With integrity and knowledge we provided information and assistance to seniors. We listened with respect to their needs and then found the resources to answer them.

The largest of these programs is the Information & Assistance (I&A) service. This program receives funding from the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs of the local municipalities. Its goal is to link seniors with needed services. Through this program, seniors are provided with referral, advocacy, follow-up and information services regarding health and human needs.

Staff collect, organize and maintain a comprehensive resource file on agencies, individuals and organizations providing health and human services to seniors in this area, and they work cooperatively with other service providers to link recipients with appropriate resources. They also do outreach to the community at large. The tax assistance program helped 291 seniors, escorted transportation service helped 78 frail seniors that were unable to ride PAATS busses, 151 people utilized our loan closet, 68 received assistance with Michigan’s Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage, 131 seniors received 911 cell phones, 139 people received assistance with Medicare, 270 seniors requested our Independent Provider list, 41 seniors took part in our computer classes, 680 seniors were given flu shots and 312 people attended our afternoon teas. In FY 2003-2004, 4272 seniors contacted the I & A staff; 1270 hours of assistance were given to them.

Text taken from Annual Report 2004/05.