ST ANTHONY PARK AREA SENIORS

Wellness: St Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS) held 231 Wellness events, which served 335 unique persons. Exercise classes included Chair Yoga (via zoom), Tai Ji Quan, Krav Maga and Pound Fit. All exercise classes were held at no cost to participants. SAPAS realizes that social interaction is very important to a person's well-being. We strive to offer ways that seniors can stay connected to each other and the community as a whole. A new monthly luncheon called Equal Portions-Food, Friendship and Fun, had seniors enjoying a catered lunch, along with an educational or entertaining presentation. Other social events included Coffee and Games, musical concerts, Handiwork Group, Lunch Bunch (via zoom) and outings to musical venues and theater productions. Large group education sessions included a health care directive workshop presented by an attorney, the MN defensive driving course and Medicare 2025 changes presented by an insurance broker. Other activities, such as Visual Journaling workshop, poetry sessions, card making workshops, men's group and the annual Sweet Celebration completed the activities for the well-being of seniors. Volunteers, paid instructors and staff led the Wellness events. Volunteers contributed 408 hours this year.

At Home Living Assistance: St Anthony Park Area Seniors (SAPAS) served 345 seniors, giving supportive services so seniors can maintain their independence. Volunteers provided 1,006 direct service hours in this category with additional 464 staff hours. Services included delivery of Meals on Wheels, providing rides to medical appointments and other independence-related locations such as a pharmacy. Light household chores, short term equipment loans, clothing and textile repairs, home safety checks, requested social visits, technology support, grocery delivery, seasonal lawn/garden help are examples of other requested services performed by volunteers. The office maintains a list of referrals for chores that require more than our volunteers can provide. SAPAS independent contractor handyman will perform minor handyman services such as light switches, leaky faucets, grab bars, window locks, changing doorknobs, closet door repairs, etc. to keep seniors safe in their own home. If requested, our handyman will make the trip to the store and purchase supplies as needed. This year a grant from the MN Dept of Human Resources allowed our handyman to install 75 grab bars and handrails in 29 client homes at little or no cost to the senior.