Photo courtesy of Steubenville YMCA At the Senior Wellness Expo, Beth Rupert Warren, resource coordinator for Jefferson County Resource Network, demonstrates the program’s ability to connect people with services.
STEUBENVILLE — The Senior Wellness Expo held at the Steubenville YMCA on May 22 was well attended and the Jefferson County Resource Network saw it as an opportunity to build relationships with county agencies and connect people with the services they need.
The resource network, developed and delivered through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center (JCESC) and funded by the Jefferson County Commission, has developed a website and app as part of a one-stop hub to help the public navigate the many resources offered.
JCESC Resource Network Services Coordinator Beth Rupert-Warren greeted seniors as they went from table to table, explaining the site and how it can be easily used by people with a variety of needs.
Curious seniors learned how to choose the type of service they needed and find a multitude of local agencies and providers.
The site features about 70 topics, including food assistance, home health care, legal assistance, transportation assistance, housing, veterans services, etc. Clicking on one will bring up a list of providers and their contact information.
Members of other agencies who attended the expo also have experience working with the Resource Network and said there are many benefits to the program managed by JCESC.
Frances Gundrum, a case manager with the Equal Access Association, has attended Jefferson County Family and Children First Council meetings and is interested in working with the resource network.
“I learned that it’s an important organization.” She said: “We cater to all ages, people with all disabilities and even seniors.”
Gundrum said her job is to transition seniors from nursing homes and incarceration to life outside of prison, allowing people to continue living independently in their own homes.
“Any partnership is good. Knowledge is good. If we partner with other agencies, we can find something. We can work together and contribute in the best way to help people.”
Also in attendance was Jefferson County Adult Protective Services, a member of the resource network, which investigator Marie Holt said is invaluable in the mission of investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“We also work with self-neglect, supporting seniors living in their own homes and providing them with the resources they need to stay safely in their own homes for as long as possible.” She said:
“We help introduce them to services.” “This includes things like food, transportation and connecting seniors with agencies that can help them make appointments. She said a common issue in rural communities is isolation, and her agency works with senior centers to provide nearby places where people can meet with friends and form support groups. She said the resource network has proven to be a useful information hub.
“And it keeps everything in one place so you don’t have to constantly look in different directions.”
Judy Owings, health educator with activity and resource center Our Place of Jefferson County Inc., is another community partner.
“We come across a lot of people who need services, so we work with them and we network with them.” “It’s a great help,” she said, adding that the resource network has been a big help. “It’s different resources that people might need at certain times.”
YMCA Executive Director Marcy Crawford was thrilled with the number of visitors who got to know the many agencies and services for seniors in Jefferson County. Crawford said the Resource Network’s participation is welcome and the program serves a valuable role.
“Everybody keeps in touch with everybody.” She said that this program “Connecting the dots” So that the community can come together better.
Rupert Warren said a lot of people had expressed interest.
“The turnout was great and they were eager to ask questions, and we were able to answer their questions and provide them with information on how to get involved in our resource network.” She said:
The expo also drew service providers who didn’t know about the resource network. One such group, the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, plans to attend the next public meeting.
The foundation serves 23 counties around southwestern Pennsylvania that are home to aging populations and environmental risk factors, said Christine Haythorn, CEO of the foundation.
“We are currently working to expand our services in eastern Ohio.” “It’s important to have access to exercise programs, support groups and educational content,” she said, noting the importance of that. “We want to get more involved in the area.”
Haythorn said Resource Network could be a perfect partner to identify people who could benefit from the foundation’s services.
She said Parkinson’s can carry a stigma – symptoms include anxiety and depression, and people with the disease are at risk of becoming socially withdrawn.
“By partnering with the resource network here, we’re able to identify people, help them overcome that stigma and get them the services that will help them feel better. Exercise is the only way to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.” She added that having so many connected organizations is a great reason to work together.
The Jefferson County Resource Network will hold its next public meeting at 10 a.m. June 14 at the Wintersville UMC Center of Hope, 702 Main St.
For more information about the Resource Network, visit jcresourcenetwork.org or email info@jcresourcenetwork.net.
