100+ Men make a $5,750 difference
Photo courtesy of The Help Centre.
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Help Centre is honoured to announce a generous $5,750 contribution towards its Seniors Support Program from 100+ Men Who Care Northumberland.
“Of all the organizations in Northumberland County, supporting the Help Centre is an absolute must – so glad we could help,” 100+ Men spokesman Drew Macklin said in the announcement.
The Seniors Support Program provides advocacy and system-navigation services for older adults who are isolated or struggling with complex housing, medical and income challenges. It allows staff to spend the time needed to unravel complex paperwork, resolve benefit interruptions, co-ordinate medical and social supports, and ensure seniors understand their rights and options.
Most importantly, it provides a trusted and consistent point of contact for those who have nowhere else to turn.
One recent example was an older gentleman living alone in a rural area in deteriorating health, with no family nearby. He was overwhelmed by paperwork and changes to his income that made no sense to him. The Help Centre reviewed the documentation, contacted agencies, resolved the issues and ensured he retained the benefits and care he relies on.
Help Centre Executive Director Kim Lauder noted that their Seniors program faces rapidly increasing demand but remains significantly underfunded.
“We have several grant applications submitted, with more underway, but these processes take time. Support like this ensures we can continue helping vulnerable seniors right now.”
For more than 40 years, the Help Centre has provided advocacy, support and hope for Northumberland residents, Lauder said.
“It is the generosity of groups like 100+ Men that has allowed us to serve this community for more than four decades, and this donation will help us be here for decades more.”
