Page 52 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
PARTNERING WITH

ADULT PROTECTIVE

SERVICES by Jess Peterson

A gospel song written by Lubbock While we provide funding in
resident, Billie Mitchell, asks the these areas, we are not on the
question, “Who’s gonna feed all front lines as APS case workers
the hungry if we don’t do our part? are. As we hear of the events
Who’s gonna help the helpless if it’s that they deal directly with, we
not in our hearts?” I am thankful that also see providing support for
the Llano Estacado Silver Star Board APS case workers as part of our
gives me an opportunity to do my mission. These folks are under
part, to answer what is in my heart. a lot of stress, in sometimes
dangerous and unhealthy
The Llano Estacado Silver Star situations. We hope that what
Board (LESS) is a non-profit, 501c3 support we can give them helps
organization whose mission is to to lighten their load.
support clients of Adult Protective
Services (APS) in areas not supported LESS receives most of its
by state funding. While state funding from grants and
funding goes a long way to help donations. Our thanks to
these individuals, both budgeting Atmos Energy, Betenbough
and regulations limit what can be Homes, Caprock Foundation,
provided. For instance, state funds Community Foundation of
can help with utility bills, but they West Texas, Home Instead
cannot cover deposits or late fees. also maintains a Silver Star Room at Senior Care, Junior League of
That’s where the Llano Estacado the Adult Protective Services office. Lubbock, South Plains Home Care
Silver Star Board steps in—assisting This room is stocked with blankets, Association, Superior Health Plan,
elderly and disabled adults who are food, hygiene items, cleaning The CH Foundation, and Walmart for
subject to abuse, neglect (including products, etc. that Adult Protective partnering with us through grants
self-neglect), or financial exploitation. Services case workers can deliver to over the past few years. Many others
These are the “helpless” of Lubbock meet emergency client needs. have donated funds as individuals
and the surrounding counties who or have donated items for the Silver
need us to do our part. Many stories have touched me in Star Room. There is always room for
the years that I have been part of the more assistance. If you would like to
As a small board formed in 2009, Board. I think of the cases where we submit a donation or find out other
LESS has had the flexibility to assisted with bedbug control, the ways to be involved, write or call P.O.
provide for a variety of needs. incident where we funded cleaning Box 65195, Lubbock, Texas 79464,
Among these are assistance with up a home after the roof had caved (806)-698-5500. Let us help you do
rent (including deposits and late in from a heavy snowstorm, and your part to satisfy the needs of your
fees), utilities, portable heaters and assistance for removal of teeth and heart!
window air-conditioners to provide providing dentures for an autistic
comfort in our extreme West Texas man who had to have special
weather, bus passes and other procedures, including hospitalization,
transportation expenses, unusual because of his autism. The stories are
medical and dental needs, emergency many, and each one pulls at the heart
pet care, small home repairs, and strings.
whatever else may arise. The Board

52 Lubbock Senior Link