AASC’s Emergency Services Fund is Nearly Depleted

Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) is seeking the community’s help to replenish its emergency services fund.

This fund helps seniors with emergency needs. The most common requests are for heating fuel, electric bills, medications, medical equipment and food.

In fiscal year 2010, AASC assisted 414 older residents of Planning District 2 who had emergency needs.

Because AASC’s funding is so limited, employees first, if there is time, try to locate other resources. The local Virginia Department of Social Services administers a fuel assistance program, so AASC work very closely with each county’s office. The agency uses its emergency services funding as the last resort.

Eligible persons are 60 years or older with emergency needs that cannot be met through other services. AASC gives priority to individuals who are in the greatest economic and social need, with preference given to low-income minority individuals and to those older persons residing in rural or geographically isolated areas.

The assistance is one time per person per year, and depends on available funds. With the economy on shaky ground, older people need help more than ever. AASC, in turn, needs financial support to enable the agency to continue its mission of fostering the dignity, independence and security of older people in Southwest Virginia.

To make a donation, please contact Chris Lester, director of care coordination, at 276-964-4915.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department for the Aging to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.