It has been another busy month for Arise! of Pierce County. We met
with several seniors from both Tahoma Vista Village and Disciples Terrace for a
resource session and an inaugural foot care clinic for which Arise! was first
inspired. It has taken over a year, but we were prepared to meet this need when
it arose--and when it did, Arise! was prepared for it--and feedback has been
extremely positive. Enthusiasm is growing for the service opportunities being
provided to those in our community and Arise! continues to receive more
inquiries every month. Ongoing collections continue for personal items,
shoes/socks, feminine products and miscellaneous items as requests Arise! in
our community.
Tahoma Vista Village:
Transportation appears to be
the most needed resource as well as assistance with moving seniors in and out
of Tahoma Vista Village apartments during the next 6 months as Tahoma Vista
receives a new remodel of the senior apartment units. Some residents are struggling
with simply unpacking items during the move and assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
Residents verbalized concern
over transportation to and from their temporary residence, to going to the
grocery store, church, and medical appointments. The director acknowledges the
challenges with resources does not seem to be a lack of resources, but a
willingness of residents to be flexible with the resources being provided.
However, the one resource that is a constant need is transportation. Catholic Community
Services was contacted as they provide free transportation through
"2-1-1" (https://win211.org/) which is a resources that provides
information on a variety of services beyond transportation which the residents
were able to access with the help of Arise! and their service coordinator at
Tahoma Vista Village. Looking at continuing to provide fellowship to these low
income seniors and may consider BP checks, short companion-walks outside
(weather-permitting) for the next April & May meetings considering the
recreational facility is still under construction and the feasibility of formal
'presentations' is not available at this time. Regardless, visiting these
residents appears to be therapeutic, according to the service coordinator and
TCC students continue to be encouraged to participate as they are able.
Disciples Terrace:
With the overwhelming support of residents and activity director, the introductory foot care clinic was initiated this month. A handful of residents took advantage of free cleaning, inspection and massage of their well-worn feet. The response was overwhelmingly positive and we hope to expand this service as more volunteers come forward and residents are made aware. Disciples Terrace is seeking a new activities coordinator, but currently the management supports the return of the foot care clinic in April and May. Residents are referred as needed to the podiatrist and continued education and certification will be planned for volunteers choosing to regularly participate in this service.
Catholic Community Service:
CCS received a wonderful donation of 6 adult and 2 children's shoes which were greatly appreciated during this time of year when rain is typically in the forecast. CCS continues to welcome any donation of shoes at all times of the year and donations can be dropped off either at Tacoma Community College or at the CCS office located at: 5410 N. 44th St.Tacoma, WA 98407
For more information, please see: http://ccsww.org/
Current inventory has been updated as follows:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SX7BA5RGuKLg41PaI8NuMKjOHk1_xBupg1gY25gh2ag/edit#gid=0
*If there are any needs for any of these items, please post here. Looking for a medical mission for many of the medical supplies we now have in stock. Please post suggestions for possible donation sites.
As always, Arise! is grateful for the opportunity to serve and hope this blog site continues to be a source of communication for all interested in assisting with any additional service opportunities or needs that Arise!
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