Southside Community Connections

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Southside Senior Services, Inc. DBA Southside Community Connections (SCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1984 in the small rural town of Groveland, CA. The SCC mission is to provide health, recreation, social interaction, and lifelong learning experiences in a multigenerational setting to benefit active adults. We are governed by a board of directors composed of volunteers from our community. In October 2022, we hired an Executive Director to manage day-to-day operations. Revenue is derived chiefly from generous donations from community members and through multiple fundraisers and grants.

The communities of Groveland and Big Oak Flat in south Tuolumne County are isolated from services due to the geographic barrier that Priest Grade presents. Priest Grade, a 4.5-mile section of State Route 120, climbs from 910 feet elevation to 2,450 feet. Old Priest Grade, a narrower road and predecessor to the current route of SR120, covers the same change in elevation over 1.8 miles. Due to this isolation, citizens of Groveland and Big Oak Flat must rely on each other when (non-emergency) help is needed. Southside Community Connections fills that need by utilizing volunteers within our community. Neighbors Helping Neighbors isn’t just a slogan for SCC; it is a requirement for our area to ensure that our residents stay happy and healthy and that our seniors can remain in their homes with safety, dignity, and respect.

The annual operating budget of SCC is approximately $100,000 annually, which covers insurance, staffing, building maintenance, equipment, and supplies, as well as everyday overhead expenses. In addition, SCC administers transportation services through a grant from the state. The annual operating budget for those programs is approximately $230,000, reimbursed by the grant.

Programs and Services:

The Little House (TLH): In 2007, SCC entered into a long-term agreement with Tuolumne County, securing the use of our current facility, The Little House. Following a $50,000 grant from the Sonora Area Foundation, we made much-needed repairs and improvements to the building, and it officially opened its doors in 2009. Today, The Little House is a popular community gathering place, offering complimentary Wi-Fi, information about social services available in Tuolumne county, congregate lunches, classes and lectures, health and fitness programs, and special events. Our daily classes include yoga, balance and core exercises for seniors, needlework craft group, line dancing, games, and much more.

Wheels: The Wheels program was launched by SCC in 2012 to offer transportation services to individuals who cannot drive due to age, illness, or lack of access to a vehicle. This program provides rides to businesses within Groveland and Big Oak Flat, including medical clinics, physical therapy, post offices, grocery stores, banks, and other essential locations. Additionally, Wheels drivers transport residents to The Little House for various programs, thereby reducing isolation and promoting social interaction. Despite its success, the Wheels program faces some limitations. For instance, locating volunteer drivers has become more challenging in recent years, and the program cannot transport wheelchair users due to the restrictions of volunteer vehicles. As a solution, SCC launched the WAVE program to supplement the Wheels program. Please see the description below for more details.

Village on the Hill (VOH): Since 2015, SCC has offered the Village on the Hill service to our senior community. Our volunteers provide various helpful services, such as running errands, shopping, light bulb, and smoke alarm maintenance, watering plants, transporting trash, making daily safety phone calls, taking walks around the neighborhood, and providing friendly visits. These services are invaluable in allowing seniors to remain safely in their homes for a longer period of time. They are all made possible thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers.

WAVE (Wheels & Village Express): In 2021, with the help of a 5310 Cal Grant for enhanced mobility for seniors and disabled residents, SCC launched the WAVE program, an extension of the Wheels program. This program enhances the Wheels program by offering free local transportation to individuals who use wheelchairs and offering trips to larger urban areas such as Sonora and Modesto for specialty medical providers, diagnostic services, shopping, DMV, Social Security, VA clinic, and cultural opportunities. WAVE provides rides Monday through Friday via a small, comfortable bus that seats up to eight passengers, including two in wheelchairs with a wheelchair lift. Although seniors and disabled residents are given priority, there are no limitations on who can ride the bus. SCC recently received a van as a donation. The donation of the van represents a significant contribution to SCC’s mission of supporting and empowering individuals in need. The organization is grateful for the generosity of its donors and looks forward to expanding its services in the future.

Funding for Programs and Donations to Our Organization: Our WAVE program receives state grants, partially funding the Wheels program. The VOH and TLH programs rely heavily on the generosity of community donations and fundraising, with program and membership fees providing only a small percentage of support. If you would like to donate to our organization and support our cause, please visit our “Donate” page on our website. Alternatively, you can send checks to the following address:

Southside Community Connections
P.O. Box 63
Groveland, CA 95321

Join SCC in Serving Groveland: Volunteer Today! SCC is thrilled to be able to contribute to our community, but we need your assistance to make it happen. If you are unable to make a financial contribution, we invite you to consider volunteering your time instead. Please call us at (209) 962-7303 to learn more about how you can lend a hand and help SCC serve Groveland.

 

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT
David Bealby

VICE PRESIDENT
Paul Bunt

TREASURER
Joe Vautier

RECORDING SECRETARY
Barbara Klahn

FUNDRAISER DIRECTOR
Linda Sarratt

 

The SCC Board is made up of volunteers from the community who are passionate about supporting local initiatives and making a positive impact. If you’re interested in getting more involved with SCC, attending a board meeting is a great way to meet some of the people who are driving the organization forward.

The SCC Board typically meets quarterly at The Little House on the 3rd  Wednesday of the month at 4:00 P.M. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

IN APPRECIATION

As a group of community volunteers, those who serve on the Board of Directors appreciate the ongoing and generous support of SCC and its three programs.

Whether you volunteer, provide funding or participate in the many programs and activities at SCC, your personal involvement is critical to maintaining a vigorous and healthy organization that promotes better living for adults “on the hill.”

Staff

NANCY REGGIO  Executive Director

SAMANTHA WEST  The Little House Supervisor

JACKIE SAMPLE – Transportation Coordinator

BETH MARTIN – Transportation Coordinator

RICK WHYBRA – WAVE Fleet Manager

DAVE MILLITELLO- WAVE Bus Driver

BOB SWAN – Accountant