Southside Community Connections
Description
The SCC mission is to provide health, recreation, social interaction and lifelong learning experiences in a multigenerational setting to benefit active adults.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a board of directors composed of volunteers from our community. Revenue is derived mostly from generous donations by the community and through grants and other fundraising activities. In 2007, SCC entered into an ongoing agreement with Tuolumne County for our current facility, The Little House. With a $50,000 grant from the Sonora Area Foundation, much needed improvements and repairs were completed, and The Little House opened its doors in 2009. We provide exercise, education, and healthy entertainment for our local seniors and adults over the age of 18. The Little House also serves as a place to cool off in the summers and warm up in the winters. We offer free Wi-Fi and have a small library for community use. We use volunteers to help with office work, lead classes, and clean up around The Little House.
In 2012, SCC rolled out its WHEELS program that provides free transportation via our volunteers to clients who cannot drive due to age, illness or access to a vehicle. We use volunteers to drive our seniors around Groveland and to Sonora for medial appointments. If we don't find drivers soon, may need to start turning away members.
In 2015, SCC implemented its Village on the Hill program, which develops and delivers programs and services enabling members to remain in their homes with safety, dignity and respect. Our "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" concept strives to provide a helping hand, so that we can live independently and vibrantly. Volunteers help with chores around seniors homes, daily safety phone calls, friendly walks around the neighborhood or visits.
Beginning in 2021, we received a grant from the State of California specifically for the WAVE program. SCC launched Wheels And Village Express which uses a small, wheelchair-accessible, bus to provide scheduled service to Sonora and Modesto. We don't need volunteers for this service, but we do like to spread the word! We are deeply involved in the Groveland community (and surrounding areas) and help provide community aid such as Thanksgiving dinners for low income Grovelanders. SCC is limited in Groveland and we hope to recruit volunteers from Sonora. The drive is beautiful and only takes approximately 40 minutes. It would mean the world to us and our members if people from Sonora were willing to give of some time and money to help Groveland. Groveland has approximately 40% seniors, so we desperately need your help.
Volunteer Ages
- Drive members to and from their homes to local appointments, post office, shopping, etc.
- Drive members to Sonora for medical appointments
Note: As a WHEELS driver, you are responsible for picking up clients from their homes and returning them safely back home.
Village on the Hill:
- Daily safety or social phone calls
- Friendly visits or walks
- Member advocate
- Caregiver relief and companionship
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Simple home chores and maintenance
- Change smoke detector batteries, filters and lightbulbs
- Transport trash, recycling and donated items
- Etc.
The Little House Activity Lead
- Teach or lead a class on any subject that interests you, including exercise, art, games, etc.