Page 14 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Page 14 Senior Times - June 2023
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102 Battle Creek, MI 49017
carewellservices.org
My Medicare Matters - MMAP Services Come to Heritage Commons!
Summer is Here and so is Senior Project FRESH
By: Jodi Piper, Community Project Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
I love attending the first farmers’ market of the year.
This year I got some fresh rhubarb, asparagus, radishes, and even a couple of fresh tomatoes! The market was abuzz with people who all agree you can’t beat the taste or value of fresh produce grown locally. That’s why CareWell Services Southwest, the Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, is excited to be distributing Senior Project FRESH coupons again this year.
By: Karen Courtney, CHW Programs Director CareWell Services SW
MMAP Regional Coordinator Kim Smallcombe will begin providing Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) services on Tuesdays at Heritage Commons Enrichment Center
in Marshall. Appointments are needed. Please call 1-800-803- 7174 for an appointment.
“As the numbers of Medicare- eligible seniors increase,
so must our team expand
and innovate to reach those seniors. This office time will help meet demand for benefits counseling center-county,” states Smallcombe. “We are also always recruiting to train more MMAP volunteer counselors to serve; stop by to chat if you are interested in volunteering!”
The MMAP program consists
of highly trained and certified volunteers from the community and partner agencies. Volunteers are always being sought who enjoy ongoing learning of complex information, are computer-savvy, and enjoy working one-on-one with elders. To prevent any conflict of interests, volunteers may not
be affiliated with insurance companies, insurance brokers, or health care providers. They must pass background checks and must complete comprehensive online and in-person training followed by job shadowing/ mentoring to certify as a volunteer. Ongoing training and a minimum commitment of 60 hours annually are required.
If you’ve got a problem-solving, detail-oriented mindset, MMAP may be just the volunteer opportunity you are looking
for to keep you mentally and socially engaged!
Senior Project FRESH assists low-income older adults in purchasing fresh, Michigan grown, fruits and vegetables by distributing $25 in coupons that can be redeemed at local farmers’ markets.
size income limits.
In order to qualify, seniors
• Kool Family Center: 200 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek MI 49017. June 13, from 1-3pm.
Senior Project FRESH is
a program initiated through
the Michigan Department
of Community Health with administration provided by CareWell Services Southwest Region 3B Area Agency on Aging. The program benefits Calhoun County’s older adults, age 60 and over, whose gross income is below 185% of the poverty level. For a one person household that would be a monthly gross income below $2,248, and monthly income below $3,040 for a two person household. Contact CareWell Services for larger household
must complete a simple registration application. On
the day of the distribution they attend a short informational session about the benefits of healthy eating and instructions
on how to use their coupons. At the informational session, each person will be issued one coupon book, worth $25, to be used at local farmers’ markets to purchase Michigan grown produce, herbs, or honey.
• Forks Senior Center: 101 N Albion St, Albion, MI 49224. June 15, from 1-3pm.
Coupons are limited and will be distributed while supplies
last on a first come first served basis. Distribution dates and times are subject to change if coupon booklets run out. Calhoun County seniors living in the community should plan to attend the distribution session at Kool Family Center. Contact CareWell Services at (269) 966-2450 for more information. Call us, we’re here to help!
Join in the Fun at Forks Senior Center this Month
By: Luann Sommers, Forks Senior Center Director, CareWell Services SW
The Forks Senior Center provides a gathering place for active seniors over 60 to maintain and improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. Activities offered by Forks involve a wide selection geared towards promoting healthy lifestyles. Join us in June for some fun!
Smiles on Wheels offering special luncheon June 14
You must sign up no later than June 9 in order to participate
and receive lunch. The lunch is provided by Smiles on Wheels and the Delta Dental Foundation grant.
Membership at the Forks Senior Center is available to adults over 60 years of age in the greater Albion area, Homer, Springport, Marshall, and surrounding townships. The annual membership fee is $75 per person.
On Monday June 14 Smiles on Wheels of Jackson will be offering a special luncheon focused on oral health. Funded by a grant from Delta Dental
Forks Senior Center Salad Luncheon June 23
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719 General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
Coupons can be used at any farmers’ market, produce market, or roadside stand in Michigan where a “Project FRESH” poster is displayed. You can receive your coupons at these events:
• Marshall House: 200 E Spruce
St, Marshall MI 49068. June 9, from 1-3pm.
Foundation, the luncheon will include an oral cancer screening, free oral health aids, and an opportunity to help Michigan learn more about the oral
Forks Senior Center will be holding a Salad Luncheon fundraiser. A scrumptious assortment of salads and fixings will be available for your eating pleasure. To eat-in, the cost is $6 per person, for take-out, the cost is $7. For more information contact FSC at (517) 629-3842.
• Washington Heights United Methodist Church: 153 Wood St, Battle Creek, MI 49037. June 20, from 1-3pm.
health needs of older adults by completing an anonymous questionnaire.
On June 23 from 12-1:30pm
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE
CHOICE