Family Skills Development

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) and Sheltering Arms have joined together to provide utility bill assistance for seniors over the age of 60, or those who are disabled, in the local area. The Activity Coordinator at Primrose at Heritage Park identified a strong need for this type of assistance among members of this community. At her request, a group of four NAM representatives came to the property to hold a three-hour enrollment session where senior residents were given the opportunity to sign up for the assistance program. One representative focused on prescreening necessary paperwork, while the other three agents provided one-on-one assistance to complete paperwork. The Activity Coordinator stepped in to copy all necessary items to complete the process.

By the end of the session, 25 residents were signed up for utility assistance. NAM also made plans to return to the property for a second session and offered to partner with other "Good Neighbor Programs" that cater to seniors. Prior to the "Good Neighbor Program," these residents had to make their way into the surrounding community to seek out and register for similar assistance programs. They were delighted to learn that Portfolio Resident Services partners with organizations in the community to bring such services directly to the residents, saving them the need to travel.

A new mindset was established that enrichment programs can be brought on-site, removing one of the hurdles that prevent many from getting the assistance they need
Partnerships with other organizations are fostered by Portfolio Resident Services, allowing the "Good Neighbor Program" to bring resource information to other residents and properties
Residents were provided with a much-needed service that helped improve their quality of life almost immediately