Thornton & Grooms Helping Hero For January 2010 - BASCC

The Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council and Center (BASCC) has been chosen by Thornton & Grooms as the latest recipient of the Hearts & Heroes Award. The mission of BASCC is to identify and meet the needs of older adults by soliciting and coordinating community resources to provide educational, recreational and social programs; supportive outreach services; and volunteer opportunities. For over 30 years, this non-profit organization has provided a range of vital services to seniors in the Birmingham area.

Over 1,200 adults, age 55 years and older, enjoy the social and educational environment BASCC has to offer. The organization’s programs include arts and crafts, book discussion groups, card games, dance, exercise and fitness, mature driver refresher courses, sports leagues, and more.  BASCC also provides outreach services that allow older adults to live independently, such as lawn care, minor home repairs and maintenance, transportation services, even short-term loans of medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs.

Many seniors and their families rely heavily on the programs and services made possible through BASCC. Due to the current economic climate, funding sources such as grants, donations and other income that the organization relies upon have greatly diminished. The $1,000 grant will be used to defray expenses involved in administering BASCC outreach service efforts, including Meals on Wheels, Medicare and Medicaid counseling, income tax assistance and support groups. 

"Older adults and seniors have been forgotten in this extended economic downturn that has swept the United States, and the state of Michigan, in particular, and people are struggling to make ends meet," says Mike Bergstrom of TGI. "As community centers, senior centers, and even nursing homes are constrained by budgets, the BASCC is filling an important need with their outreach services and helping seniors stay independent. Even more, the center provides entertainment, recreational and social interactions for older adults, which are also necessary during rough times. We’re glad to make a contribution to this worthy organization."

According to Theresa Monsour, coordinator at Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council and Center, “This Hearts & Heroes grant to the BASCC is greatly appreciated and desperately needed. It will directly support the needs of older adults because all our activities focus on coordinating local resources and volunteers to provide necessary services.”

To learn more about The BASCC and to find out how you can help, please visit BASCC.

If you have a charity you’d like to nominate for our monthly $1,000 Hearts & Heroes Award, please complete the nomination form today.