Providing Assistance to Barnes County
Incorporated in 1973, the Barnes County South Central Service Center has continued to provide services to the senior community throughout the years. The non-profit organization facilitates resources for elderly patrons to help coordinate services and access to agencies. As time goes by it can be increasingly difficult for people to manage daily tasks as they age. Whether it is due to mental or physical limitations, lack of funds, or even family support, seniors of Barnes County are able to gain access to numerous opportunities available to them.
Sometimes tasks like meal preparation or access to foods can be a challenge and the SCSC provides aid in a couple different avenues. Congregate meals are provided to senior centers in the county, so they are able to enjoy a fresh, hot meal. For those that still live in their own home, the Meals-On-Wheels service is available. This program provides prepared, hot meals directly to seniors homes. SCSC also can provide frozen meals so that food is readily available when the times Meals-OnWheels is not in service. The food pantry is also a great way for seniors to obtain pantry staples that they may not be able to get otherwise. Liquid
supplements, such as Ensure, are also offered by the organization.
Mental and physical well-being is also a top priority for SCSC, and they can help assist elderly residents by providing transit rides to appointments via their South Central Transit Network. Access to making it to appointments on time is just one of the ways someone can use the network. Situations like shopping, personal needs, and recreation are all ways the public can utilize the program. The transit system is also able to be used by the general public. They also do have wheelchair accessible vans.
Senior outreach is an added focus to make sure that a more personalized approach is taken to reach the elderly within the community. By identifying individual needs, they are able to motivate and provide access to the services that are available. Newsletters are also sent out on a bi-weekly basis to keep everyone up to date on schedules and programs. Specialized senior centers are always open to be used for things like congregate meals and social activities.
South Central Service Center is located at 139 2nd Ave SE, Valley City, ND 58072. If needing services you can stop in directly 7 days a week or give them a call at 701-845-4300.