Group seeks older participants for study

The Community Resource Center of Manchester (CRC) is partnering with Jewish Family Services and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation to conduct a study of quality of life for vulnerable older adults in Washtenaw County. These groups are looking to conduct individual interviews with about 30 older adults, and can meet them wherever is most convenient -- including at their homes or at the CRC offices. The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is interested in qualitative interviews that will provide them with narrative data to inform their decisions about funding and programming for older adults.

The group is looking for folks over age 60 who either:

• Live alone,  OR
• Live in the 48197 or 48198 ZIP codes, OR
• Receive rent assistance, Medicaid, or feel like they don’t have enough money to pay all their bills, OR
• The person is a caregiver to a vulnerable family member who may fit one of the statements above. For example, someone who is caring for a parent or a spouse would be perfect.

The study leaders would love to have the voices of Manchester area residents included! In exchange for an hour of the respondents’ time, they will receive a $20 Meijer gift card.

Interested seniors (or their caregiver) can contact the CRC at 734-428-7722 for more information or to offer to participate in the study.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.