Senior Service Network receives congressional honors from Rosen

Carson City’s Senior Service Network on Dec. 6 received a certificate of special recognition from Sen. Jackie Rosen, D-Nev., acknowledging its work in the local community providing financial assistance to seniors in need.

Community relations director Troy Conant, who called Wednesday the organization’s annual “Christmas celebration,” said Rosen’s recognition “immensely encouraging” for the volunteer-based non-profit.

“It gives us a springboard to share what we do,” Conant said. “It really inspires us to continue to do what we do.”

Regional representative and health care manager Molly Rose Lewis presented Conant and volunteer Jenny Treece with certificates on Rosen’s behalf during the organization’s celebration. Conant said Treece has been active with the Senior Service Network and other nonprofits in the area, providing support to local seniors for some time.

Senior Service Network recently expanded its board of directors to six members and consists of 80 volunteers who help provide one-time financial assistance of up to $500 to seniors in need of utilities, transportation, medical or food assistance. The amount per case might not seem like much, but to help a senior purchase tires if they’re balding, for example, to help get to a doctor’s appointment can make a difference, Conant said.

“It really does fill a niche in the community,” he said.

Although volunteers will request financial information, there are no strict criteria in reviewing a case, Conant said. He said the organization wants to ensure a request makes sense for a particular situation and that the funds provided will be sustainable.

SSN also will work to connect applicants with local resources in emergent situations such as groceries.

“I would say our organization is a bit of a hidden gem in the community,” Conant said. “Part of our objective is to continue to grow and expand our awareness.”