SOS a valuable source of help and information
By Brett Browne

The SOS (Service Options for Seniors) Program has been operating for over five years, but there are still many people who don't know about the program and what it can do to help them navigate the often confusing web of government services.

This worries program coordinator Donna Coombs, who says some seniors might not be taken advantage of all the services available to them.

"It's really scary how many seniors are not even registered for the Alberta Seniors Benefit," she explains. "Even if their income is too large to get a cheque, it can at least help them get their optical and dental portions paid and some of their medical paid, because it gives them Blue Cross."

The SOS Program was established in 2003 by the Camrose Seniors' Coalition in cooperation with the Camrose and District Senior Centre. It is designed to help seniors, handicapped people, and low income individuals, and their families access programs, services, and support from the provincial, federal, and local levels of government.

Coombs says SOS does its best to help people find what they need, no matter what the problem.

"We partner with a lot of programs and if we don't know the answer to a question, we can often find an answer that will help," she explains.

The SOS office, at 104 - 4909 - 48 Street (across from Extra Foods), is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., though occasionally the office may be closed after 1:00 p.m. Coombs says SOS does look after drop-in clients but they encourage people to call first and make an appointment.

"Unfortunately with a drop- in, sometimes people have to wait because I can be really booked up," she explains.

The SOS Program, formerly located in the Camrose and District Senior Centre, moved into its new office several months ago. Coombs says the move was a positive one for both clients and staff.

"Being in our own separate place allows us to have more privacy for these proud people. When they came into the Senior Centre then pretty much everyone knew their business, whereas now it is more of a private thing. It is one-on-one and everything stays confidential within the office," she says.

Most of the funding for the SOS program comes from Camrose and District Support Services. They also receive some funding from the Battle River Community Foundation and the Wildrose Foundation. There is no fee for the services that are provided, but Coombs says that, for those who can afford to do so, clients are encouraged to provide a small donation to help keep the program running.

For more information at the SOS Program, contact the office at 780-672-4131 or toll free at 866-672-4131.