On
July, 21, 2009 the Community Foundation of Tompkins County awarded
Challenge a Helen Thomas Howland Foundation grant for continuing
support of the Life Options Program. Life Options, a part
of the new Challenge Choice Services, was developed in 2008 to meet
the needs of aging workers with disabilities who wanted to continue
their connection with Challenge. Life Options offers a wide range
of community volunteer, leisure, social, educational and wellness
activities that supplement a part-time work schedule. The Howland
Foundation was one of the initial supporters of Life Options, and
the continuing support has allowed Challenge to expand the program
and offer these opportunities to younger workers who gain valuable
skills and experience through participation in volunteer, social
and community activities.
The Howland Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation,
supports community projects in Tompkins and Broome Counties to address
the unmet needs of the elderly, children, environmental preservation,
and animal care/education. At the Awards Ceremony held at Challenge,
Challenge was one of seventeen community agencies that received
support for services that range from serving healthy snacks in schools
to home repairs for seniors.
Ellice Switzer, Life Options Coordinator, shared what participants
and staff have learned over the past 16 months. Anxiety transforms
to peaceful relaxation during a Tai Chi group and spirited discussion
and debate are common when discussing local and national politics.
Music makes Mondays better and opportunities for regular exercise
energize both the mind and body. Most of all, seniors have been
empowered to move toward retirement with a range of activities that
allow them to continue to be productive and active in their community
while maintaining the relationships they have formed over a lifetime
of work. Patrick McKee, President of Challenge, announced that after
over a year wait, Challenge has recently received state approval
for long-term funding for Challenge Choice Services/Life Options.
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