Neighbors Care Alliance
Age My Way with Support of a Neighbors Care Alliance
Junction Connection , an NCA program located in Three Points’ Robles Junction neighborhood (between Milewide and Britten Ranch Roads, and Coleman and Kinney Roads— about 25 miles west of Tucson). Since 2008, Junction Connection has assisted adults aged 55+ who need help with transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and errands. Currently, four active volunteers serve about 10 clients, driving approximately 1,000 miles each month to necessary medical appointments and important errands. Junction Connection’s volunteers dedicate over 50 hours a month making the difference in their community. If you reside in the Robles Junction neighborhood and need assistance or would like to become a volunteer for Junction Connection, please contact Patzi Hughes, Program Coordinator, by calling (520) 429-7843 or e-mailing junction2u4help@gmail.com. 29th Street Community Assistance Network (CAN) is another small, but mighty NCA that serves older adults living within the boundaries of 22nd Street and Golf Links Road, and Country Club and Craycroft Roads. Originating in 2006, it is one of the oldest NCA programs. Mary Hillmon, 29th Street CAN’s Program Coordinator, says that the focus of their support has changed with the
By Mary O’Donoghue , PCOA’s NCA & Volunteer Services Coordinator Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2022, ACL will focus on aging in place — helping older adults stay in their homes safely and independently for as long as possible. The Neighbors Care Alliance (NCA) programs and volunteers ensure that older adults throughout Pima County have needed support to live independently in their homes for as long as they desire. Varied in scope and services, some NCAs offer in- person visits and friendly phone calls to reduce isolation and provide added security of a “check-in,” while others address food insecurities through meal delivery or grocery shopping. Still others provide transportation for shopping, errands, and doctor visits. NCA size is unique to each area served, neighbors’ needs, and the volunteers’ strengths. Each NCA program provides support for older adults to remain in and be involved with their community. This month, we spotlight two neighborhood NCA programs that describe themselves as “small,” but who make a huge impact in the lives of others. Each program has served their community for over 14 years!
neighborhood’s demographics and needs, and currently focuses on assisting neighbors with transportation. Thirteen volunteers serve 24 registered recipients as needed. On average, four 29th Street CAN volunteers assist seven neighbors each month. Their dedicated efforts provide over 80 hours of service and more than 500 miles driven to assist neighbors to scheduled medical appointments. If you reside in this neighborhood and are seeking assistance with transportation, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact 29th Street CAN by calling (520) 406-6959, or visit their website at www.29thstreetcan. yolasite.com. PCOA supports Neighbors Care Alliance programs with mileage reimbursement for transportation provided, monthly networking meetings, information about community resources, and training for programs and volunteers. If you live in a neighborhood without an NCA program, please contact Mary O’Donoghue, PCOA’s NCA Coordinator, by calling (520) 258-5062, or e-mailing m’odonoghue@pcoa.org to learn starting a program in your community!
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 29
Pima Council on Aging
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