FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK.…

Never before has spring been such a welcome respite from the ever rising cost of home heating fuel. A stop at the pumps or a stroll through the grocery store check-out line is not for the faint of heart. Multi-Service has seen an increase in cost of operations as well as a significant increase in the number of people looking for services. Income is falling way short of the increase in the cost of food, fuel, prescriptions, and housing. Much of our time and resources are spent trying to avert financial disaster to working families in our community. The challenge comes from our efforts to curb operational expenses and at the same time provide much needed services to the community.

The senior services that are offered at The Center at Spring Street have seen unprecedented growth since moving into this facility in January 2006. The quality of the food is exceptional and the atmosphere is inviting. Good food, good friends, and a variety of activities are undeniably a winning combination. An average of 100 people a day enjoy lunch at the center, while over 80 homebound individuals are served by the Meals on Wheels program; many of whom also receive an additional evening meal. Individuals with no means of transportation are transported to the center via the Multi-Service bus. Increases in food and fuel prices have affected this agency in much the same way as it has affected households. Despite the rising costs, the requested donation for both the noon meal and Meals on Wheels has remained $2.00 per meal and the requested donation for transportation has remained $.50 per trip. Food costs have continued to climb and diesel fuel, as of this writing, is over $4.56 per gallon. With no increase in donations and no increase in funding, it is not hard to conclude that we cannot continue down this road and remain fiscally sound. Donations have remained anonymous so that those who cannot afford to pay can receive services; and, regardless of what decisions are made relative to these charges, no one will be denied services. It has always been our hope that those who enjoy the services that they receive and can afford to pay will support the services by paying the requested donation. No one could ever have anticipated these costs spiraling so out of control. We will be exploring our options and want our consumers to know that any decisions that are made will not be made lightly. Plans for the Community Resource Center are underway and agencies, civic organizations, churches, ambulances, fire companies, day cares, etc. will be contacted to provide information that community members may find helpful. Our goal is to make information relative to community services available at a central location so that residents can easily access the information that they need. Volunteer opportunities, agency brochures, and community activities will all be featured. Please watch for the opening of this service. On April 24, 2008, Boyertown Area Multi-Service and the Boyertown community lost a dedicated leader and wonderful friend. William (Bill) Hollenbach was a very successful businessman who served this community and its residents for many years. Bill was on the steering committee for our 2005 capital campaign and never lost sight of his commitment to those who were struggling. He was a devoted family man, dedicated church leader, savvy businessman, and supportive friend. He will be missed by those who had the pleasure to know him and by those whose lives he touched.

2007 INCOME TAXES....

This year Multi-Service was able to complete 175 property tax/rent rebates, 22 federal income tax returns (including stimulus payments), 156 state tax returns and 20 local tax returns. Multi-Service would not have been able to offer this free tax service to local residents with low to moderate incomes if it were not for the following dedicated volunteers: Maria (Kinny) Armeno, Delores Frederick, Michelle Hackman and Steven Fegan. Thank you!

FARMER’S MARKET CHECKS NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

Boyertown Area Multi-Service will be distributing Farmer’s Market checks to eligible seniors through a program of the PA Department of Agriculture and administered through the Berks County Office of Aging and the Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services. To be eligible, the individual must be 60 years of age by December 31, 2008, or older and have income not exceeding $19,240 for a single individual and $25,900 for a married couple. Each applicant is eligible for four $5.00 checks that may be used at participating Farmer’s Markets to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. To make application, proof of age and residency is required. There is a signature form certifying that age and income guidelines requirements are met. If someone is picking up vouchers for another person, he/she will be asked to fill out a proxy form. The program will run from June 1 through November 30, 2008. No checks will be issued after September 30, 2008. Vouchers will be distributed by appointment only by calling 610- 367-6957. Please remember that your checks must be used by November 30th.

NEEDED: VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS

If you enjoy driving and meeting new people—we have a volunteer opportunity for you. Boyertown Area Multi-Service provides transportation for residents in the community who have no other means of getting to and from medical appointments. There is no obligation when asked to drive, and we do offer reimbursement for gas mileage. For more details, please contact the receptionist at 610-367-6957.

The Center at Spring Street is sponsoring some interesting programs this summer!

The ”Summer Series on Wellness” will include:

• June 13 – Healthy Substitutions
• June 27 – Diabetes
• July 11 – Cholesterol
• July 25 – Yoga Stretching to Alleviate Common
• Aches and Pains
• August 8 – Foot Reflexology
• August 29 – Arthritis

“Genealogy 101” will be offered June 23 through July 28, 2008.

For more information regarding these programs call 610-367-2313.