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Briefs

Elder affairs program in need of volunteers

By Times Staff
Published October 25, 2005

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, a division of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, is a statewide volunteer program that advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.

The program needs volunteers in Pinellas County. Anyone can apply, but the program needs specialized volunteers such as pharmacists, elder law attorneys, registered dietitians, social workers, nurses, physicians and individuals of all cultural backgrounds. Fluency in multiple languages is a plus. The Governor's Office approves each applicant. Training is provided to investigate complaints and conduct inspections of facilities.

Call 727-588-6912 or 888-831-0404.

DUNEDIN - The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce is hosting free and confidential sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the third Thursday of every month. Albert Lee, Pinellas area manager and certified business analyst for the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center, will run the sessions at the chamber, 301 Main St.

Lee can address questions about starting or expanding a business, marketing, finances and funding, human resources and more. The hourlong sessions are open to anyone. To make an appointment, call the chamber at 733-3197.

Gulf Coast Community Care's Adopt-A-Grandchild program is seeking volunteers 30 and older who can commit at least four hours a week for as much as a year to work with carefully selected children who have dealt with abuse, neglect or family disruption.

Volunteers are given formal orientation and training before being matched with a child. Once matched, volunteers are encouraged to engage in a variety of activities with the child.

Adopt-A-Grandchild also sponsors group activities for the children and volunteers, including an annual picnic, bowling party, holiday party and other fun group activities. For information or to become a volunteer, call Dick Perrier at 538-7460, ext. 3085.

CLEARWATER - The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill holds support group and education meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at Directions for Mental Health Inc., 1437 S Belcher Road, Clearwater.

The alliance is a family support organization for those who have loved ones with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is no charge for attendance. For information, call 791-3434.

[Last modified October 25, 2005, 03:00:29]