Local News

Resource Network a hit at Senior Wellness Expo

STEUBENVILLE -- The Steubenville YMCA saw heavy foot traffic during this year's Senior Wellness Expo, making it a good opportunity in which to promote the Jefferson County Resource Network.

Officials from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center explained to those in attendance how the network connects area residents with county agencies and provides them the services they need.

Developed and offered through the JCESC and funded by the Jefferson County commissioners, the Resource Network a website and app developed to be part of a one-stop hub in helping the public navigate the many resources offered throughout the county.

Service Coordinator Beth Rupert-Warren greeted seniors as they made their way from table to table, demonstrating the site.

She explained how those who have different needs might easily utilize the Resource Network.

Curious seniors learned how they can select the type of service needed and find numerous area agencies and providers offering that service.

The site lists close to 70 topics, including food assistance, home health care, legal assistance, transportation assistance, housing and veterans' services.

By clicking a topic, a list of providers and their contact information will be displayed.

Other agencies at the expo have worked with the Resource Network, saying of the Educational Service Center's managed program, there is a lot to be offered.

Frances Gundrum, a case manager with the Society for Equal Access, attends meetings of the Jefferson County Family and Children First Council.

Gundrum said she is interested in working with the Resource Network.

"I've seen that it's a vital organization," she said. "Our agency covers anybody with a disability of any age, any disability and seniors, as well."

She said her work includes transitioning seniors out of nursing homes and inmates into life outside of prison, with the goal of keeping people living independent in their homes.

"Any kind of a partnership is good," Gundrum said. "Knowledge is good. Whenever you partner with other agencies, you find out things. You're able to give and collaborate in the best ways to help people."

Jefferson County Adult Protective Services is a member of the Resource Network and was represented at the expo.

Investigator Marie Holt said the network has been valuable in the mission to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

"We also do self-neglect where we're just helping seniors living in their home and connecting them with the resources they need to safely live in their home as long as possible," she said.

"We help hook them up with services," she continued. "This could include meals, transportation and connecting seniors with agencies that will help them reach appointments."

She said a common issue among rural communities is isolation, adding her agency has been working with senior centers to provide places close by to meet friends and build a support group.

Holt stated the Resource Network has proven to be a useful hub of information.

"It puts everything in one place so you're not constantly looking in different directions," she concluded.

Judy Owings, health educator with Our Place of Jefferson County Inc., is another community partner.

"We work with them because we come across a lot of people that need services, and so we network with them," she said, noting the network has been a big help.

"Just different resources people might need at a specific time," she commented.

YMCA executive director Marci Crawford was excited by the number of visitors becoming acquainted with the many agencies and services offered in Jefferson County geared toward seniors.

Crawford said the participation of the Resource Network was welcome and the program fills a valuable role.

"Everybody touching base with everyone -- connecting the dots -- so the community can better come together," Crawford said.

Rupert-Warren said many seniors showed an interest.

"It's been a very good turnout," she stated. "People have been very engaging, asking questions. And we've been able to answer their questions and provide them information on how they can get into the Resource Network."

The expo included service providers who were unaware of the Resource Network, including the Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania, which officials said may attend the program's next public meeting.

Foundation CEO Christine Haythorn explained they serve 23 counties around southwestern Pennsylvania ... areas with an older population and environmental risk factors.

"We are now taking steps to expand our services in eastern Ohio," Haythorn announced.

She noted the importance of access to exercise programs, support groups and educational content.

"We would love to be more involved with this area," she continued.

Haythorn said the Resource Network could be the perfect partner to help find people to benefit from the foundation's services.

She said Parkinson's disease can carry a stigma. Its symptoms include anxiety and depression, she said, adding those with the disease risk becoming reclusive.

"Partnering with the Resource Network will enable us to identify folks and help them get over that stigma and receive services that will help them feel better," Haythorn said. "The only way to delay the progression of Parkinson's is through exercise." She said the abundance of connected organizations is an excellent reason to collaborate.

For information about the Resource Network, visit the website jcresourcenetwork.org or e-mail info@jcresourcenetwork.net.