News Release
Media contact: Emily Schnacky
Phone: 952-767-7899
Email: e.schnacky@seniorcommunity.org
HOME helps struggling seniors remain independent
Minnetonka, Minn. – Nonprofit Senior Community Services, which operates the state’s largest chore services program for seniors, has acquired a household chore program serving Minneapolis seniors from Neighborhood Involvement Program (NIP), which ended direct client services December 31, 2014.
With the change, Senior Community Services is available to serve hundreds more seniors in Minneapolis, in addition to those seniors already being served by the HOME (Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly) program elsewhere in the metro area.
“Senior Community Services is pleased to bring Minneapolis seniors into our program. There is a growing need for services that help struggling and low-income seniors and caregivers maintain independence,” says CEO Deb Taylor. “Without this program, many seniors would have to trade their homes for a more structured, and more costly, senior facility. In addition, Minneapolis residents now have access to a broad array of other helpful services from us,” Taylor added.
The expanded HOME program now includes nearly 4,000 volunteers – a 78 percent increase – who donated more than 18,000 hours of service annually. HOME also now encompasses a larger network of staff handypersons, homemakers, and independent contractors who provide low-cost home repair, cleaning, and maintenance services.
Former NIP Senior Program’s Director Jon Burkhow has been hired to lead the expanded HOME program, and former NIP staff member Jeanne Rasmussen is Senior Community Services’ new Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.
The expanded HOME program’s service area includes: Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Edina, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Greenwood, Hopkins, Long Lake, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Mound, New Hope, Orono, Osseo, Plymouth, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Shorewood, Spring Park, St. Louis Park, Tonka Bay, Wayzata, and Woodland.
Through the HOME program, low-cost household services are available for people 60 and older, regardless of income. Services include:
- Housecleaning and laundry
- Snow shoveling
- Lawn mowing
- Interior and exterior painting
- Minor repairs and plumbing
- Installation of safety devices
- Errands and grocery shopping
- Leaf raking and other yard chores
- Window washing
For more information on the HOME (Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly) program call 952-746-4046 or visit www.seniorcommunity.org.
For details on Senior Community Services’ many free or low-cost services for seniors and their caregivers, visit www.seniorcommunity.org or call 952-541-1019.
Media Advisory:
CEO Deb Taylor is available for interviews by calling 952-767-7899.
