CRENSHAW : Senior Citizens Learn How to Get Help

In a ceremony last week, 23 senior citizens received certificates for completing a training program geared toward helping them improve the quality of life for themselves and other seniors in the Crenshaw corridor.

The 11-week Senior Advocacy Training Program was a joint effort of the Crenshaw Corridor Project’s Senior Task Force, sponsored by the United Way, and the Crenshaw-based People’s Coordinated Services Center. During the multilevel training, participants identified the most pressing issues for senior citizens, researched them and explored existing solutions to topics such as lack of transportation, in-home care, crime and safety, and long-term health care.

Participant Samantha Thorne said she learned much from the program, which included assertiveness training and self-discovery sessions.

“I like to help people and I like to know what’s available,” said Thorne, a Crenshaw resident. “This training created a network of names, numbers and information that I can use now to help others.”

The group also put together a directory of services for seniors, called the Crenshaw Corridor Service Directory, that will be available at senior centers and social service agencies in the area bounded by Washington Boulevard on the north, Manchester Avenue on the south, La Cienega Boulevard on the west and Arlington Avenue on the east.

“The objective was to train seniors to empower themselves. They can do that now with a very empowering tool--information,” said Melba Fields, spokeswoman for People’s Coordinated Services.