Members of the local Rotary Club heard an update Wednesday on the work of the Jeff Davis Senior Center, including meal delivery, utility assistance, home weatherization, activities and programs designed to help local seniors remain connected and independent.
Jeff Davis Senior Center Manager Ann Rollins was the guest speaker for the meeting and also encouraged local organizations, businesses and individuals to consider ways they can support the county’s senior population. Rollins has worked with senior programs for 17 years and has served in several roles, including meal delivery and program assistant, before becoming center manager.
One of the programs Rollins highlighted was weatherization assistance, which can help make homes more energy efficient. Through the program, contractors can inspect areas such as windows, doors and ductwork for energy loss and replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. Rollins emphasized that the program is not limited to homeowners. Seniors who rent their homes may also qualify to participate.
Energy assistance is another resource available to eligible residents. Rollins said the summer cooling assistance program has recently concluded, while assistance for households age 65 and older is expected to open again in December. The program can assist with heating costs, including gas and electricity. Assistance may also be available in certain circumstances for households that rely on firewood for heat.
Nutrition continues to be a major part of the Senior Center’s work. Rollins and program assistant Keisha Kates oversee services that include both activities and meals at the center and food delivered to homebound residents. Rollins said approximately 21 to 22 seniors currently participate at the center, while roughly 25 to 28 residents are served through home meal delivery.
Hot meals are delivered Monday through Friday before lunchtime. Frozen meals may also be delivered in larger quantities to residents farther away, including those in the Denton area, helping ensure they have meals while also reducing transportation costs. Shelf-stable meals are provided when regular deliveries cannot take place because of holidays.
One of the challenges facing the center is transportation. Rollins said the center is currently down to one van, and its design makes getting on and off difficult for some seniors. She is communicating with Jeff Davis County commissioners about the possibility of obtaining a more accessible vehicle.
Local churches and volunteers have also helped with transportation. During the meeting, Reverend Steven Riddle spoke about having driven a church van for Senior Center trips and described the seniors as a great group to spend time with.
With the holidays approaching, the discussion turned toward opportunities for Rotary and the community to help. Last year, Rotary assisted with a Thanksgiving outing that allowed local seniors to enjoy lunch together. Members expressed interest Tuesday in supporting a similar effort this year and encouraged Rollins to stay in contact with the club as plans develop.
Rollins said outings like those can be especially important because some Senior Center participants may not otherwise be financially able to take part. She stressed that while the center can connect seniors with resources and provide services, community involvement makes many of the extras possible. “I can do so much, but they need the community to also step up and help,” Rollins told members.
The popular Adopt a Senior for Christmas program is also expected to return. The program has been held for several years and allows community members to select a numbered card representing a local senior. The cards provide information to help participants purchase appropriate gifts while the senior’s identity remains private.
Rollins said promotion for this year’s program is expected to begin in early November. She recalled how meaningful similar efforts have been for homebound seniors, including a Valentine’s Day program in which gifts were delivered directly to their homes. For some recipients, she said, simply knowing someone had thought about them was emotional.
The Senior Center also gives participants opportunities for exercise, arts and crafts, activities and trips. The facility currently has two treadmills and an exercise bike, and Rollins said seniors particularly enjoy craft projects. She welcomed donations of craft supplies and ideas for future activities.
The center is also connected with Heart of Georgia and other resources that can assist seniors with needs such as wheelchair and walker ramps. Rollins said the center works closely with hospital case managers when seniors are discharged and need additional help at home.
The Jeff Davis Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Those interested in learning about services, volunteering or helping support local seniors may contact the center at (912) 375-3603.
For Rollins, the work ultimately comes down to making sure older residents know they have not been forgotten. She told Rotary members that even beyond providing food or financial assistance, simply making contact and spending time with homebound seniors can make a difference.
Rotary members thanked Rollins for her years of service and assured her that the organization wants to remain involved as Thanksgiving, Christmas and other opportunities to serve local seniors approach.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Chris Roppe reminded members of the upcoming 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance program, which will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the MAC Building. The community event is being organized by local emergency responders and is expected to last approximately one hour.
