You can help: Seniors face pressing issues
Senior citizens in Mecklenburg County face a number of challenges, including access to transportation and caregiving support. An assessment recently completed by UNC Charlotte Urban Institute for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Council on Aging recommended a county-wide aging plan and more collaboration as ways to improve services to the elderly.
You can read more about the assessment here, and then - why not make your own plan? The organizations below are working with seniors every day. If you'd like to be part of the solution, here are 3 ways to step in now to help.
Love INC - Adopt an elder or disabled individual. Check in on them and help them get to the doctor or grocery store. This is a great opportunity for a group to use a "team" approach to volunteering.
Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont - Help with maintenance. This organization provides legal services for individuals in need, including the elderly. Help them keep focusing on the work they do by providing handyman services around their offices.
Shepherd's Center of Charlotte - Volunteer to drive. Remember one of the big challenges faced by seniors? Access to transportation. Help a senior get to medical appointments; your commitment can be as little as once per month.
(Image courtesy of Shepherd's Center of Charlotte)