VNA Community Services, PEAK Center Get Donations

A total of $4,500 was donated to two local agencies whose missions deal with the health and wellness of the public.

The nonprofit Visiting Nurse Association-Community Services Inc. and each received $1,500 and $3,000, respectively.

According to its website, VNA-Community Services Inc. is a nonprofit that provides community-based programs that address family health and social service needs. It provides in-home services and health specialist programs to senior citizens, a prescription drug support program and children's programs like preschool screening, primary pediatric care and child care health consultation.

"VNA is a nonprofit organization serving residents of Montgomery Township and the surrounding communities for 93 years," said executive director Richard Cirko, who accepted the donation on behalf of the VNA. "We do this through multiple programs. One is our in-home services program, where we provide personal care and home support to the frail and elderly in their homes and helping them to stay in their homes."

The VNA-Community Services' nursing and children's health center aids uninsured and underinsured children.

"We are the primary care provider, providing sick home visits to children throughout the area," Cirko said. "Through our personal navigator program, where eligible individuals who are struggling financially, we hook them up with different types of benefits that they may need to help them sustain themselves in their homes." 

VNA-Community Services provides 22 separate benefits for which persons are eligible but have been unable to apply for in the state. These benefits include food stamps, mortgage assistance, Pennsylvania property tax rebates, supplemental security income, energy assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, mental health treatment and drug and alcohol treatment.

"This check definitely helps us continue our mission," Cirko said.

You can read about more available services at this link.

Robin Burstein, executive director of Encore Experiences in Lower Salford and acting director of The PEAK Center in Lansdale, said the mission of The PEAK Center is to help older adults in the region.

"Our mission is to help (them) stay connected to the community and stay healthy with a lot of exercise, health and wellness programs, volunteer programs and a meal program. It's a way to socialize and stay connected."

"Thank you very much for everything that you do for the community," said township Supervisors Chairwoman Candyce Chimera.

Supervisors also donated $9,000 to the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library and $6,000 to the Montgomery Township Historical Society. Stories on those donations are upcoming.

All in all, the township has budgeted $34,150 in contributions for 2012:

• Annual Employee Service Awards: $2,650
• Non-specified contributions: $1,000
• Montgomery Township Historical Society: $6,000
• Montgomery County Public Library: $9,000
• North Penn Visiting Nurse Association: $2,000
• PEAK Center: $3,000
• Visiting Nurse Association-Community Services: $1,500
• Volunteer Recognition Dinner: $9,000