July - September 2018

24 Serving Our Seniors is someone to call when you need help. 419-624-1856 800-564-1856 Home repairs, ADA modifications, insulation, and help for other home needs is available at no cost through the Erie County Community Housing Impact and Preservation program and WSOS Home Weatherization Assistance Program. Income guidelines apply. Call for details. 1-800-775-9767 • WWW.WSOS.ORG Home repair help is here By 2020, the number of Erie County residents who will be aged 60 or older is estimated at over 23,000 people. That number represents 31% of the population, which is expected to increase to 35% by 2030. This significant change in our demographics will necessitate changes in the ways that social service agencies operate as they work to meet the needs of our older adults. Although currently funded primarily by the Erie County Senior Services Tax Levy, we anticipate as our senior population grows, additional resources to supplement levy support will be needed. As we prepare for more Erie County residents who will need our help, you will see Serving Our Seniors hold more fundraising events, submit grant requests, seek financial donations from the general public and ask for volunteer support. We are also initiating programs to encourage people to stay self-reliant for as long as possible and to be willing to help their friends and neighbors out, so they can maintain an independent lifestyle longer, too. We look forward to continuing our advocacy for older adults. With your help, together we will make Erie County as compassionate community for aging independently. PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE By Barb Hanck, Fund Development Coordinator Wendy Boyer Jacob Forren Anna Messenger Patricia Stineman Chris Ferguson Anthony Pool Tina Elmlinger Nancy Rodriguez Chloe Browne