In case you hadn’t heard, May is Older Americans Month, an observance established in 1963.
Those under 65 could have missed it, given the pace of life these days. It’s a good reminder to appreciate the lasting life lessons our elders have taught us – and continue to offer, if we’d just slow down a little and pay attention.
Senior citizens are a rich community resource, and that resource is growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000 there were 55,400 people 65 and older in Snohomish County, 1 in 9 residents. In 2020, that ratio is expected to grow to 1 in 5, and by 2050, it will be about 1 in 3.
That means more elders to appreciate, and more who could use a little help.
Happily, Senior Services of Snohomish County already provides a variety of needed services to older adults, people with disabilities and families caring for them. This private, nonprofit agency has been doing its job rather quietly for 33 years, promoting good nutrition, affordable housing, social services and safe, accessible transportation.
Now, though, as tighter budgets are fraying government safety nets, Senior Services is sharing its story of success a little more loudly. Recent results have been encouraging: a fundraising breakfast at the Everett Events Center in March drew 310 people and raised more than $59,000.
That’s a worthwhile investment in an agency that serves 35,000 seniors a year, integrating its services with other agencies to ensure maximum value from each dollar spent. Consider that two or three family members are typically involved in the life of each senior served, and you get a better idea of the agency’s true reach.
A sampling of the services provided illustrates it more vividly:
* Senior Services operates the Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) program under contract with Community Transit, and last year provided more than 200,000 trips to seniors who would otherwise be stuck at home. Its Transportation Assistance Program even serves seniors in rural areas where CT doesn’t run.
* Its nutrition programs, including Meals on Wheels, serves more than 250,000 meals a year.
* The agency offers more than 660 units of affordable housing to eligible seniors, and offers minor repair assistance so seniors can continue living safely in their homes.
* Its social services include general senior information and assistance, peer counseling, depression screening and a family caregiver resource program.
As we take time this month to honor older Americans, we should also applaud Senior Services of Snohomish County and its mission – to protect the independence and dignity of those to whom we owe so much.
To learn more about Senior Services of Snohomish County, visit www.sssc.org or call 425-355-1112.
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