CONTENTS

What's New?

How to Find Us

Schedule

Mission Organization

--Housing

--People

--International

--Dimmock Photo

--Missionary Letters

--2006 Malawi Photos

--Mission--Hands On

--Guardian Project

--2007 Habitat Project

--GAUTIER PHOTOS

--2005 HABITAT PROJECT

--Mission Links

Church History

Inquirers' Class

2006 New Members

2005 New Members

Christian Education

--Church School

--Adult Classes

--Children's Classes

--PYC

--PYC Info Form

--PYC Liability Form

Wednesday Night

Sermons

Music and Arts

Presbyterian Women

Literary Circle

Day Book Group

Home

Public Guardian Project: In July 2005, the Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) joined with Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) to form a coalition to form a local public guardian program.  The program, funded by the Virginia Department for the Aging, aims to respond to critical unmet needs of 20 mentally retarded persons.  These individuals are deemed incapacitated and indigent by the courts--they have neither family or friends who are willing to act as guardians.

Each of the coalition partners has designated roles.  The local Public Guardian Program Coordinator functions as guardian on behalf of Senior Connections.  She coordinates all services necessary to provide for the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial well-being of incapacitated clients.  RBHA identified 20 persons needing guardianship; furthermore, they provide case management for each client and 24 hour emergency services.  Second Presbyterian Church will recruit 15 volunteers to augment the services of staff in providing ongoing support for human services.  In collaboration with the Local Public Guardian Coordinator and case managers, volunteers bring the caring community to the individuals by transporting persons to appointments, assisting with shopping and errands, assisting with personal care needs and providing friendly visits.

The three persons representing Second Presbyterian Church are Pen Peery, who is the chair of the Advisory Board of the coalition, Jo Helmick, and Lorna Mill Barrell.  If you are interested in volunteering or in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Jo (262-4256, helmick1a@aol.com)  or Lorna (323-1054, lbarrell@vcu.edu). Orientation and training will be provided.  There is an informative booklet available on the credenza that answers frequently asked questions about guardianships.