SPRYE is off to a running start. Rye’s aging-in-place organization to help older adults stay in their homes has already signed up 50 dues-paying households with 70 members since starting operations at the beginning of October. Its progress is on track with the pace achieved by similar organizations in neighboring communities — 180 households in Bronxville’s Grammaton Village after three years, and Mamaroneck’s At Home on the Sound with 105 households after 18 months.
SPRYE is off to a running start. Rye’s aging-in-place organization to help older adults stay in their homes has already signed up 50 dues-paying households with 70 members since starting operations at the beginning of October. Its progress is on track with the pace achieved by similar organizations in neighboring communities — 180 households in Bronxville’s Grammaton Village after three years, and Mamaroneck’s At Home on the Sound with 105 households after 18 months.
Fulfilling the needs expressed in pre-launch surveys, the services offered are both social and supportive. On the social side there was the visit to PepsiCo for a tour of major 20th-century artists in the company’s collection, a tour of the Rembrandt drawings and American Impressionism exhibits at the Bruce Museum, lunch get-togethers, and a breakfast current events discussion. A program of similar events and speakers for the first six months of 2012 has been planned.
On the supportive side, over 60 rides were provided to those members who needed help getting to doctors appointments, to physical therapy sessions, and for shopping. Two requests for a handyman from two members were also filled, as well as referrals to contractors for special needs.
Three dozen Rye and area volunteers deliver the services – as drivers, staffing the office at The Osborn, working on events, doing the bookkeeping, or standing by to provide other services. They are organized by Executive Director Betti Weimersheimer, SPRYE’s only staffer. One of her key roles is dealing with the special needs of members.
In addition to its members and volunteers, SPRYE has the valuable support of its donors. Over 100 donations and grants were received in the past year, including a $10,000 state grant. This financial support from members of the community supplementing membership dues to cover start-up costs as the organization builds membership.
Commenting on SPRYE’s progress, President Tom Saunders said, “Our reception thus far validates all of our assumptions. We’re encouraged. In 2012 we’ll be working harder than ever to expand operations. We urge everyone to support our continued success and growth — as member or volunteer or donor or all three.” Information about membership or volunteer opportunities is available at 481-5706 or sprye.org.
