information by phone or e-mail. Lottery and sweepstakes scams: Typically a letter is sent to the victim announcing they are a big winner of a lottery or sweepstakes. There is either a request to wire money to pay the taxes and process the winning prize or the letter will even include a bogus check with instructions to deposit the check and then wire a portion of the prize back to cover taxes etc. When the check bounces the victim is out of that “tax money” or processing amount with little or no recourse because it was wired to an overseas account. Unprofessional professionals: This con game is more prevalent this time of year. A knock on the door and unsuspecting seniors invite an unscrupulous roof repairer, termite exterminator, gas leak technician, air duct cleaner, or other shoddy home repair specialist into their homes. They often claim to have been working in the neighborhood and noticed or suspected similar problems with the victim’s house. For reliable handyman services, please contact “We Care Home Repair” – a program of Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta – for affordable, trustworthy repairs at 404-351-6573. Bereavement scams: These are the cruelest of all con games: The scammers take advantage of seniors who have recently lost loved ones, most likely a spouse, daughter or son by scouring the obituaries. They call the widow or widower or grieving parent claiming that their dear departed has outstanding debts that need to be paid immediately by check or credit card. Grandchild in trouble scam: The con artist impersonates a grandchild to a senior who may have some hearing deficit or claims to be some sort of law enforcement or public official giving details of the young person’s financial or legal trouble that needs to be dealt with immediately. Wire the money now is the request to avoid sending the grandchild to jail or bailing them out of one. Please ensure that you and your loved ones are vigilant in protecting yourself and the older adults that are important to you.

10K Bridges the geneRACEtion Gap

Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (SCS) and Kate’s Club announced today an exciting geneRACEtion 10K Run and 2K Fun Run benefiting two of Atlanta’s most deserving but often overlooked groups, children and seniors. Both non-profit organizations provide valuable services to meet these groups most basic needs; SCS provides meals and home repair services to Atlanta’s seniors and Kate’s Club programs restore hope for children grieving from a family death.

On Saturday, May 21, two generations will come together to host the annual geneRACEtion 10K Run and 2K Fun Run in Grant Park. We will raise money while running or walking through one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods. More than 1,000 runners are expected to participate. Proceeds raised from geneRACEtion will benefit two worthy organizations:

Kate’s Club is a non-profit organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. By creating a safe, uplifting environment and providing them with critical skills to cope during a difficult and vulnerable time in their lives, we have a positive impact on grieving youth by preparing them to be productive, healthy members of their families and communities. For more information, please visit http://www.katesclub.org/.

Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (SCS), a nonprofit, community-based organization, has been providing services since 1965 and is designed to support senior independence through meals, shelter, education and community. Their programs include Meals On Wheels Atlanta, Home Repair Services, Vivian T. Minor Adult Day Care for Alzheimer’s/Dementia, and Neighborhood Senior Centers. For more information on programs, please visit http://www.scsatl.org/.

“Although SCS and Kate’s Club are focused on meeting basic living needs for our clients, the geneRACEtion 10K and 2K Fun Run will bring together people from all over the metro area to have fun and to celebrate life in a healthy and invigorating way,” said Jeffrey Smythe, Executive Director of Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (SCS). “Through participation in the geneRACEtion 10K and 2K Fun Run, metro Atlantans can remember what it is like to be a child, and sometimes how difficult that is, and at the same time, we’re all looking forward to growing older in an independent and dignified way.”

Emily Brenner Hawkins, Executive Director of Kate’s Club said, “The Kate’s Club children are so excited run in memory of their loved ones and to join our friends at SCS in this wonderful celebration of life and community.”

To register for the 10K or 2K races, please visit http://www.generacetion.org/. On-line registrations will be accepted until May 19. Registration fee is $35 for the 10K and $25 for the 2K.

Meals On Wheels Atlanta Fights Hunger at Georgia State Capitol

Meals On Wheels Atlanta, a program of Senior Citizen Services of Metropolitan Atlanta (SCS), will join with dozens of other meal-on-wheels providers across the state to talk to state legislators about the alarming senior hunger rates. Jeffrey Smythe, SCS Executive Director, will be taking seniors to the State Capitol on February 23rd as a part of the newly formed Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia.

Older Georgians ranked 6th in the nation for the prevalence of food insecurity between 2001 and 2007 and food insecurity is expected to increase because of the current economic recession across the nation. Furthermore, 138,000 meals across the state are at risk for cuts, which could, in turn, risk federal funds for meals on wheels and congregate meals programs.

Under the auspices of the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), the Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia is a non-profit, statewide network of senior nutrition providers allied in the battle to end senior hunger.

“State and federal funding for senior programs is decreasing,” said Jeffrey Smythe. “At the same time, Meals On Wheels programs across Georgia are seeing an increase in demand. Statewide waiting lists are growing each day.”

Meals On Wheels Atlanta is proud to be a founding member of the statewide organization and will participate in several activities during Senior Week at the Capitol February 21-25, 2011. MOWAG was created to strengthen communication between nutrition programs and enhance knowledge of topical issues within the aging population. The Meals On Wheels Association of Georgia strives to fulfill the national goals set forth by MOWAA on a state wide basis.