Gwinnett Accepts Grants For Senior Care

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Gwinnett commissioners on Tuesday accepted regional grants that will help provide services to senior citizens in the county.

Earlier this month, the commission signed a $232,707 contract with the Georgia Department of Human Services to help provide transportation services for Gwinnett seniors 60 and older.

Now, a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission and a cooperative agreement with Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services will help continue GET IN GEAR, a voucher program for medical transportation assistance for persons with disabilities.

The ARC grant of just over $146,000 requires a local match of $110,627.20, which will be paid by the nonprofit Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, the general fund and program user fees.

A separate grant of federal and state funds through ARC totals $1,633,991.30 -- with a $108,949.70 local match.

That one will pay for services such as in-home respite care, home-delivered meals, homemaking assistance and case management. The Friends group also added $11,200 to supplement support for older adults in Gwinnett.

"I am grateful to the Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services for their longstanding financial commitment that enhances the services we offer to seniors," commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said in a news release. "I am also thankful for the additional grants we received from all levels of government this year. Together we are making strides toward enabling seniors to live safely in the setting of their choice for as long as possible."