About Social Services of Clackamas County (SS of CC)

Social Services of Clackamas County supports the Social Services Division and assists Clackamas County citizens in three ways:

• Direct support to individuals in need;
• Support for volunteers and volunteer programs that serve people in need; and
• Support for innovative projects that improve the quality of life for low-income populations in Clackamas County.

Social Services of Clackamas County has no staff; its board members and other supporters are all volunteers.  The organization's budget is about $100,000 annually.  Revenue sources include individual and corporate donations, grants, and community fund-raising events.  The following is a list of the specific programs and funds supported through SS of CC.

Support SSofCC Efforts in Clackamas County

DOLLARS FOR DILEMMAS
Dilemmas (D for D) is a fund that Social Services Division staff use, as a fund of last resort, to meet client emergency expenses. D for D serves approximately 150 clients each year and individuals receive an average of $30 in assistance.  Examples of the ways these funds are used include gasoline and bus tickets to enable clients to get to medical and social service appointments, work, job training or emergency shelter; prescription vouchers; food; and diapers.  The majority of clients are individuals or families that are homeless or recently unemployed and are either not eligible for other assistance or for whom eligibility is pending.  Funding for the program comes from business and private contributions, grants, and SS of CC fund-raising activities.

RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP)
RSVP, a program of the Division’s Volunteer Connection, recruits, interviews and links more than 600 volunteers fifty-five years and older with opportunities in the community.  RSVP volunteers work in schools, hospitals, museums, the arts and environment, and other non-profit agencies throughout Clackamas County.  SS of CC pays for volunteer’s mileage as well as training and volunteer recognition expenses.  Although the program receives partial federal funding, SS of CC provides supplemental assistance to support RSVP volunteers.

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM
The Senior Companion Program, a program of the Division’s Volunteer Connection,  recruits and supports about 50 volunteers fifty-five and older to provide companionship and assistance to more than 150 frail and/or isolated seniors and disabled adults. The volunteers help them retain dignity and independence through shared activities, transportation, and friendship.  This program receives partial federal funding. Supplemental assistance is provided through SS of CC to help pay for volunteer training and recognition.

TRANSPORTATION REACHING PEOPLE (TRP)
TRP, a program of the Division’s Volunteer Connection, recruits, screens, trains and schedules over 100 volunteer drivers.   Volunteers provided more than 20,000 rides to medical appointments and other errands for seniors and adults with disabilities.  TRP also uses vans with specially trained drivers to meet specialized transportation needs. Over 85% of TRP riders have a significant disability. The Catch a Ride project serves low-income transportation–disadvantaged citizens in the Milwaukie and Oregon City areas. With the help of community partners, the Catch a Ride Project provides rides to very low-income riders struggling to improve their self-sufficiency. TRP receives funds from federal and state sources, as well as donations from riders. SS of CC provides funds to support both the volunteers and the van programs.

HEALTHY START
Healthy Start, sponsored by the Division’s Volunteer Connection, furnishes volunteers who provide support and resources to parents with infants in Clackamas County.  Volunteers serve as hospital visitors, playgroup coordinators, and childcare providers for support and parent training groups.  Healthy Start conducts over 600 welcome baby visits/screenings annually. SS of CC provides for volunteer training and recognition.

MONEY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Money Management Program trains and supports volunteers who assist seniors and adults with disabilities with basic budgeting, checkbook balancing, and/or bill paying.  Some of the volunteers also act as Representative Payees for clients. Over 300 clients are assisted through this program. SS of CC provides for volunteer training, support, and recognition.