County home care agency still going strong

[ Originally published on: Thursday, November 05, 2009 ]

DEERFIELD -- For the last 35 years, Franklin County Home Care Corp. has provided services for seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers that support independent living -- and, even in the face of budget cuts, it has thrived with the help of more than 400 volunteers.

''Franklin County Home Care is unique in its care of volunteers,'' said 88-year-old Ethel ''Risky'' Case, the keynote speaker at the agency's annual meeting.

About 130 people gathered at Chandler's Restaurant on Wednesday, where staff, volunteers, donors and caregivers were recognized for their work and support of the agency.

''They give the volunteer a real sense of participation and clear feeling that they are appreciated,'' said Case, a long-time elder advocate and the first woman to be a dean at Greenfield Community College.

''I have been a part-time employee and long-time volunteer … Both experiences were extremely important and helped me with my journey to old age.''

''The current emerging group of elders need to be provided with vital opportunities to engage in productive volunteer-ism,'' she said.

For the full version of this story, you may purchase The Recorder electronically, by returning to the home page and clicking under ''E-Edition'' on the right side of your screen, or you can purchase the print edition, which is available throughout Franklin County, Massachusetts.

 

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