Geauga County – On Feb. 18, representatives from the Burton-Middlefield Rotary gathered with the leaders from the Geauga County Department on Aging (GDA) to present more than 200 lock boxes to benefit Geauga County seniors.
“The Lockboxes donated to the Department on Aging by the Rotary are going to be used for our Home Delivered Meal program (HDM),” said Kristen Bibby, home-delivered meals & volunteer coordinator. “They will be distributed to seniors in the county who live alone and are at-risk for possibly needing a welfare check.” The HDM program focuses on clients who are homebound with medical issues, and often do not have family living in close proximity.
“Through this program,” said Bibby. “When one of our clients doesn’t answer the door for their home-delivered meal, we first call the client and then their emergency contact. If we can’t get a hold of anyone, we call for a well-fare check.” Because of the lock boxes, first responders do not have to force entry. GDA shares the code with first responders and they are able to check on the client.
“Burton-Middlefield Rotary donated 230 lock boxes,” says Jim Dvorak, Rotary representative and Geauga County commissioner. “So, they are set for years to come.” In 2019, Rotary purchased grab bars for many seniors in the county which were installed by GDA staff. This year, Dvorak went back to the GDA on behalf of Rotary offering more help and the lock boxes were the expressed need. “It’s a good program for Rotary to support,” he said. “We care about our seniors.”
HDM volunteers for the GDA deliver a hot meal at lunch time Monday through Friday. Eligible clients can register through the GDA for this service. Currently the GDA serves 275 clients and there is always a need for volunteers. If interested in becoming a HDM volunteer or to receive meals, contact Kristen Bibby at 440-279-2138.
