DR PIPER CENTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES INC

Programs

1. Senior employment program the senior employment program provides training opportunities for low- income seniors 55 plus, and promotes them as potential employees. Older workers are a valuable resource for the community, with training, skills, and knowledge that enhance the workforce. The dr. Piper center is committed to providing high quality skills training and employment assistance to participants through case management and skills training. Workshops provide low income seniors with skills necessary to compete in the job market. Case management allows our staff to help seniors achieve optimal employment outcomes. This management provides seniors with assessment, counseling, training, service strategies, and community partnerships with other organizations and businesses. Barriers to employment are addressed along with goal setting strategies which help seniors gain knowledge. Workshops include: intro to computers, resume creation, online job searching, online applications, interview fundamentals, team work skills, time management, intro to microsoft office products, intro to typing, tablet and smartphone use, qualities of an effective mentor/tutor, program requirements, ground…

   $229,983 spent
   19% of program spending

2. Foster grandparent program: the foster grandparent program provides volunteer opportunities and community involvement to low-income seniors aged 55 plus. It serves at risk children through one on one mentoring and tutoring in schools, after school programs and summer programs. Nationally, the foster grandparent program started 60 years ago while the dr. Piper center has been the local sponsor of the program for 33 years. We have about 44 volunteers annually that serve more than 437 children in local programs. Foster grandparents must pass federal background checks and national sexual predator test. They also attend mandatory orientation and inservice meetings in order to be effective in the classrooms. Individuals are assigned to volunteer stations in schools, after school programs, head start or vpk programs whom have a signed memo of understanding with the dr. Piper center. The mou stipulate the volunteer station duties and responsibilities of the volunteers and stations. School districts sign the mou which enables an entire school district to participate. We currently have 67 volunteer stations in lee county. Once a volunteer is placed at a station, the coordinator or teacher…

   $479,320 spent
   40% of program spending

3. Senior companion program: the senior companion program provides volunteer opportunities and community involvement for low-income seniors 55 plus and serves frail elderly homebound to preserve their quality of life, alleviate loneliness, and provide companionship. Nationally, the scp began 57 years ago while dr. Piper center has been the local sponsor for 33 years. As a local sponsor, in fiscal year 24-25 57 senior companion volunteers were enrolled. All senior companions must pass federal background checks and a national sexual predator test to qualify. A mandatory orientation and training program is in place to ensure volunteers are prepared before being placed for service. The scp program utiliizes stations to function at various locations throughout our region. These stations sign a memo of understanding stating the rules, and regulations of the program. Stations help identify potential clients and volunteers. Each client that participates in scp has a client care plan developed by the station manager and reviewed with the volunteer which includes expected outcomes. The volunteer coordinator monitors volunteer activities with the clients and conducts volunteer performance…

   $479,319 spent
   40% of program spending

4. Mobility and accessibility are essential for independent living. Transportation is the link that allows access to needed services and activities. Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of elders. No single solution can meet all the mobility needs of our senior population - rather, a variety of services and systems are necessary to do so effectively. This allows the senior's lives to be enriched and improves their quality of life, diminishes loneliness, and allows them to remain independent longer. The clients need transportation. Our volunteers come through referrals, area congregations, organizations, and the community to help enrich the lives of the clients they serve. This program, along with the scp program work together to fill the unmet needs of the frail elderly population in our area, regardless of income, religious belief, or ethnic background. The services provided allow seniors to remain independent and not have a need for custodial care. This program recruits and educates volunteers after a thorough background check, and orientation, volunteers are matched with people needing assistance. Volunteers provide transportation to appointments, shopping, or to senior…

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $1,188,622.