A new nonprofit organization known as Canopy of Neighbors has been put together with a mission to help seniors in the Elmwood Village area stay in their homes as long as possible by providing linkages to outside services.
The group opened its doors on February 28th and has been a part of the national Village-to-Village Network. Villages are organizations that help seniors stay in their homes as long as they can.
“We assist seniors by linking them with already existing organizations, by providing services through our core of volunteers, and by making appointments for them with professional vendors of many types- everything from massage therapists, to hair stylists who will come to the home, to organizers, contractors and grocery stores which deliver,” said Judy Fales, Interim Executive Director of Canopy of Neighbors.
These preferred vendors and volunteers all go through a background check before they join. Almost all of the vendors and volunteers give discounts to the seniors that subscribe to the service as well. There are currently over 30 subscribers, over 50 volunteers and about 45 vendors so far in the organization.
Another service provided to these subscribers will be educational, cultural and social events held in the future. Not to mention to these events will also be open to the public for a small entrance fee.
The new model is being referred to as “aging in place”. This serves seniors better and allows them to keep giving back to their neighborhoods.
In order to become a subscriber then you can send in a service request either through phone or e-mail. Subscribers must be at least 62 years of age and live in the Canopy of Neighbors service area. The service area runs from the Scajaquada Expressway to North Street, and between Main and Richmond. Subscriptions cost $400 for a single person household and $600 for a two-person household.
To become a member simply call 716-332-6143 or e-mail them or visit their website.