I am writing in reaction to Sharon Salyer’s article this weekend involving the United Way’s decision to fund training for youth baristas instead of funding senior centers. (“United Way cuts sting senior centers.) I am at a loss as to why Dennis Smith is stunned by the opposition to United Way turning its back on vital services for seniors. I have reviewed the list of grants from United Way this year and I am stunned by what United Way of Snohomish County is labeling as benefits to seniors: Child Strive, Early Intervention; Early Educational Success for Low-Income Children; Escaping Poverty through Education; Homeless Teen and Young Parent Program; Pre-Employment Pathways. These may all be very good programs — but they do not take the place of the vital services provided by Snohomish County’s Senior Centers and they are not intended to benefit seniors.
In my law practice, I see seniors every day who are struggling because they lost their life savings or even their homes during the Great Recession. I work with seniors and their families who are dealing with long-term care needs for their loved ones. Many come into my office after isolation and loneliness have made them susceptible to fraud or neglect. Snohomish County’s Senior Centers provide critical services and programs that combat these issues.
As your article pointed out, the number of seniors in Snohomish County has grown by 55 percent between 2003 and 2013. National statistics show that 10,000 of us a day are reaching the age of 65. The decision by United Way disregards an entire population of some of our most vulnerable citizens. It is shameful.
Peggy L. Sanders, attorney-at-law
Sander Law Group
Edmonds
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