Neighbors Care Alliance
Strengthening Community and Belonging: Old Fort Lowell Live-at-Home Program
community and belonging for all.” Much of the Board of Director’s work is raising awareness of the program as well as raising funds to keep the program going. Fundraising has been quite tough during the pandemic, but the neighborhood has really come through with monetary donations. OFLLAH funding is used to pay the coordinators and cover business expenses. Part of the money comes from sales events held each year in conjunction with the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association, a sister organization. The rest is generous support from neighbors and others who support OFLLAH’s mission. The OFLLAH Board has returned to planning fundraisers along with the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association and held a Fine Art and Jewelry Sale in November. Anne Lauver, who oversees the organization’s day-to- day activities, and assistant coordinator Deb Monroe handle scheduling, make
home visits, and ensure that the process runs smoothly. The most requested service is transportation to and from doctor’s appointments closely followed by rides to grocery stores, banks, drug stores, and for various errands folks need to attend to in person. For clients who have difficulty walking, volunteers will shop for their groceries alone, using a list and means of payment provided by the client. OFLLAH volunteers also make regular phone calls to clients to check on them and provide some human interaction. There is a loan chest of durable medical equipment, such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, which is particularly helpful for individuals recovering from medical procedures. Anne said, “I’ve had many lengthy conversations with OFLLAH clients who are so touched by the wonderful things our volunteers do for them. They can’t say ‘thank you’ often enough, or with more sincerity.”
By Kit Owen , Board Member, Old Fort Lowell Live-at-Home The Old Fort Lowell Live-at- Home Program (OFLLAH) provides transportation and other services to individuals, many of them homebound, who wish to live independently. It was founded 24 years ago by a small group of women activists in the neighborhood who felt something needed to be done to help older adults and people with disabilities stay in their homes. OFLLAH’s catchment area is Swan Road to Wilmot Road, Grant Road to the Rillito River, and includes approximately 2,300 residences. It started with a handful of volunteers and clients, and today there are 49 volunteers serving 62 clients. OFLLAH’s Mission Statement is “Neighbors volunteering to assist neighbors in maintaining their independence, thereby strengthening a sense of
Social activities at OFLLAH
Neighbors helping neighbors at OFLLAH
If you, your family, or neighbors need our services and reside within the catchment area, please contact (520) 275-6757. If you would like to support OFLLAH, please mail your check to PO Box 14633, Tucson, AZ 85732.
December 2022, Never Too Late | Page 27
Pima Council on Aging
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