Senior Services

On Thursday, June 17, 2021 the Board of Lake County Commissioners recognized two volunteer heroes for their exceptional service to Lake County.  Both Don Berlin and Deborah Hahn were presented with a Certificate of Recognition during the meeting. 

“The Board of Lake County Commissioners is honored to recognize both Don and Deborah for their dedication to serving others during the pandemic,” said Commissioner John Hamercheck, president of the Board of Lake County Commissioners. “They volunteered without hesitation to benefit those in need.”

Don Berlin volunteered at several food distributions, including the Lake County Mobile Food Pantry beginning in May 2020 and continues today.  Don also assisted at the Lake County General Health District COVID vaccine hotline for several months assisting seniors to register for an appointment.  Don is also an active Meals on Wheels and Northeast Ohio Drug Repository volunteer.

Deborah Hahn is a regular volunteer for the Vineyard Food Pantry in Wickliffe.  During the pandemic, she continued to volunteer each week preparing the food pantry for the weekly distribution.  Deborah does not drive and took Laketran to and from the food pantry, to provide food to those in need.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers providing much-needed services throughout Lake County during the pandemic,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “They are both deserving of this recognition for their hard work in providing essential services.”

Commissioner Ron Young added, “It is individuals like these two volunteers that inspire us all to assist others.  They are a true testament to the generosity of the human spirit.”

The Lake County Volunteer Network assists individuals interested in volunteering with finding a meaningful volunteer assignment. For more information on volunteering in Lake County contact Volunteer Services Coordinator, Cristen Kane, at 440-350-5360 or email [email protected].

June 15, 2021 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day here in Lake County and across our country. It is the time of year when cities and states can take a moment to shed light on this significant issue.  “This is an opportunity for Lake County to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons and raise awareness of elder abuse ensuring security and dignity for all seniors,” said Commissioner John R. Hamercheck, president of the Board of Lake County Commissioners.

Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.  “Lake County is not immune to the issue of elder abuse,” said Commissioner John Plecnik.  “When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct the necessary community resources.” 

During the year 2020, the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services responded to over 375 calls concerning abuse, neglect or exploitation of a senior. Although these calls varied in nature, the one common theme was the mistreatment of a vulnerable member of our community.  “The Lake County Department of Job and Family Services is fortunate to have a dedicated unit of social workers who investigate elder abuse and neglect.  Anyone who suspects an elderly individual in our community is being abused, neglected or exploited should contact our agency to report their concerns,” said Job and Family Services Director Suzanne Casar. 

Each year the Board of Commissioners support and recognize the importance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and this year is no different. During their June 10^th meeting the Lake County Commissioners graciously passed a resolution declaring June 15, 2021, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Lake County.  Lake County Adult Protective Services will recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by hosting a virtual training for professionals focused on financial exploitation and undue influence. Additionally, the agency, in partnership with the Association of Specialists in Aging (ASA), will display purple and white silhouettes at Life Brand Cowboy Church in Painesville. The silhouettes, which symbolize our aging population, serve as a reminder that elder abuse does exist and that it takes a community to recognize and report signs of maltreatment in order to keep seniors safe.  

“Elder abuse is a crime.  If you see something, say something,” said Commissioner Ron Young.  “This is a good reminder to check in with your older neighbors, family members, and friends to see how they are doing and if there is anything they need.” For more information, or to report concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation, contact the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services, Adult Protective Services Division at (440) 350-4000.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Lake County, also known as RSVP, will be moving to a new home effective April 1, 2021. 

RSVP, a federal AmeriCorps Senior program, works to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities to individuals, aged 55 and older.  RSVP is currently housed at the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation and is scheduled to move to the Board of Lake County Commissioners under the direction of the Senior Services Coordinator, Alyea Barajas, effective April 1, 2021.

The Board of Commissioners recently completed a yearlong strategic plan that focused on priorities related to the Senior Services Levy.  Volunteer services was one such priority. RSVP currently receives 30% of its funding from a federal grant, the remaining 70% is from the Senior Services Levy.  Moving RSVP under the auspices of the Board of County Commissioners will both free up precious levy dollars to be used for other senior programming and at the same time provide the opportunity to expand and enhance volunteer services across the County. 

“RSVP has been a valued partner to the County’s senior services for the last 47 years.  They provide a critical service to help ensure older adults are engaged in the community,” said Jason Boyd, County Administrator. “These services have a positive impact on our Seniors in two very significant ways. These services enable seniors to volunteer and provide meaningful participation in their community. In addition, many of the seniors that volunteer are providing services to seniors in need, clearly a win for all.” Boyd further commented, “We feel this transition allows for additional growth, not only to volunteer services, but also to help address some of the gaps in services available to seniors.”

The Senior Services Levy provides $4.4 million in funding annually to more than thirteen organizations that provide services to Lake County seniors.  As the senior population grows, the Board of Commissioners will continue to look at ways to increase sustainability and foster creativity to ensure the needs of Lake County seniors are met.

Further details on RSVP’s transition will be communicated to volunteer members and other stakeholders early 2021. 

On Thursday, June 17, 2021 the Board of Lake County Commissioners recognized two volunteer heroes for their exceptional service to Lake County.  Both Don Berlin and Deborah Hahn were presented with a Certificate of Recognition during the meeting. 

“The Board of Lake County Commissioners is honored to recognize both Don and Deborah for their dedication to serving others during the pandemic,” said Commissioner John Hamercheck, president of the Board of Lake County Commissioners. “They volunteered without hesitation to benefit those in need.”

Don Berlin volunteered at several food distributions, including the Lake County Mobile Food Pantry beginning in May 2020 and continues today.  Don also assisted at the Lake County General Health District COVID vaccine hotline for several months assisting seniors to register for an appointment.  Don is also an active Meals on Wheels and Northeast Ohio Drug Repository volunteer.

Deborah Hahn is a regular volunteer for the Vineyard Food Pantry in Wickliffe.  During the pandemic, she continued to volunteer each week preparing the food pantry for the weekly distribution.  Deborah does not drive and took Laketran to and from the food pantry, to provide food to those in need.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers providing much-needed services throughout Lake County during the pandemic,” said Commissioner John Plecnik. “They are both deserving of this recognition for their hard work in providing essential services.”

Commissioner Ron Young added, “It is individuals like these two volunteers that inspire us all to assist others.  They are a true testament to the generosity of the human spirit.”

The Lake County Volunteer Network assists individuals interested in volunteering with finding a meaningful volunteer assignment. For more information on volunteering in Lake County contact Volunteer Services Coordinator, Cristen Kane, at 440-350-5360 or email [email protected].