When seniors need assistance and there is no funding available for the help they need, where can they turn?
Luckily, seniors in St. Johns County can turn to a program from the nonprofit Council on Aging called Care Connection. The program provides a wide range of services that help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life at home, rather than being compelled by difficult circumstances to enter assisted living.
Care Connection is entirely powered by donors and volunteers from the community. And so, each year, COA typically rings in the holiday season with a festive fundraising event at River House called “Christmas on the River” to generate the funds necessary to run the program.
This year, however, the annual event has been forced to turn to an alternative format due to COVID-19 concerns.
“We’re calling it the non-event of the season,” said Tom Torretta, the Council’s development director. “This year, instead of buying an outfit, hiring a sitter or missing the game, we’re asking the community to please donate their ticket value to Care Connection and make sure this program will continue to be available. We’re also asking our business sponsors in the community to please continue to be there for the vulnerable elders the program serves.”
Services provided through the program include minor home repairs; grab-bar installation; lawn services; help applying for energy assistance, food stamps and Medicare; and the construction of wheelchair ramps.
The program also provides assistive devices – such as wheelchairs – and pet food, so that elders will not need to sacrifice their own meals to feed their pets.
“The sense of security and safety provided by a grab bar, expertly installed by our minor home repairs team, or the continued pride a senior can take in their home after their lawn is freshly mowed by our cutters-and-clippers crew is immeasurable,” Council staff member Michael Large said. “We also offer peace of mind to family members who may live across the country.”
The sole staff member, Large coordinates the program, working with approximately 60 volunteers to see that seniors receive the critical help they need.
In 2019, some of the work accomplished by dedicated volunteers and generous supporters included building 11 wheelchair ramps; providing 200 assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers and shower chairs; installing more than 50 sets of grab bars; maintaining an average of 75 lawns per month; successfully submitting 75 food stamp applications for seniors in need; and delivering 1,900 pounds of pet food.
“Care Connection is truly a community effort,” explained Council Executive Director Becky Yanni. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 has not diminished the needs seniors have for assistance. On the contrary, the community’s support is even more important to their well-being and safety now.”
To learn more about the “non-event” fundraiser or to support it, go to www.bit.ly/nonevent2020. Donations may also be mailed to COA at 180 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 with the note “Care Connection.”
Individual ticket price donations are $50, and Elder Guard sponsorships begin at $250. Sponsors should contact Torretta at 904-209-3700 or ttorretta@coasjc.org. Monthly donations are another way supporters can help finance the program.
“Christmas on the River may be cancelled this year, but the good news is the holiday spirit is not,” Torretta said. “Whatever the community can share in the spirit of the holidays will make a huge difference to elders in our local community who are so in need of our help and support right now.”
For more information on the wide range of services Care Connection provides, go to www.coasjc.org/care-connection or call 904-209-3700.
