We have a treasure right here on our campus: Surrey Services for Seniors. In case you read that line and think it doesn’t apply to you, I invite you to keep reading, because I imagine that someone you love could benefit from knowing a little more about Surrey, perhaps in a life-giving way.
On October 18, Jill Whitcomb, the President and CEO of Surrey, will present on the topic “Helping Older Adults Thrive” during our 11:15 education hour. Even if you yourself are not 55 years of age or older, you likely have a family member, neighbor, coworker, or friend who may be able to benefit from Surrey’s services. Prior to the presentation, I invite you to visit the Surrey website, familiarize yourself with their programs, and come to the presentation ready to help make connections on behalf of yourself or the older adults in your life and utilize their many programs.
For example, the church regularly receives calls asking if we can provide transportation for those unable to drive or who no longer wish to drive. While we cannot organize volunteers to provide rides for insurance and liability reasons, Surrey has a transportation program that can fill that very need–right on our campus! For a small fee, Surrey can provide rides that are geared towards seniors and others with mobility needs. Learn more about this program.
Transportation is just one example of how Surrey serves the community. Meals, grocery shopping, Medicare counseling, and other direct services are available as well. Did you know there are education, enrichment, and social activities? From estate planning to cognitive health, from exercise and wellness to arts and music, from crafts and games to an innovative training program for family caregivers, Surrey is a treasure trove of opportunities to help all older adults in our community thrive.
Surrey’s mission is to “empower older adults to embrace aging as a time of possibility, independence, and support.” I love this mission statement, precisely because it states the exact opposite of what society teaches us about life in our later years. Every age can be a time of growth, development, and thriving–and both our BMPC Senior Adult Council and Surrey Services are a wealth of resources to help older adults thrive in all the ways that the God of abundant life intends.