Supporting Aging with Choices

Our Goals:

• As they age, seniors have options to live in an appropriate setting.
• Seniors’ basic needs are met.
• The community is aware of and seniors can access needed services.
• Seniors’ physical and mental health needs are met.
• Seniors live in a safe setting.
• Seniors are able to engage in activities and/or opportunities which enrich their lives.

Vision Council

The Supporting Aging with Choices Vision Council is working to identify gaps in services and prioritize needs for the aging population. In 2011, the council held a forum and conducted a survey to verify needs, develop an action plan and engage constituents in supporting actions. A priority has been placed on making sure citizens of Kingsport are aware of and have easy access to information, education, and counseling about senior services and programs.

Member Agency Programs

First Tennessee Human Resource Agency Personal Support Service Program: $22,000
Promotes self-sufficiency and prevents institutional placement by providing cost effective in-home care for individuals in threat of harm due to abuse or neglect.

Meals on Wheels of Kingsport: $116,000
Provides hot nutritious meals & human contact to isolated, incapacitated senior citizens & if appropriate other home-bound, disabled persons to facilitate safe independent living.

Mountain Region Speech and Hearing's Hearing Aid Program: To Be Funded in 2013
Provides hearing aids to qualifying seniors who need financial assistance.

Shepherd Center of Kingsport Assistance to Older Adults Program: $21,040
Provides services such as transportation, medical equipment loan & minor home repairs which enable older adults to remain living independently & safely in their homes.

“We are totally a volunteer organization. We have two kitchens where we prepare about 250 meals Monday through Friday. We have approximately 500 volunteers between the cooks and the driver. Your financial situation is not a requirement to become a recipient for Meals on Wheels, it is just if you need a meal delivered to you or not. Some of the recipients I have come to know, I consider them a loved one. There are those that I hug every single time I come. The majority of our funding is through the United Way and we couldn’t exist without the United Way.”    
— Liza Harmon, Meals on Wheels Volunteer