Caring for a Cause is a program where we choose a local non-profit organization in their effort to raise funds and awareness of their mission. It is a small way we can “give back” to our community.
Caring Transitions specializes in services aimed at our senior clientele, offering downsizing, relocation management and personal liquidation services. Therefore, it’s a natural fit for us to reach out to our long-term home and community-based partners for possible partnerships in our Caring for a Cause initiative. We found two terrific partners for our upcoming project. Let me tell you a bit about the Maumelle Center on the Lake (a local senior wellness center) AND in Counting on Each Other (a local non-profit agency operating a thrift shop in Maumelle which donates sales proceeds
A “Senior Center” is a type of community center where older adults congregate to receive essential services aimed to keep people healthy and independent. There are ~ 10,000 senior centers serving ~ 1 million older adults every day, according to the official count through the US Administration on Aging. In Arkansas, there are over 180 senior centers serving ~ 36k+ senior Arkansans.
Senior centers are the gateway to connecting seniors to essential community services, including meals/nutrition programs, transportation (medical and personal/social), health and fitness programs, and so much more. Most centers receive some level of federal, state, and possible local funding. While the funding levels vary, one thing is universal reality – there are always more needs than what the formal funding can possibly address.
Maumelle Center on the Lake:
The Center website link allows readers to learn more about the Center and the services provided to the community. https://www.maumelle.org/199/Senior-Wellness
The Center on the Lake is organized as a Department under the Maumelle City Government. The organizational structure imposes certain restrictions that prevent the Center from pursuing direct fund-raising events. Thankfully, the Center is allowed to receive financial donations to direct to the greatest needs as determined by leadership. Some interesting facts about the Center:
-
Provided nutritious meals during the 2020 Covid pandemic.
-
Provided Virtual exercise & art classes through social media.
-
Essential transportation including transportation to medical appointments and shopping shuttles within City of Maumelle.
Counting on Each Other:
Counting on Each Other is a 501-c-3 local non-profit whose mission is to advocate for the physical and mental well-being of seniors through community outreach and support of the Maumelle Center on the Lake. Counting on Each Other funds the following programs and services:
• Low Income Senior Dental Assistance Program
• Assistance to Maumelle Center on the Lake for facility and transportation needs
• Financial assistance to the Maumelle Center on the Lake for senior programs
Counting on Each Other furnishes these services by accepting household donations and reselling the donations to the public. A sale is held twice a month for these household goods. Partnering with Caring transitions for Caring for a Cause will allow for larger donations to be accepted and the potential to fund more programs and services for seniors in our community.
Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.
~ Joan Marques
It is a privilege to help these organizations to better fulfill their mission of service to others.