Good Sam Kids Club Children in grades K through 5 who need extra help with reading and homework receive two to three hours of tutoring and enrichment each week. The after-school program is offered Monday through Thursday with a staff member overseeing volunteers who work one-on-one with the children. The Kids Club meets in the basement of the GSC building. Volunteers are needed now for this program. There are children on a waiting list and will be invited to attend when additional volunteers are available. To volunteer, please leave a message and phone number for the program director, Opal Fields, at 630-2718, Extension 21. Good Samaritan House Families at risk of homelessness with at least one employable adult can stay up to 12 months in Good Samaritan House. Families agree to follow a strict program of transitional living. People who may be dependent on social programs are taught the skills to become independent. They receive counseling in budgeting, goal setting, family relations, employment skills and citizenship. In return, they receive housing and support and leave the program with savings that allow them to move into secure housing and getting out of debt. PARTNERS was formed as a resource for GSH families in three specific areas: friendship, limited material help, and some labor in facility maintenance. If you are a member of a community group, club or church looking for an opportunity to help bring quality of life to a needy family, please consider becoming a sponsor. The transitional living program was begun in the spring of 1996 in a three-story apartment building that was donated to GSC. The building was completely renovated into three apartments. St. Luke's Church was the first partnering organization. To apply for housing or for more information, call Jennifer Chappel at 816-630-2718, Extension 22. Senior Services We help our senior clients with food, medical help, our energy conservation workshop, housing, utility assistance, and filling out legal paperwork. We provide information on a home repair grant for those still owning their own residence. We help coordinate senior clients with a geriatric social worker from Collaboration Works and coordinate services for them with Division of Family Services. We work closely with In Home Health Aids to see that the elderly have their nutritional, medical and basic needs met. We encourage clients that own or rent to apply for the weatherization program that is offered through the Department of Housing and Community Development of Kansas City, MO. We provide volunteer opportunities to seniors. Senior Home Repair Program New services for senior citizens in Excelsior Springs have been added with the joint program between Good Samaritan Center and Clay County Senior Services. The Senior Minor Home Repair Program will serve Northern Clay County, including Excelsior Springs, Smithville, Trimble, Holt, Kearney, Lawson, Mosby and Prathersville. The contact person for the Senior Minor Home Repair Program, through the Good Samaritan Center, is Greg Martin at 816-785-7661, Extension 25. Stop Elder Abuse If you witness or know of abuse or neglect of the elderly, call the Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-800-392-0210. Health Care for Seniors The Excelsior Springs Medical Center offers quality health care for seniors. Check out their outpatient clinics, convalescent center, residential care center and Lillian McDavid Independent Living Center online, plus search their Senior Online links at esmc.org.