SOUTHSIDE SENIOR SERVICES INC dba Southside Community Connections
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Mission Statement
To provide health, recreation, social interaction, and lifelong learning experiences in a multigenerational setting to benefit seniors and active adults.
About This Cause
Southside Senior Services, Inc. DBA Southside Community Connections (SCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1984 in the small rural town of Groveland, CA. The SCC mission is to provide health, recreation, social interaction, and lifelong learning experiences in a multigenerational setting to benefit active adults. We are governed by a board of directors composed of volunteers from our community. In October 2022, we hired an Executive Director to manage day-to-day operations. Revenue is derived chiefly from generous donations from community members and through multiple fundraisers and grants. The communities of Groveland and Big Oak Flat in south Tuolumne County are isolated from services due to the geographic barrier that Priest Grade presents. Priest Grade, a 4.5-mile section of State Route 120, climbs from 910 feet elevation to 2,450 feet. Old Priest Grade, a narrower road and predecessor to the current route of SR120, covers the same change in elevation over 1.8 miles. Due to this isolation, citizens of Groveland and Big Oak Flat must rely on each other when (non-emergency) help is needed. Southside Community Connections fills that need by utilizing volunteers within our community. Neighbors Helping Neighbors isn’t just a slogan for SCC; it is a requirement for our area to ensure that our residents stay happy and healthy and that our seniors can remain in their homes with safety, dignity, and respect. The annual operating budget of SCC is approximately $100,000 annually, which covers insurance, staffing, building maintenance, equipment, and supplies, as well as everyday overhead expenses. In addition, SCC administers transportation services through a grant from the state. The annual operating budget for those programs is approximately $230,000, reimbursed by the grant. Programs and Services: * The Little House (TLH): In 2007, SCC entered into an ongoing agreement with Tuolumne County for our current facility – The Little House. With a $50,000 grant from the Sonora Area Foundation, much-needed improvements and repairs were completed, and The Little House opened its doors in 2009. The Little House is a community gathering place that provides free Wi-Fi, information about social services available in Tuolumne county, congregate lunches, classes and lectures, health and fitness programs, and special events. Daily classes include yoga, balance and core for seniors, needlework craft group, line dancing, games, and more. * Wheels: In 2012, SCC initiated the Wheels program to provide transportation via volunteers to clients who cannot drive due to age, illness, or access to a vehicle. This program offers rides to businesses within Groveland and Big Oak Flat for people who have no drivers in their households. Wheels provides rides to the medical clinic, physical therapy, post office, market, mailboxes, bank, etc. Wheels drivers also take residents to The Little House for programs, reducing their isolation and promoting social interaction and connectedness. The Wheels program has some limitations. For example, finding volunteer drivers has become more challenging over the past few years. In addition, due to the restrictions of volunteer vehicles, this program cannot transport wheelchair users. SCC launched the WAVE program to supplement the Wheels program (see description below). * Village on the Hill (VOH): In 2015, SCC implemented the Village on the Hill service for our senior community. Volunteers provide services such as running errands, shopping, changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries, watering plants, transporting trash, climbing ladders, doing dump runs, and more. Volunteers also make daily safety phone calls, take walks around the neighborhood, and provide friendly visits. These services, provided by volunteers, allow seniors to remain safely in their homes much longer than they could without this assistance. * WAVE (Wheels & Village Express): In 2021, with the help of a 5310 Cal Grant for enhanced mobility for seniors and disabled residents, SCC launched the WAVE program, an extension of the Wheels program. This program enhances the Wheels program by offering free local transportation to individuals who use wheelchairs and offering trips to larger urban areas such as Sonora and Modesto for specialty medical providers, diagnostic services, shopping, DMV, Social Security, VA clinic, and cultural opportunities. WAVE provides rides Monday through Friday via a small, comfortable bus that seats up to eight passengers, including two in wheelchairs with a wheelchair lift. Although seniors and disabled residents are given priority, there are no limitations on who can ride the bus. SCC recently received a van as a donation and has expanded its transportation services. The WAVE program is funded through a state grant, which partially funds the Wheels program. The VOH and TLH programs are supported by generous donations from the community, fundraising, and to a much lesser extent, by program and membership fees. If you want to donate to our organization, please visit this website’s “Donate” page. You can also send checks to the following address: Southside Community Connections P.O. Box 63 Groveland, CA 95321 SCC is excited to serve you and our community, but we can’t do it without your help. If you are unable to donate, please volunteer. Call us at (209) 962-7303 to see how you can help SCC serve Groveland.