COATESVILLE — Now more than ever, Coatesville Area Senior Center needs volunteers.
CASC, a non-profit serving Chester County seniors, began in 1977 at a Coatesville bank. Now located at 22 N.Fifth Avenue in the city, CASC has grown by leaps and bounds. In another six months it will move to a larger facility at 3rd and Harmony Streets, CareerLink’s former office.
CASC provides a welcoming place for those 60+ to socialize and learn. The Center’s mission is to help seniors “Live Vibrantly!”. In the last year, senior membership grew 25% . Event attendance increased 70%.
Jenn Givler, Executive Director, decided to add more staff. She and Coleen Gill, current Program Coordinator, were running all programs, with the help of their Board of Directors. In late April they hired Kim Skinner, Volunteer Coordinator, to recruit and train volunteers, and direct a program called Neighbors in Action.
Each of us knows someone who has experienced tough times: job loss, home foreclosure, early retirement, minimal increases in social security, medical coverage loss, insurance premium increases. Our elder folk are affected by these too. As they age, losing ability to function physically or mentally, many can’t afford the cost of transitioning out of their homes to nursing or retirement communities. In order to continue living in their homes independently, they need support, a connection to others, resources for financial assistance, and help with tasks around the house. Senior centers like CASC are filling the gap, providing support, education, social events and help with rent rebates, referrals, and volunteers to assist them.
Agencies like Senior Helpers provide companionship and care. But the $20+ per hour fee for services is prohibitive. CASC’s Neighbors in Action program steps in to help by matching screened volunteers to a qualifying senior’s need. Neighbors in Action is new to CASC, but exists all over the US. Kennett Square Area Senior Center’s NIA program has been running full time since 2012. Chester County Department of Aging and Pennsylvania Department of Aging provide funding.
A 2011 study by Dr. Sara Konrath of the American Psychological Association (www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/09/volunteeringhealth.aspx) found that people who volunteer for the purpose of benefiting others actually live longer! Volunteering gives the opportunity to make new friends, use your professional skills, become a “change agent” for the betterment of your neighborhood. Many unemployed or retired citizens with free time volunteer to keep busy. Helping someone generates a wonderful feeling. You can’t buy that kind of feeling with money!
As Coatesville celebrates its Centennial this year, this program presents a wonderful opportunity for actively building community among neighborhood residents. Why not show your community spirit by taking action as a volunteer. There are two ways to contribute. Ms. Skinner recruits people interested in helping with programming and activities at the Center. She also recruits Neighbors In Action prospects to carry out tasks at a senior’s home. Individuals or groups are welcome. Please contact Kim Skinner by calling 610-383-6900 or email: kim@coatesvilleseniorcenter.org for more information.
