Why We Do What We Do

We believe in healthy community! If the community is to be healthy, then we must identify and value the assets that exist in community. Older adults and adults with disabilitites are among our most cherished assets.

Our work at Helping Hands Outreach began by reaching out to help older adults who were experiencing challenges to remain safely and comfortably in their homes. Those services are now in place. Not all older adults are frail, in fact, most of them are not. Many do, however, need some support. Services included in this "safety net" are transportation, homemaking and chores assistance, help with insurance or other household business, social contacts, or information to help older adults make healthy lifestyle choices.

We want to be there for them in their need and also draw out the gifts that they have that are critical to the vitality of the community. As we have worked among older adults, we have become convinced of the tremendous resource they are for our community. Our program draws upon the strengths and abilities of those who are strong and active to support those who are not. We have a number of persons in their 80s, for example, who devote time every week telephoning other older adults to check on them and help them stay connected with the community. Adults with disabilities also have gifts to share with others in the community and should be engaged.

Our vision is to facilitate the caring of good neighbors in all parts of our service area. We work to help the community to become more mindful of the older adults and adults with disabilities, not only because they may be in need of some support, but just as importantly because they are valuable assets to help build our community.