of seniors in Douglas County, Kansas www.YourSRC.org. (785) 842-0543. 745 Vermont, Lawrence, KS 66044. (mailing address)
Providing resources, services, opportunities, and advocacy that enhance the quality of the second half of life.
Annual Report 2017 Tending to the growing needs of seniors in Douglas County, Kansas
www.YourSRC.org
(785) 842-0543
745 Vermont, Lawrence, KS 66044 (mailing address) 2920 Haskell, Lawrence, KS (temporary location)
Senior Solutions Services SRC maintains the county’s centralized database of resources available for seniors. Staff experts meet with seniors, caregivers, families, professionals, and others to provide free information, education, and guidance for help finding services.
How do I find affordable housing? What handyman services are available to me? Who can make my home more suited to my needs? How can my father get his wish to stay in his home? What are options for recreation and lifelong learning? How can I connect with others? Where can I get caregiver support? What discounts are there for seniors? Can I get free tickets to performances? Why is Lawrence a good place to retire? And so much more
SRC: Your go-to source of information about ALL THINGS SENIOR in Douglas County!
Health & Human Services This department deals with health care, finances, safety, and legal concerns of seniors. Free Medicare counseling is provided as an extension of Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). SRC offers “Welcome to Medicare” throughout the county every month. Safe Winter Walkways helps seniors in need of snow removal through dozens of volunteers. The Adopt-aSenior program provides isolated seniors with Christmas gifts.
In 2017 over 2,000 seniors were served by Health & Human Services; 5,859 units of information were provided. During Medicare enrollment, 18 trained SHICK volunteers helped 692 people with Medicare options.
“Suddenly, we faced a crisis with Mother and didn’t know where to turn. We didn’t even know what questions to ask. SRC staff spent time with us to understand her needs and help us find services to care for her in her home. She’s doing much better now.”
Senior Meals Volunteers deliver free heart-healthy lunches Monday-Friday to seniors 60 and older who have difficulty accessing or preparing food. Senior Meals is the only daily home-delivered meal service to all of Douglas County.
31,827 meals were delivered in 2017. Volunteers donated 3,042 hours of their time to assure hungry seniors were fed.
Senior Meals food costs rose over 40% in 2017. “After paying my bills out of Social Security, I do not have enough left over to pay for Senior Meals, which I love so much and appreciate with all my heart.” A Senior Wheels Customer
Senior Wheels Senior Wheels is the only transportation program that serves all persons 60 and older throughout Douglas County regardless of income through door-to-door scheduled rides. Drivers are thoroughly screened and vetted.
10,613 rides were provided during 2017 by Senior Wheels. An additional 401 rides could not be accommodated because of limited resources.
Senior Wheels provided 32% more rides in 2017. “I have no one to take me to my doctor’s appointments or to the supermarket. The drivers are patient and kind. I appreciate and rely on this service. Thank you.”
2017 Sources of SRC Financial Support (does not include in-kind support)
2017 grants: Kansas Department of Transportation; Older Americans Act via Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Service via Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, and Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging; Emergency Food & Shelter Program (American Red Cross); and Douglas County Community Foundation.
SRC 2017 Budgeted Operating Expenses: $1,055,856 Other Programs 12%
Health & Human Services 25%
Fundraising, Administrative 2% Senior Meals 38%
Senior Wheels 23%
It’s easy to donate to SRC online at www.YourSRC.org
Dear SRC Supporters and Customers, In 2017 the Senior Resource Center (SRC) marked 45 years of service to Douglas County seniors. Named one of the top 25 Places to Retire by Forbes Magazine, the senior population of the county grew by 5.4% in the past year. We at the SRC are increasing our services and programming to meet the increasing needs of our senior population. In 2017 SRC completed the rebranding process that has been part of reinventing and revitalizing the organization. Formerly Douglas County Senior Services, SRC’s expanded mission includes continuing to provide many services as well as now being the county’s designated place to obtain guidance finding services and opportunities offered by all resources throughout the area. Any senior wanting to relocate here or needing help navigating the complexities of finding what they need can now turn to SRC. SRC has moved temporarily out of its home at 745 Vermont in Lawrence to Peaslee Technical Training Center at 2920 Haskell for a complete remodeling of the interior. We look forward to returning to our home and are confident the public will be delighted with its new look and expanded features. Thank you for reading this Annual Report to learn about SRC. An independent nonprofit 501(c)3 agency that receives some assistance from Douglas County, Lawrence, and Baldwin City, SRC can only provide services with a few grants and your financial assistance. Please tell us how you would like to help SRC or how we can help you! Kind regards, Dr. Marvel Williamson, Executive Director www.YourSRC.org
(785) 842-0543
Our Vision: Every Douglas County senior will lead the best life possible. Services offered by the Senior Resource Center: Senior Wheels, transportation services Senior Meals, home-delivered lunches Caregiver support groups Free legal aid through Kansas Legal Services Emergency financial assistance Safe Winter Walkways, snow removal service Better Senior Living, SRC’s monthly magazine Medicare counseling and enrollment assistance Tax preparation assistance with AARP Retirement design in Douglas County Recreation, classes, clubs, and events Adopt-a-Senior for Christmas Information on resources for seniors Countywide strategic planning on senior services
Douglas County has the fastest Kansas growth rate in the 60 and over population, up 24% since 2010. As the county grows, so do the needs of seniors. Over 300 volunteers assist staff to insure that seniors receive SRC’s services, but more help is greatly needed. To volunteer, call (785) 842-0543 to hear about the many ways you can help. SRC: Your go-to source of information about ALL THINGS SENIOR in Douglas County Mailing address and permanent location: 745 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044 Temporary location during remodeling: 2920 Haskell Avenue, Lawrence, KS www.YourSRC.org
(785) 842-0543
