Let me introduce you to Cynthia. She is a 65-year-old mother and grandmother who has had multiple heart surgeries. Unfortunately, Cynthia found herself in a position where she needed to move from one apartment to another, more cost-effective apartment. However, Cynthia did not know how she was going to afford the move; after all, she is one of many who live at or below the poverty line. If you ask her, she will tell you it is by the grace of God that she found Safe Moves for Seniors (SMFS). She made phone calls to Two Rivers Regional Council, The United Way, and Golden Bridges, where she finally learned about Safe Moves for Seniors, a local not-for-profit specifically designed to help people like Cynthia move to safer, more affordable housing.
Heidi is a 63-year-old mother and grandmother who suffers from early dementia. When Heidi was younger, she had a brain tumor, and thus she was at risk for Dementia. Before she knew it, she could no longer live on her own. She was moved to a senior community outside of Quincy, but her belongings were still in her old apartment. Heidi’s daughter knew of Safe Moves for Seniors and reached out for help. Safe Moves for Seniors was able to work with Emily to identify the items that Heidi would need in her new home, pack them, and arrange for them to be delivered. For Emily, this was a huge relief as she is a working Mom of 3 and there was no way she was going to be able to do it on her own.
Then there is Nancy. Nancy was taken advantage of by someone who took an ad out advertising moving services, you know the kind – it was a side hustle. They got Nancy moved, but not at the cost of Nancy losing some of her prized possessions. Nancy did not know about Safe Moves for Seniors until after she had moved. Luckily for her, she was still able to get some help organizing her new home through SMFS. Now, it feels like home.
These are just a few stories about lives that were touched by Safe Moves for Seniors. This organization is a Pittsburgh-based not-for-profit that was established to help low-income seniors move with dignity. In 2023, SMFS was established in Adams County, IL, to serve those living at or below the poverty line in our community.
Unfortunately, too many seniors continue to live in unsafe situations because they cannot afford to move. Or they put what they can into a trash bag and take it to a new home on the bus or in their car, often having to leave behind precious belongings. This is no way for our seniors to move.
SMFS assists with all aspects of the move, including packing, transportation coordination, and unpacking, ensuring a safe and dignified transition. The organization focuses on assisting seniors who cannot afford traditional moving services. Seniors are encouraged to take steps to prepare for a move, such as identifying items they want to donate or dispose of to help reduce the cost of the move.
SMFS always needs help. Whether you can volunteer your time or make a monetary donation your kindness allows us to make a difference in lives like Cynthia, Heidi, and Nancy. Visit our website at safemovesforseniors.org/quincy to learn more.
Submitted by: Suzanne Ellerbrock
Certified Senior Move Manager
Golden Bridges