FULTON, NY – When facing similar challenges, it is often said that two heads are better than one in problem solving.
Employing that train of thought, nearly a dozen representatives of the New York State Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs and Meals on Wheels programs from several counties met earlier this week for a day-long mini-conference at the Fulton Municipal Building.
The session was organized by Amy Roland, Oswego County Opportunities’ Director of Senior Services.
Roland explained that the goal of the session was to discuss the challenges each group is facing under current economic conditions and collaborate on strategies to manage those concerns.
“We are all facing similar challenges in what we do,†Roland said. “This was a way for us share information with one another and develop new strategies based on a larger pool of ideas.â€ÂÂ
Roland said Oswego, Onondaga, Wayne, Cortland and Tompkins counties were represented during the meeting. Some of the items discussed included:
- Rising food costs and funding pressures
- Rising fuel costs and mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers
- Fundraising ideas
- Electronic reporting and database systems
- Directory updates
- Nutritional program standards
Roland said she believes the session was a success.
“It was a very productive meeting,†she said. “I believe each of us were able to draw very useful information from these talks that we can bring back to our own counties.â€ÂÂ
Since 1974, OCO Senior Services programs have provided more than five million meals to senior citizens aged 60 and older and their spouses, regardless of income. Meals are available throughout the county via the Meals-on-Wheels Program, as well as at any of the eight dining and activity centers around the county.
missing or outdated ad config