The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging relocated to a new facility at Hawkins Cornerearlier this fall. The building houses the agency as well as an additional six tenants. On Tuesday they hosted a holiday open house to welcome the community to visit, take a tour of the facilities, and enjoy some refreshments.
Earl Hawkins donated the former grocery store to the agency, which led to an interesting model for the nonprofit. A mortgage was necessary to fund the renovations to the building, but once paid off, the rental income from the tenants will be a sustainable source of revenue that isn’t dependent on politics, grants or fundraising.
The Area Agency on Aging employs 102 people who serve nine Ohio counties. The agency assists the elderly and their caregivers with the primary goal of allowing people to age in the way that they desire while maintaining as much independence as possible. With more than sixteen available programs the needs of seniors are met in an individualized way. According to Chief of Long Term Care Diane Ramey, many people don’t know about the available programs or believe they don’t qualify.
“We would encourage people to call. People think you have to be over 60 or low income, but they’d be surprised what programs might be available to them,” said Ramey.
Although people know about meals programs for seniors, many don’t know about the other services available. Home repairs, energy assistance, minor home renovations and even services for caregivers are available.
Also housed at Hawkins corner is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The store opened earlier in the fall, but the official ribbon cutting was held during the open house on Tuesday.
“The support we’ve received from the community so far has been phenomenal. 2014 will be the year of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore,” said Veronna Drane, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
The ReStore is a discount home improvement center that sells new and used goods, the proceeds all supporting the mission of Habitat for Humanity.
Third Street Family Health Services is another tenant at Hawkins Corner. Housed on site is a physician, nurse practitioner and lab facility. The medical practice provides quality, accessible care to all.
Hospice of North Central Ohio is still moving into their new space, but they are excited to relocate to Hawkins Corner. The new location is more centrally located for the counties served and the proximity to the other tenants allows for a better coordination of services.
Other Hawkins Corner tenants include the Visiting Nurse Association, Experience Works, and the Alzheimers Association.
“The support we’ve received from the community so far has been phenomenal. 2014 will be the year of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore,” said Veronna Drane, Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.
