Story posted Thursday, July 2, 2009
Senior Services Focus Of Community Outreach
By TOM ROBB Journal & Topics Reporter
"If they can't get to us we've got to go to them," said Elk Grove Township Supervisor Nanci Vanderweel.
The township is currently taking informational general assistance and transportation programs on the road with a new senior citizen outreach program. Township officials are visiting senior citizen housing facilities and recreation centers in an attempt to raise awareness about available programs.
Vanderweel said the goal is to help any seniors who might benefit from township programs but might be unable to reach township offices or might be unaware of assistance programs.
In addition to general assistance programs that can assist with food, housing, utility bills and other expenses for those in financial need, the township operates a food pantry and several transportation assistance programs.
The township also has a nurse on staff that is able to visit disabled residents and seniors in their homes and mobile dental clinic it shares with several other townships through Northwest Community Hospital.
Transportation programs include the township's three busses used for the Dial-A-Bus program within township boundaries, the Township Riders Initiative Pilot (TRIP) programs for seniors and disabled adults, a program through the PACE bus system to transport people outside of the township for medical treatment and a senior taxi program.
The idea to take township programs beyond the township office's walls came from two employees, General Assistance Director Julie Villarreal and Township Administrator Linda Hopfer, according to Vanderweel.
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