Advocacy Programs

The Advocacy Programs Department is here for you, whether you are the victim of a scam, want to draw up a Durable Power of Attorney for a Healthcare Document, can not figure out Medicare, have trouble keeping your business documents in order, or need to know resources for caring for an elderly spouse.

For Advocacy services,
please call or email Kathleen Ernce,
Advocacy Programs Department Director.
(706) 868-0120
kernce@seniorcitizenscouncil.org

Casework Services help seniors and their families/ caregivers access community resources that will enable them to remain independent in safe, familiar surroundings. Clients’ needs are accessed and periodically reviewed to ensure these needs are met.

Managing Business Affairs That Are Personal (MAP) offers professional financial management for day-to-day personal business affairs. Staff members help seniors manage their income and expenses through counseling and assistance with check writing and bill paying. All matters are handled accurately and confidentially.

Senior Health Insurance and Education (SHINE) is a benefits counseling service for seniors and their families/caregivers who have concerns about health insurance benefits. Counselors provide information and guidance about Medicare, Medicaid, "Medigap," Long-Term Care insurance coverage and prescriptions.

Caregiving Respite, Referral, and Information Services (CRRIS) provides information to caregivers on available resources, including services, equipment, and supplies, that will make their duties manageable, reduce stress and enable them to spend more quality time with their loved ones.

The Center for Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation promotes awareness of the often hidden tragedies of abuse, neglect, and exploitation through direct services, counseling, community education, and collaboration with volunteers, families, caregivers, law enforcement professionals, health care providers, and the general public. We promote a change in societal attitudes toward the aged or disabled adult by emphasizing self-esteem, self-advocacy, and self-responsibility through awareness.

Ms. Senior Georgia-Carolina Pageant
The Senior Citizens Council is a sponsor of this annual pageant that exemplifies women who reflect positive aging through knowledge, experience, maturity, grace, and elegance. Contestants compete in evening gown, philosophy of life, talent, and judges’ interviews. The pageant is open to all women who are at least 60 and live in the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia or South Carolina.