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LIFE Project

NEWS RELEASE

Date:       January 30, 2001

Contact:   Judith A. Rucki, APR

Phone:      (716) 878-2368 Fax: (716) 878-2389

GREATER BUFFALO CHAPTER ANNOUNCES LIFE PROJECT

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter announced today that it will serve as the lead agency for the LIFE Project. The Lifeline to Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Project is a three-year pilot program. It is designed to help larger numbers of senior citizens, aged 60 years and above, to remain safely in their homes for longer periods of time. The LIFE Project is a collaborative effort that encompasses existing community services and those yet to be developed. New services will not duplicate existing services.

Collaborators on the project include Concerned Ecumenical Ministries, Erie County Department of Senior Services, Coordinated Care, Kaleida Health-Upper West Side Family Health Center, Erie I BOCES, Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo, Campfire Boys and Girls, Father Belle Center, and the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care-Life Transitions Center.

“The Red Cross is thankful to the foundations that have enabled us to launch the LIFE Project,” Mary Dee Martoche, chairman, board of directors for the Greater Buffalo Chapter, said. 

“The John R. Oishei Foundation authorized a grant of $600,000 payable over three years. This contribution is being made in memory of Patricia Oishei Colby, daughter of John R. Oishei and a long-time supporter of the American Red Cross,” Martoche added. The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting medical research, health care, education, and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems. Additionally, the Peter C. Cornell Trust, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and FleetBoston Financial Foundation made grants toward the project. The initial group of seniors recruited to participate in the LIFE Project will be from Concerned Ecumenical Ministries (CEM) senior case management program. This community-based organization is well known for its work with seniors living on the West side of Buffalo. Currently services are funded by the Erie County Department of Senior Services and are provided to more than 300 West side seniors. Initially the LIFE Project will serve these 300 seniors, plus an additional 300 seniors who currently are not enrolled in CEM’s program but reside on the West side of Buffalo. Eventually, the project will extend to seniors living in all areas of the Greater Buffalo community.

According to Martoche, “Unfortunately, when seniors can no longer live in their homes, the financial burden on individuals, families, and the system are enormous. The numbers are staggering. The average cost of a nursing home placement is $6,000 per month, and the average cost for assisted living runs between $1,500 and $3,000 per month.”

The Red Cross will serve as the lead agency and be responsible for project coordination, management, evaluation and outcomes. The Red Cross also will work to provide services such as performing chores, handyman work, shopping and errand services, pharmacy pick up, in-home safety training for seniors, pet care and transportation on weekends and for non-medical trips. These services will augment the existing services offered by the other collaborating agencies.

“What’s wonderful about the LIFE Project is that it will benefit more than just the seniors,” Martoche said. “The project will involve a large number of volunteers, with a focus on young members of the community.” Working with the Erie County Department of Senior Services, the Red Cross will develop and implement a comprehensive orientation and training program for the volunteers. They will be required to complete the training before being assigned to any task.

The faith community will be called upon to help with the project. The Red Cross also will be working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Campfire organization, which work with youths of all ages and are committed to building community and developing assets in the youth they serve.

The LIFE Project also will engage youth through service learning, which is a teaching strategy linking community service to classroom instruction. Erie 1 BOCES Western New York Regional Health and Wellness Center will take the lead in this area, developing and evaluating the curriculum. Ultimately, volunteers will deliver the majority of the services.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 2,000 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education programs.