Serving Our Seniors (SOS)

A traditionally underserved, sometimes forgotten and pushed-to-the-the side people/population among us, are our seniors. With knowledge of the general unacceptably poor state of health of African Americans/Blacks, the Columbus Section, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), agrees there is a health crisis and declare an “African American Health Alert: A Call to Action.” If not us, who? If not now, when? Determined to address this important matter the Serving Our Seniors (SOS) application was submitted, and funds were awarded from Franklin County Public Health. The application was an effort by the Columbus Section to provide an expression of value to persons advanced in age through education, entertainment, and enjoyment (food, fun, fellowship.)   In partnership with three senior independent living facilities: Stratford East Senior Living, Corban Commons, and Gertrude Wood Community Foundation, NCNW went in to Serve Our Seniors. Because Good Health WINs, education on COVID-19 and flu vaccinations along with other health and wellness information, was provided by the phenomenal presenter, Linda Ross Newsome, RN. Entertainment varied at locations but was provided by Urban Stings Columbus and DJ Excellence, music shared by a personable disc jockey.   What a time!   The catered food was delicious and fully enjoyed by all. Each attendee was given a swag bag – with NCNW imprinted items: insulated grocery bag, lanyards for keys, NCNW notebooks, along with health and wellness information, with other helpful, good health promotional items.  What an event!   NCNW sisters who served the residents commented that they received as much and more than they gave.  “Receivers are givers. This is true in a material and financial sense, but also with respect to our time, talents, and energy. Loved people love people. Forgiven people forgive people. Blessed people bless people.” What a team!   The responses from the residents and administrative staff of each facility were awesomely appreciative. Such as, “I echo all the sentiments [of others].  Saturday's event really blessed my heart and the hearts of our residents. Thank you so much for the love that you have extended to our residents.  I thoroughly enjoyed the presented information and the fellowship.  You could have chosen any other building and organization, but you chose us; for this, we are humbled and grateful.    Everything was outstanding!! The food was absolutely delicious and plentiful for our residents.  Thank you for being a Blessing. May God continue to Bless you and keep you in all your endeavors.”       NCNW, Columbus Section, with vision, voice, value continues its work: “Cultivating a Community that Care: Be the Change.”  What a blessing!