Peninsula Agency on Aging - Adult Day Care Program supports the independence and quality of life of senior residents primarily 60 years of age and over by advocating, arranging or providing vital human services.  This past year, PAA's measurable results reported that 93% of caregivers responded that they had achieved decreased levels of stress and were better able to cope based on the assistance given by this agency.  74% of clients surveyed reported greater independence, while 93% reported they received help that maintained or improved the status of their health. 

One client, "Mary", an 88 year old widow who lives alone but has a son living in the area, began to suffer from depression after being released from the hospital.  The PAA social worker met with the family and determined that adult day care would benefit Mary with a change of scenery by getting her out of her house, socializing with others her age, and being involved in activities during the time her son and his wife are at work.  This senior citizen is below poverty level.  Over the course of the year, PAA subsidized over 120 hours of adult day care at Riverside.  Mary has improved greatly and still continues to attend the adult day care 1 to 2 days a week.  She was also referred for Meals on Wheels, which has increased her opportunity to see other new faces in her life regularly.  These volunteers offer more than just the nourishment of well balanced meals, they offer the healthy nourishment of friendship and support to someone who has responded beautifully to their attention.

The ARC of Greater Williamsburg - Quality of Life Program mission focuses on teenagers and adults in an effort to enhance their personal development and assist them to become more productive members of the community.  A significant outcome of this program is the emotional and social development of the clients.  They continue to interact more appropriately with members of the community and their peers.  This program provides them an environment free of judgment and criticism which allows them to be themselves, excel at their own pace, develop friendships and build teamwork.  Averaging 75% - 80% success rate in their quest to have their clients apply their knowledge of a subject, use materials and communicate new skills, this Quality of Life Program has the highest attendance rate and enthusiastic participation of individuals, families and caregivers.  Changing a negative interpersonal relationship into one of care and concern is part of a noteworthy development that the staff could see with one particular client.  Two other clients have become enthusiastic "volunteers" by helping their friends who have greater limitations, thus creating a great sense of teamwork that has a positive outcome and effect.

"Bridging the gap" can be a difficult divide between parents and their child.  One new client this year, living outside of the parameters of this Program's transportation route, has been attending 5 to 6 activities a month.  Her parents, who provide the transportation, have expressed the value and worth of the time spent riding with their child to these activities.  They have indicated the "pure joy" this program provides for their daughter and that the ride offers a time for interaction and discussion with her about her participation.  Additionally, while she is engaged in her activities, the parents have an opportunity for a respite and can re-connect with one another on a diverse level.

From peer support and influence, teamwork, encouragement, instruction, social interaction and relationship building, The ARC of Greater Williamsburg is grooming a healthy community one person, one family, one case at a time.  Communication is key, positive reinforcement is exceptional.

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