Senior Citizens Resources Inc

Programs: Congregate meals: the congregate meal provides for a nutritious meal eaten with new or long- time friends at the center. The congregate meal provides a built in support system for our seniors, and at the same time planned activities before and after the meal provide much needed physical and mental activity. This is crucial to keeping the seniors independent. The meal is provided at the center 5 days a week. Approximately 15,700 seniors are served throughout the year through this program.

home delivered meals: for the seniors who are homebound due to a chronic disease or temporary health setback, scr delivers a nutritious hot meal 5 days a week. For some seniors, this is the only real meal that is eaten in that day. Others have said that the volunteer who delivers it is the only person they speak with in any given day. Over 106 meals are delivered daily by scr. Over 26,000 meals are delivered in the year.

transportation: 4 vans provide over 300 seniors, many of them no longer able to drive, transportation to and from their homes in order to participate in the congregate meal, to get to their medical appointments, grocery stores, the local food bank, recreational outings, and the local city recreation center, among many other locations in order to help the seniors remain independent. Most of our participants are over the age of 78 and the transportation system is a much needed service. The vans make 13,000 trips in a year, and it is one of our most valued services, but also one that is expensive to operate simply due to the ongoing maintenance and expense of maintaining safe and reliable vans.

activities: scr provides a wide array of activities for the seniors, both at the center and in the neighborhood. An exercise program is sponsored at the local recreation center, attended by a committed group of seniors. It is also led by a senior. Other activities at the center include trivia contests, bingo, chair volleyball, yoga, seated bowling, ping pong, crafts, crocheting, sewing, art projects, as well as intergenerational activities in partnership with a local grade school. The activities are selected to attract and interest both frail and more independent seniors, strengthening mind and body. Social services: scr has a small department handling the various issues that seniors encounter as they attempt to get through the myriad of bureaucracy with medicaid, food stamps, assistance programs, etc. In addition, our services include a home visit to all participants in the home delivered meal program, ensuring they fit the criteria but also connecting the seniors with other services that may be needed. Our social services department coordinates over 12 speakers throughout the year addressing the topics that are of importance to seniors. Examples include: nutrition, medicaid/medicare/ chronic disease management, recognizing scams, preventing fraud and money management a in addition, scr sponsors 2 health fairs a year, monthly blood pressure screenings, as well as cholesterol and glucose testing. Volunteerism: scr coordinates many volunteer opportunities for seniors, including the meals on wheels delivery network, but also the many other volunteer needs of the organization. This includes assisting with the food set up, activities, mailings, the front desk, special events, and making and selling crafts at the "granny store". Our volunteers number approximately 150 persons, including a group that provides volunteer services at metrohealth on behalf of scr. Volunteerism is an important aspect in keeping seniors active and engaged in life. Most of our volunteers are over 60, and maintain their purpose and vitality through volunteerism.