Give a Little to Seniors
For the past seven years, generous grants awarded annually by the Hillside Foundation as well as contributions from our donors have allowed us to expand significantly our efforts to help deserving senior citizens. Our efforts include:
Funding emergency and critical needs for elderly citizens
In cooperation with our network of agencies in the community who refer clients to us for funding, we regularly meet a range of requests, including: automobile tires and insurance, rental assistance, utility bills, medical and health expenses, access to transportation (either through bus passes or gas cards), and home repairs.
We help an estimated 40 seniors a year with these types of urgent needs.
To cite two specific cases:
- A woman with serious health issues whose income goes primarily toward medical expenses was driving on four unsafe tires that were replaced in cooperation with YCAP (Yamhill Community Action Partnership).
- A woman experiencing chronic pain received a three-month pass for the aquatic center at the recommendation of her physician.
To those who so generously gave money to assist in getting me a used wheelchair lift, I cannot express to you the gratitude I feel. I have been housebound for many years now. I was afraid that I would never be able to get one, as these lifts are $2,300 and on up, but was fortunate enough to find this one used. Thank you for giving me part of my independence back, part of my life back. You have truly given me something that I will appreciate and be grateful for every day for the rest of my life! With the deepest appreciation.
Pilot program for urgent needs during COVID-19
Soon after the pandemic began, we distributed a survey to residents of two senior facilities in McMinnville (Village Quarter and Heritage Place) and to Meals on Wheels recipients in McMinnville, Sheridan, and Newberg.
As a result, we have been active in supplying a large number of seniors with urgent needs, including fans for those without fans or air conditioning; gift cards for groceries and gas; eye exams and glasses; foot care; haircuts; desk magnifying lamps; radios; subscriptions to the News-Register, and more.
In the coming months, we will assess the program and determine the extent to which we may be able to expand our efforts beyond the pilot program.
Improving the quality of life for low-income seniors
Prior to COVID-19, we were providing dozens of elderly citizens with gift cards to allow both for essentials of daily life they cannot afford (gas, groceries, clothing, etc.). We've continued with these efforts to the extent possible. We've been hampered, however, in providing as before activities and treats, especially those that allow for fitness and socializing. These have included outings to the Wortman Café at the McMinnville Senior Center, to the Regal Cinema (see below), or to local concerts. We hope to resume these efforts before long.
Prior to COVID-19, we were providing dozens of elderly citizens with gift cards to allow both for essentials of daily life they cannot afford (gas, groceries, clothing, etc.). We've continued with these efforts to the extent possible. We've been hampered, however, in providing as before activities and treats, especially those that allow for fitness and socializing. These have included outings to the Wortman Café at the McMinnville Senior Center, to the Regal Cinema (see below), or to local concerts. We hope to resume these efforts before long.
Our Senior Advocate Evelyn Wolfer (top left) tells us that everyone is so grateful for the chance to get away and see a movie. She says: Twelve seniors attended a movie together, and it was such fun hearing the laughter and observing the interaction of the group. Thank you for the wonderful afternoon.
Another favorite outing is to the Yogurt Shop in McMinnville.