Executive Director Connie Roe of the Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center launched a new “Konnections” program to fight elder abuse in the community at last week’s Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Ottawa County Courthouse.

The Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center announced the kickoff of a new program serving the seniors in Ottawa County during a ceremony on Friday, June 17, honoring seniors on Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“The idea for this program was hatched through conversations with the Department of Job and Family Services, Senior Resources and the Task Force on Aging,” said Connie Roe, Executive Director of the Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center.

Ottawa County had 55 reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation during the previous year, said Roe, as she introduced the new “Konnections” program that will match volunteer mentors with seniors who are at risk for neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

These mentors will assist seniors in the community by providing friendship and pathways to social interactions.

Funding has been secured through the Toledo Community Foundation, Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot Counties, and donations.

Volunteers will spend a full day training on the many important things to know when working with our senior population and will be fully supported by an employee of the agency. The agency is currently recruiting friendly volunteers who could devote an hour a week to being a friend to an isolated senior!  Please call 419-301-0225 for more information.

The Ottawa County Family Advocacy Center advocates for the stability and success of the children and families of Ottawa County.