Christ Episcopal Church at Serenata Beach joins Council on Aging as Caring Partner

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Christ Episcopal Church at Serenata Beach, a second campus of Christ Episcopal Church of Ponte Vedra, has joined St. Johns County Council on Aging as a Caring Partner sponsor. Caring Partners provide financial resources to support specific COA programs. 

The congregation has committed to being the Caring Partner this year for Care Connection, a program dedicated to helping older adults maintain their independence and remain in their homes for as long as possible.

The program fills needs for which there are no current funding sources. It offers services that help seniors stay in their homes when circumstances might otherwise compel them to enter assisted living. These services include minor home repairs, basic lawn care, meals for pets, assistive devices, wheelchair ramp construction and energy assistance. The program is 100% reliant upon donations and almost entirely volunteer-run.

The church has dedicated its outreach to serving St. Johns County and, in 2002, COA became their first outreach partner.

“The congregation recognized immediately the importance of the work being done by COA, but also the quality and breadth of services COA provides,” said parish executive Steve Harrison. “The primary church in Ponte Vedra soon took notice of the good works their new little church was doing and began looking for ways to strengthen the relationship with COA even further.”

Harrison also serves on COA’s board of directors.

The congregation’s involvement grew from support for COA’s original golf tournament to supporting and volunteering for many programs, including support for River House, COA’s original off-site memory programs, and, ultimately, support for COA’s Ponte Vedra Memory Care Center.

“Working with COA for over 18 years, Christ Church is proud of our relationship and is honored to partner with COA in making such a positive impact for seniors in our county,” Harrison said.

“The program makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” said Ponte Vedra resident Ed Olsen, who has been leading volunteer crews that have been building wheelchair ramps with Care Connection for six years. “One minute they are powerless to leave or enter their homes, and several hours later they are enjoying their yard and their independence again. That freedom and dignity are priceless.”

“The Care Connection program is a wonderful example of the ways generous supporters and caring volunteers in our community can come together to be there for our elders when they need our help,” said Becky Yanni, COA’s executive director. “We are deeply grateful to the congregation at Christ Episcopal for their extremely steadfast support over the years.”