June 2013
The News of Sun City Center
11
Samaritan Services – From Humble Beginnings to Now.
By Uta Kuhn Sometime in the 1980s a group of men called the Coordinating Council was formed to research what our residents needed. One of their original goals was to try to give financial assistance. What they found out, though, is that there was more of a need to provide transportation for those residents who do not drive. So they set up a very small office in the Whitcomb Building across from the Post Office. This office served as a recruiting station and it turns out that eight people actually signed up to help. These eight volunteers not only gave their time, they also used their own cars and paid for their own gasoline. Just to give you an idea as to how this organization has grown, today it is proud to report that 170 volunteers now offer their services, many of whom are drivers, volunteer as receptionists, dispatchers and provide companion care. It is currently located at the east end of Sun City Center Plaza along with SCC Ride, facing N. Pebble Beach. While interviewing Doris Ragland who has been and still is the driving force of this organization, she mentioned that she is quite amused at the fact that many of our residents have no idea about the great services that Samaritan Services provides. She also wanted the following mentioned in this article: There is a monthly meeting at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. to share ideas and give support to others who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Samaritan Services is one of the most vital organizations of this community. Their slogan is … lending a helping hand Below is a list of services available, all at NO COST to any resident, thanks to generous donors and the many volunteers who give their time and support this vital organization. Alzheimer’s Respite Care and Support Group Meals on Wheels Financial Assistance Medical Insurance Questions Companion Care Transportation Here’s a short explanation of the above listed services. Respite Care provides a few days of help for your loved one while you as the caretaker take time for yourself. Meals on Wheels arranges for evening meal service with South Bay Hospital and the Woman’s Club to those who are unable to prepare regular, nutritious meals for themselves. This service is provided 365 days a year, including holidays. Financial Assistance can make a loan available for qualified SCC residents experiencing temporary financial hardship. Medical Insurance Questions is a service that provides help in solving medical insurance questions a resident may have. You can set up an appointment by calling the office. Companion Care provides a volunteer to relieve a caregiver for an hour or two to attend to personal matters such as grocery shopping, etc. Transportation there are six vehicles available to provide transportation to doctor appointments and hospitals outside of Sun City Center to Brandon, Tampa and Bradenton. A minimum of two-week advance notice is requested. SCC Ride is another transportation service operating M-F from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is designed to fulfill transportation needs for daily living activities. This service operates on a “first come first served” basis and is strictly for transportation within Sun City Center. For more detailed information regarding all of these services please call 813-634-9283.
Solution on page 30.
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