“Killingworth Community Cares” Program Offers Help to Older Residents and Those with Disabilities

Submitted by Town of Killingworth

(June 3, 2024) — Killingworth has launched a program to support residents aged 70 or over, and other adults who have temporary or permanent disabilities.

The Town of Killingworth and Sun Communities have partnered with UR Community Cares to use its website to enroll individual volunteers who want to assist people in need; volunteers can start at age 15 to gain community service hours. (In addition, organizations can participate; businesses and civic groups can have volunteer days, the high school can have students volunteer together, and religious groups can get their youth groups involved.)

Although the service is free to each individual volunteer and each recipient of services, Killingsworth Community Cares must raise $100 on behalf of each individual to pay a one-time charge for background check, driver safety record if appropriate, insurance, admin and website costs to ensure safety for all participants.

Mercedes Ricciuti, Municipal Agent, says, “I have spent 17 years working with Killingworth seniors and disabled. I often receive requests for help with everyday tasks from residents who are no longer able to do them. Volunteers with UR Community Cares will fill that void.” The Killingworth Commission on Aging, the Municipal Agent and the town officials have been collaborating to determine a plan to improve the lives of aging residents.

Sun Communities and its local management are excited to partner with UR Community Cares and the Town of Killingworth to help people remain in their homes for as long as possible. Through the participation of volunteers, our seniors will have the support they need to continue to lead independent lives.

The Town of Killingworth and Sun Communities recognized the value that this program will bring to the Killingworth senior and disabled community. These donations will now allow residents to safely connect with neighbors to get assistance via www.URCommunityCares.org. Individuals can use the service online on their own or with the assistance of a friend, family or other helper, or they can call in for phone assistance.

“Many people ask for rides to medical appointments or to church, help with shopping, seasonal tasks such as yard work or snow shoveling, or just changing a light bulb. Killingworth Community Cares will help our older or disabled residents continue to live safely at home,” said Ricciuti.

Michelle Puzzo, co-founder and Executive Director of UR Community Cares, says, “Our website allows for a streamlined source of free support for household tasks, yard work, companionship, and local transportation, so people can keep living safely in their homes. Many are looking for transportation as they no longer drive; or they need help around the house after recovering from surgery and, most important, this program creates vital social bonds that will stave off isolation and loneliness.”

If any Killingworth resident or business or community group wishes to contribute to this community program to increase its presence in the Killingworth community, they can contact us at 860-430-4557, or email us at info@urcommunitycares.org. Donate online at www.urcommunitycares.org or by mail: UR Community Cares, 5 Jamie Lane, Unit C, Manchester, CT 06042.