Supporting Safe and Accessible Living Environments for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
In Frackville, PA, a significant transformation occurred in the past quarter thanks to the Schuylkill County Home Repair Program for Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities, administered by Schuylkill Community Action. A senior, living on a fixed income, experienced substantial benefits from this program. With assistance from our dedicated team and a team of skilled contractors, the homeowner received an entirely new porch roof and a replacement of the main roof. These essential repairs not only improved the structural integrity of the home but also provided the homeowner with the peace of mind to age in place safely and comfortably.
Supporting individuals to age in place is crucial for maintaining their independence, dignity, and overall well-being. By providing essential repairs and modifications to their homes, we enable seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain in familiar surroundings, surrounded by their community and support network. This not only enhances their quality of life but also reduces the need for institutional care, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the community as a whole.
In addition to coordinating with contractors for the structural repairs, the homeowner has been referred to our Weatherization Program to ensure energy efficiency and further enhance the home’s comfort and affordability. The combinations of repairs and weatherization assistance will create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable living environment for the homeowner.
Community Needs Assessment Survey: Your Voice Matters
The data collected from this survey will not only benefit us at Schuylkill Community Action but will also be shared with local agencies and entities focused on addressing specific needs identified by our community. Together, we, as community members and organizations, can work collaboratively to build a stronger, more resilient community. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference – participate in the survey by visiting our blog:
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission at SCA!
LIHEAP Crisis and Clean & Tune: Season Recap
As the winter season comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who participated in our weatherization programs from November 1, 2023, to April 5, 2024. Through the LIHEAP Crisis Program, our weatherization team repaired malfunctioning or failing heating units for 154 households, ensuring they stayed warm during the winter months. Additionally, our LIHEAP Clean & Tune program improved system longevity for 39 households, reducing utility costs and promoting sustainability.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce the return of the LIHEAP Crisis Cooling Program, starting on May 1st, 2024. This program will provide assistance to households facing cooling emergencies during the summer months by providing air conditioners and fans to those in need. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate and help support our community’s comfort and safety.
A Message from the Executive Director
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved colleague and dear friend, Richard Schuetrum. Rich, graced our lives with his unwavering dedication, boundless compassion, and infectious spirit. His passing on February 16th leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in the fabric of Schuylkill Community Action.
For over two decades, Rich was not just an employee but a cornerstone of our agency. Since joining us on March 3rd, 2003, he embodied the very essence of Community Action: “Helping People, Changing Lives.” As a Weatherization Auditor/QCI, Rich played a pivotal role in alleviating the energy burden for the less fortunate in our community. Through his dedication and expertise, he facilitated access to weatherization services, impacting the lives of thousands of Schuylkill County residents.
As we mourn the loss of a dear colleague and friend, let us remember Rich for the lives he touched, the homes he improved, and the love he shared. May his legacy continue to inspire us to make a difference, just as he did every day.
David Young
Executive Director
Schuylkill Community Action
