New TCAP programs for both young, old

 

By BOB COUPLAND

Tribune Chronicle

WARREN - The Trumbull Community Action Program is focusing on children and senior citizens with new programs funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

One is a senior care program for citizens 60 and older who live in their own homes. Caregivers come to provide nonmedical services, Nick Jennings, human resource director at TCAP, said.

"We are looking for senior citizens who are on their own and need companionships, help with small chores, or light cleaning," Jennings said.

To schedule an appointment, call Eleanor at 330-393-2507, Ext. 251.

James Davenport and Shawn Twardzik, who work through TCAP's outreach department, will help with a new apprentice training program, which could feed into the handyman needs for the seniors program.

Mentors will instruct others on mechanical and construction skills to become a "handyman" or move on for further education in the skilled trades.

Jennings said unemployed, income-eligible residents of the county can be trained. Training is in basic carpentry, porches, steps and railings, window and door repairs, drain and faucet repair, electrical fixtures, outlets and switches and teaching about repair scams.

Seniors are only responsible for the cost of materials. All labor is free.

In another project, a section of the TCAP building cafeteria is being turned into a small food co-op store. People needing food will be able to get items at a lower price, Jennings said. The store would be open five days a week.

"We saw a need for this with the many people who need assistance with groceries during the tough times," he said.

Plans are to get the program started by the end of the year, he said.

For children, an expanded after-school program will be held Monday to Thursday for ages 9 to 13.

"There is a need to keep the children occupied, so we have added the Robin Elzy Learning Center, which will open in November," he said.

The center is located at the TCAP Palmyra Road main building and will include a room with 20-computer stations.

Also new is the Community Action Transportation Services "Dial a Ride," which is providing new transportation destinations to help residents, mainly seniors, who can be taken places at a cost of $2 each way simply by calling one day in advance, he said.

On Mondays and Fridays the service will travel to downtown Warren and the Eastwood Mall, Tuesdays to Parkman Road Plaza and Giant Eagle on Mahoning Avenue, and Wednesdays and Thursdays to Wal-Mart and the Elm Road Plaza.

Transportation is provided from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 330-395-2287 or 330-373-0036.

For more information on any program call 330-393-2507, Ext. 268.