One segment of Brevard’s population that should not be forgotten this holiday season is the elder community. Aging Matters in Brevard’s mission is to promote and maintain independence and maximize quality of life for the citizens of Brevard County, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities. This holiday season, consider making a donation or volunteering your time to help out these local services:
Meals on Wheels – Volunteers deliver a hot nutritious meal to the homes of individuals age 60 or older who are homebound because of illness, disability or isolation. This service is currently in need of regular volunteers during the week. Call (321) 639-8770 for additional information.
Seniors at Lunch – Nutritionally balanced meal, social contact, and entertainment offered to seniors age 60 and over at 15 neighborhood sites located throughout the county. Door-to-door transportation is available to some sites. Volunteers are needed for kitchen/prep work for meals. Call (321) 639-8770.
The Brevard Community Kitchen – Offering food preparation for Meals on Wheels, Seniors at Lunch, adult and child daycare centers, charter schools and Summer School Lunch program. The kitchen operates a catering service for church suppers, annual picnics, and other community events. During disasters, first responders and individuals in special needs shelters receive meals prepared at the kitchen. Call (321) 636-9901 for additional information or to volunteer.
Sunflower House – A Caregiver Support Program and senior gathering spot, providing a place to meet new friends and learn about community resources. Seniors and caregivers attend educational classes and support groups, participate in chair exercise classes and watch movies, or gather information pertinent to caring for elder loved ones. Call (321) 452-4341 for additional information or to volunteer.
Senior TransServe – Volunteer drivers provide transportation for ambulatory homebound seniors who need a ride to medical appointments, grocery shopping or important appointments. Call (321) 806-3729 for additional information or to volunteer.
Home and Community Based Services – Provides companion services and assistance with light housekeeping needs such as vacuuming, laundry, light meal preparation and cleaning of bathroom and kitchen areas. Call (321) 639-6652 for additional information.
Seniors Assistance Program – Services include minor home maintenance including the installation of grab bars; call (321)-631-2744. Short-term homemaking or respite services; call (321) 806-3802. Legal advice for non-criminal matters on a limited basis; call Brevard County Legal Aid at (321) 631-2500.
For the past two Christmas seasons, through a partnership between FLORIDA TODAY and Aging Matters of Brevard, donations were collected and used to buy handpicked gifts that the recipients had on his or her wish list. Small gifts made a big impact on lonely seniors in Brevard. The gifts were purchased with contributions from the Reaching Out Holiday Fund. For more information on how you can donate or offer support this holiday season, visit AgingMattersBrevard.org
Ways to Help:
Sponsor a “Saturday Meals on Wheels” – this is a program fundraiser for groups of 20 or more people (ten teams of two or more deliver meals to seniors who have the most need); Estimated cost around $650.00 (billed at per person rate of $6.50)
- Kitchen volunteers over the holidays (individuals and small groups welcome)
- Pack canned goods for seniors to deliver for the 4-day Christmas weekend. Date and time to be announced. (great group activity)
“Adopt-a-Site” A group may help with an annual Holiday party including gift distribution, providing a Santa, taking photos, and more. Eleven sites throughout the county. (group activity)
Provide small “incentive” gifts for Sunflower House Senior “walkers” group to encourage health and wellness. (individuals or groups)
Donations are always welcome and can be made online at AgingMattersBrevard.org or by mail to “Share the Holidays,” Aging Matters in Brevard, 3600 W. King St., Cocoa, FL 32926
Make a “New Year’s Resolution” to be an Aging Matters in Brevard Volunteer!
This article appears in the December 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living.
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