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Purpose
and Mission of Sierra Services
It is the purpose and mission of
Sierra Services for the Blind to provide a comprehensive health program of
peer and other counseling support services, educational support, social
development and other community based programs to foster physical and mental
health, and to develop a personalized program designed to develop
independence and forestall institutionalization for the blind and visually
impaired of all ages. To this end we shall also provide transportation
services, promote independence through Orientation and Mobility and
Independent Living instruction, provide a library of visual aids, and serve
as the advocate for the blind and visually impaired in isolated and rural
communities of Nevada and Placer County, and their geographically contiguous
communities.
Sierra Services will also be directly
involved with the health care and educational institutions, and issues
relating to blind access within the community, and for the health, safety and
welfare of blind and visually impaired. To this end we will work directly
with the health care professionals, institutions and programs throughout the
community, and collaborate with other agencies and professionals wherever possible.
All services will be provided without
charge to the client. Sierra Services has served the blind and visually
impaired the mountain region of Nevada and Placer County for over 23 years.
Nevada County has the States largest senior population at over 30%, and the
fastest growing population over age 85 in California. Placer County has over
a 19% senior population. Thus, the client base for Sierra Services is
predominantly elderly. Nationally, at age 80 one in four is legally blind.
Presently over 90% of our 400 clients are over age 60, and 83% of those are
over are 75, 44% over 85, and 7% over 95. We are 94% self funded, with a Golf
Tournament, Abalone Banquet, Swing Dance events providing a significant block
of the funding. Donations from businesses, clients, and the general public
make up the rest of the $110,900 budget.
With a core of volunteers, it cost
Sierra Services less than $300 per year to keep our clients independent,
matched against over $21,000 should they have to go to "the home".
Our base program is counseling, independent living skills instruction, and
transportation to all medical appointments, as well as community access and
vision related assistive devices which we either provide at cost or free to
the client. Fixed administrative costs are held at less than 12%, and are
comprised mostly of insurance, the facility which is part of the program, tax
liability and a small portion of staff salaries. Corporate responsibility
lies with a Board of Directors, who are responsible to a voting membership
composed primarily of clients.
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