TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Acceptance of Donation of Van to Support Senior Outreach Services and Center 50+ Village Network.
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
Result Area(s): Welcoming and Livable Community
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ISSUE:
Shall Council accept donation of the van from Friends of Center 50+ for the purpose of expanding outreach services at Center 50+?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Accept donation of the van from Friends of Center 50+ for the purpose of expanding outreach services at Center 50+.
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SUMMARY:
Friends of Center 50+ have received a cargo van on behalf of Center 50+ to expand outreach services, including the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) Van and Center 50+ Village Network. As the 501(c)3 fundraising arm for Center 50+, the Friends seek to transfer the van to the City of Salem for Center 50+ to support and enhance services.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Mt. West Investments donated a cargo van to Friends of Center 50+ to support outreach services, such as Wellness on Wheels and Center 50+ Village Network. Prior to the pandemic, Center 50+ had identified senior loneliness and isolation as a priority. Addressing these issues became even more important and urgent during the pandemic. Outreach services were expanded to combat loneliness and isolation and to support seniors remaining safely at home during the pandemic.
With a small City team coordinating efforts, over 200 volunteers are the cornerstone of the outreach services. Peer-to-peer connections and neighbor/community members helping seniors remain healthy and independent are the ultimate goals.
WOW Van and outreach services, including Friendly Caller, Friendly Visitor, and Fix-it Brigade, provide ongoing connections and the development of organic and lasting friendships and social supports. During the pandemic these programs have been serving more than 1,200 seniors each week.
Upon City Council approval, Friends of Center 50+ will transfer the van to the City of Salem to be used to enhance outreach services. The van operates using donations from Friends of Center 50+ 501(c)3 and private donors. Costs associated with service delivery is included in the Center’s current budget. The vehicle will be added to the City’s fleet. The fleet is valued at about $35 million, so adding this vehicle will have little or no impact on insurance rates.
BACKGROUND:
Eighty-five percent of Older Adults desire to remain in their homes and neighborhoods as they age. An Age Friendly Community provides wrap-around programs and services, neighborhood resources, and peer-to-peer connections that encourage independent living for a lifetime.
Research indicates loneliness and isolation are a world-wide epidemic and they impact the mental, physical, and emotional health of older adults, increasing hospital visits and time spent in long-term care facilities. Outreach services and the WOW Van deliver programs and activities to seniors wherever they live or congregate.
Creating formal and informal networks that engage older adults in their community and their neighborhoods, connect multiple generations, and keep older adults active and participating through volunteerism and civic engagement improve quality of life and overall health.
Alicia Blalock
Administration Division Manager