Surrey Senior Services President and CEO, Jill Whitcomb discussed the non-profit that provides aging-in-place services to help older adults in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties navigate and thrive in each of the transitional phases of older life. Founded in 1981 by Jeanne LaRouche on a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” Surrey’s mission was to help seniors who needed services and to engage retired seniors in need of a new sense of purpose. T oday Surrey operates centers in Devon, Bryn Mawr, Broomall and Media. Each of Surrey’s centers offers a range of exercise classes, health screenings, dental work, activities, congregate meals and social events.
We discussed the special needs of seniors living in suburban communities, home maintenance is more expensive, food and social activities are not withing walking distance and public transportation is expensive and infrequent. Poverty is another problem, many older residents live on fixed incomes and housing and food insecurity are real, but hidden, issues.
Surrey delivers and coordinates critically needed services like transportation; healthy lunches and home-delivered meals; center- based and virtual programs and activities; friendly phone calls and CHORE Services–Surrey’s Volunteer Network (yardwork and small home repairs). These services enable older adults to remain in their homes and age well and safely in place. When additional support is needed, Surrey is ready to help with RN Care Management; Medical Procedure Escort Services; Telehealth Services; Personal Finance Management; Live-in Care; Personal Care Services; and Social Companions.
She described the Surrey operations led by nurses, social workers, experienced staff in the field of aging services, and a loyal volunteer corps, many of whom are older themselves.
Jill explains that Surrey is primarily supported through private donations, grants, volunteers, community partners, and a small percentage of government funding, so community support is needed. They host two fundraising events each year, their annual Garden Party, this year celebrating Paris on June 12, and an annual Holiday House Tour and gift bazaar in December. Tickets for the June 12th party will be available – while they last – on their website.
For services, volunteer opportunities and information about the annual garden Party, visit SurreyServices.org.