Tag: spotlight

Social Work Spotlight: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

- Stephanie 2 Comments

SENIOR FARMER’S MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

This month, our resource spotlight shines on the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), an initiative dedicated to enhancing senior health and wellness. SFMNP offers eligible seniors a $50 voucher to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmer’s market vendors.

Administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in partnership with the Iowa Division of Aging and Disability Services, this program ensures seniors have convenient access to nutritious produce, promoting their overall well-being. SFMNP plays a vital role in fostering community health and wellness by supporting local farmers and encouraging healthy eating habits among seniors.

Area Agencies on Aging facilitate the distribution of vouchers to eligible seniors, with Milestones Area Agency on Aging serving as the administering organization for the seventeen counties in their planning and service area, which includes Scott County. To apply for SFMNP benefits, seniors must meet specific age and income criteria and complete an application. Seniors who received vouchers last year will automatically receive an application by mail by mid-May. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact Milestones Area Agency at (563-324-9085) to request an application. Applications will be accepted exclusively through the mail, and Farmer’s Market vouchers will also be sent to recipients via mail. Please be aware that no business transactions will occur at any Milestones office, and there are no distribution centers.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be at least 60 years of age or older.
  • Your annual household income should not exceed 185% of the Federal poverty level. This means an individual’s yearly income should not exceed $27,861 or $2,321.74 monthly, or $37,814 or $3,151.71 monthly for a two-person household. You can find the income guidelines at https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/sfmnp-ieg-2024-25-memo.pdf
  • Seniors must reside within the service area of the Area Agency on Aging.

For more information about the Farmers Market Nutrition program, please visit https://www.milestonesaaa.org/nutrition-programs/farmersmarket/ or contact Milestones Area Agency on Aging at 563-324-9085. You can also find a list of eligible Farmers’ Markets by visiting Eligible Farmer’s Market Locations.

Social Work Spotlight: Amani Community Services

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Amani Community Services

In March, we are featuring Amani Community Services, with a focus on highlighting resources that address the cultural needs of our community following Black History Month.

Amani Community Services, operating throughout Iowa, specializes in domestic violence and sexual assault assistance, offering culture-specific services tailored to the African American community.

Culturally specific services refer to initiatives designed to meet the needs of underserved and unserved communities. These services are culturally focused, aligning with the cultural community’s values, behaviors, expectations, norms, and worldviews at every stage of service delivery.

Amani Community Services is committed to empowering African American youth, women, and men, fostering healthy black relationships, and combatting violence.

Amani Community Services has a team comprising mobile advocates and prevention specialists working closely with clients and the community. The mobile advocates meet clients at locations that are convenient and comfortable for them, such as libraries, coffee shops, stores, or schools, providing one-on-one support to victims of domestic violence. This personalized approach empowers individuals to transition from victims to survivors, offering the necessary support and resources. On the other hand, prevention specialists work within the community to educate youth and families about sexual violence, with the ultimate goal of preventing future incidents. Their mission revolves around proactively fostering awareness and educating the community to avoid future occurrences.

Their comprehensive services include:

  • Medical Advocacy
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Housing Advocacy
  • Individual Counseling
  • Teen and Children Programming
  • Support Groups

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Please call 888-983-2533 for immediate support. You can also contact Amani Community Services at 563-564-5392 to learn more or schedule an appointment. For additional information and resources, please visit their website at www.amani-cs.org

Health Care Option for Older Adults

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Health Care Option for Older Adults

In January, our social work spotlight will focus on healthcare options for older adults. As the new year begins, there’s a strong push for self-care and increased health consciousness. Recognizing the challenges older individuals face in accessing healthcare due to mobility issues and other constraints, we are highlighting an essential addition to Davenport’s healthcare landscape: the Oak Street Health Primary Care Center at 2217 Rockingham Rd in Davenport.

Oak Street Health specializes in primary care for older adults on Medicare with Part B benefits and Disability. They offer personalized wellness plans, comprehensive health services, educational programs, and social activities. The primary objective of Oak Street Health is to enhance healthcare outcomes for older adults in the community while ensuring each patient feels warmly welcomed. Their dedicated team of primary care doctors and care team focuses exclusively on meeting the needs of seniors, employing a preventive primary care model tailored to their unique needs. Service delivery is versatile, including behavioral healthcare, support for social determinants, and easy accessibility through a blend of in-center, in-home, and telehealth appointments, along with a 24/7 patient support line. Additionally, for those unable to visit the Oak Street Health Center, they offer home visits.

Services provided include:

  • Same-day/next-day appointments and a 24/7 patient support line
  • Conveniently located in your neighborhood
  • Assistance in understanding your Medicare benefits
  • Hassle-free transfer of medical records and health history
  • Transportation within a 10-mile radius

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please call 563-726-0155 or visit their website at www.oakstreethealth.com.