2017-583-E Finance - A Helping Hand - Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: EA54395E-EA79-461 B-8A4A-AODF56E9A02D EXHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION Social isolation among the elderly is a silent and often overlooked pandemic threatening the health and quality of life of our community's older adults. According to the American Community Survey, over 3,300 Orange County seniors over age 65 live alone. Many of these individuals are geographically isolated from their families and lack necessary support networks. A report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found 43% of older adults reported feelings of loneliness which can lead to depression, other negative psychological impacts, loss of physical functioning, and even premature death. Lonely adults in the study were 45% more likely to die than seniors who felt meaningful connections with others. AHH's companionship services provide an increased opportunity for socialization and mental stimulation. As reported in the Recommendations from the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, failure to sustain, if not increase, funding for senior services could have serious adverse effects on the well-being of the elderly and the public cost of caring for them. Funding from the Town of Chapel Hill, the Town of Carrboro and Orange County is essential to ensuring A Helping Hand is able to respond to the growing needs of Orange County senior citizens. f) Who is your target population of individuals to benefit from this program and how will they be identified and connected with the program? Low income seniors (60+) and adults with disabilities residing in Orange County. Though not our target population of individual we are serving, we also posit that our internship participants, namely Duke and UNC pre health students, will benefit greatly from this experience which will in turn effect the communities in which they reside and work. A Helping Hand, having been in operation for 20 years and with a reputation for high quality care and community involvement, solicits referrals from its community partners. These include UNC hospital system, Piedmont Health, Charles House, Orange County Department on Aging, and many others. Not to be underestimated, AHH also has a robust 'word of mouth' presence in the community. Once identified, AHH provides an in-home assessment of each person. In this assessment we ask potential clients to complete a short financial affidavit and calculate client eligibility based on considerations such as: income, assets, debt, medical expenses, etc. AHH also evaluates whether the level of service we provided, companion care, is appropriate for the individual's needs. If not, we make sure to provide a coordinated referral to a higher level of care. We are also assessing for the safety of the individual in their home as well as the safety of a potential companion. Finally, AHH is collecting vital information regarding the person and their needs in order to match them with a companion who will not only be able to provide them with assistance but also someone they can connect with on an individual level. g) Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) Jennifer Ashley, Executive Director, received her BA in Cultural Studies from University of Florida and MPA from City University of New York, Baruch College. She has over 15 years of nonprofit management experience and has spent the majority of her career focusing on the senior population. PROGRAM INFORMATION 1/31/2017 3:19:07 PM