TCCA:

401 S. College Street

PO Box 631

Covington, TN  38019(901) 476-3333

ADRS, Senior Center & Transportation:

(901) 476-1068

MIFA Meals (on site):

(901) 476-4664

Internet searches using GoodSearch earn TCCA money.

Tipton County Relative Caregivers

Wellness Group*

                                                                               *(an integral part of RAPP)

Purpose: To encourage and strengthen older adults who are actively bridging the generation gap.

This group is funded through the National Family Caregivers Act (ACMS), the Brookdale Foundation, and private donations.  Sponsors for the meals are needed.

Relative Caregivers Wellness Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. downstairs at the Covington Senior Center, 401 S. College Street, Covington, TN.

Meetings may be training sessions and include technical or educational information beneficial to grandparents or other kin-caregivers OR may be simply a wellness group session of sharing and discussing common challenges and concerns.

Because confidentiality is of major concern to both sponsors and kin-caregivers the motto of this group is "what is said here stays here."

Because it is so very important that these kin-caregivers remember to care for themselves first so that they remain healthy and able to care for their grandchildren, another very important motto for them is "respite, just do it!"

Senior Pen Pals

In co-operation with the Tipton County Board of Education, seniors from across the county  correspond with students in an elementary class setting. Students and seniors write letters monthly telling each other about hobbies, lifestyles, memories and "the way it used to be" and "the way it is now".

A volunteer leader will work with TCCA staff to recruit and train approximately a dozen interested seniors across the community to correspond monthly with one or two fifth grade students. Senior Pals will be asked to write one letter each month (starting in September and ending in May) on a suggested topic to which the student pals will respond.  During the Holidays there will be an opportunity for the pen pals to meet and visit.  To volunteer for this program, please call the TCCA office, 476-3333. (This program is currently inactive.  We are looking for a volunteer to kick it off.)

Senior Listeners

In co-operation with the Tipton County Board of Education, seniors from across the city and county visit students at Crestview Elementary School and Covington Integrated Arts Academy (CIAA) regularly to listen to students as they hone their reading skills.  Many students need just a little additional encouragement.

A volunteer leader will work with TCCA staff to recruit and train volunteers who are interested in mentoring a student in second or third grade, usually at each school.  The Listeners visit the schools on Mondays beginning in September and continuing throughout the school year; ending early in May.   Each session is approximately one hour long and transportation is provided for the listeners from TCCA.  To volunteer for this program, please call the TCCA office, 476-3333.