SENIORS LIVING INDEPENDENTLY

DCFSL is committed to seniors living in their own homes for as long as possible. Only projects that address one of the three following areas will be considered for funding. Seniors are defined as 65 years of age and older.

• Consumer Education & Case Management
  Funding for programs that are providing information and assistance to low income seniors. Information should be on services and benefits for which low income seniors are eligible and that will enable seniors to remain safe and healthy in their own homes for as long as possible. Assistance must be provided in helping seniors obtain the services and benefits for which they are eligible, including collecting necessary documentation for benefits, assistance with filling out the paperwork and transportation needed to any appointment to ensure that benefits and services are implemented. Both education and case management must be conducted in order to be eligible for funding.
• Home Repairs
  Funding for home repair programs that are assisting low income seniors with obtaining minor home repairs. Home repairs should be for homeowners only. Minor home repair is defined as basic plumbing, carpentry, and electrical needs, the installation of assistive devices or any non-major cost repair critical to the safety and health of the senior. The agency must have a history of running a home repair program. Ordinarily, start-up organizations are not eligible to apply.
• Transportation
  Funding for established transportation programs that are assisting low income seniors with their transportation needs. Transportation programs that assist the senior to/from their door will be given preference over programs that stop at the curb. Programs that are directed specifically for seniors will be given preference over programs that include a broader population. The agency must have a history of running a transportation program. Ordinarily, start-up organizations are not eligible to apply.

DCFSL is committed to supporting efforts in child abuse & neglect prevention for children up to 18 years of age. Only projects that address one of the three following areas will be considered for funding. Ordinarily, start-up organizations are not eligible to apply.

• At Risk Teenagers
  Funding for programs that strive to identify and serve high school youth that may be experiencing abuse or neglect. Services should assist the teen to know all their options to confront his/her current situation. Programs should assist those that have experienced abuse to conquer depression, continue their education, avoid unsafe practices, gain self esteem and avoid a pattern of abuse and neglect later in life.
• In-Home & Respite Support Services
  Funding for home visitation case management and/or counseling services for parents at risk of abusing/neglecting a child. Home visitation services must include regular follow-up services with the family to ensure that risk factors are being addressed. Preference will be given to home visitation programs that can provide access to healthcare and/or have emergency basic needs resources available for clients and/or can offer mental health counseling, if appropriate. Respite programs may be offered to assist families in the short-term through stressful periods.
• Parental Education
  Funding to teach positive parent to child communication skills, developing parenting skills and positive discipline techniques, teaching child development and how to meet a child's emotional, physical and developmental needs, and helping parents to identify & access resources to alleviate stressors that may trigger abusive or neglectful behavior.