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'November2021'

Jul 08

Perpetual Optimism is a Force Multiplier

Posted to Community Services News on July 8, 2022 at 3:54 PM by Jessica Harris

Office of Justice Initiatives
Perpetual Optimism is a Force Multiplier.

The word, honor, includes selfless service as a part of its definition. That leads us to these questions: What is honor without service? What is service without optimism? With the celebration of Veterans Day in our rearview mirror, who is better to quote about honor or service than the late Colin Powell? He stated that “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” There is honor in optimism. Imagine a soldier in the landmine-ridden fields of Cambodia not believing in themselves, their purpose or believing they will make it out. Perpetual optimism is constantly believing conditions will improve and that the future must be brighter. 

Documented evidence continues to prove that being optimistic has measurable benefits. Optimists live longer. They have happier lives and handle adversity better. Optimism is not the denial of reality nor is it toxic positivity. Optimism is different from positivity. In reality, optimism is about believing that there’s something better on the other side of the present circumstance or reality. Optimism is about acknowledging light at the end of the tunnel even amidst darkness. 
The staff of the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program has a front-row seat to tragedy and hardship on a daily basis. There is no better way to honor these families than by radiating an extra dose of optimism every day. We have learned that a person could push a nail through a wood plank with her bare hand. But if that same person had a hammer, the task is much easier. Let optimism be your hammer. 

Think the best. Expect the best. Be optimistic.

Tag(s): Optimistic, OJI, November2021, COAP

Jul 08

Collaborative Response to Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Posted to Community Services News on July 8, 2022 at 3:49 PM by Jessica Harris

Aging Commission of the Mid-South

Collaborative Response to Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse


In 2017, Tennessee passed legislation strengthening the system that responds to elder abuse across the state. Vulnerable Adult Protective Investigative Teams (VAPIT) were established to coordinate community stakeholders in assisting to provide services and justice for persons who are elder and/or disabled and victims of crime. Additionally CREVAA advocates were established at Area Agency on Aging and Disability throughout the state. The Aging Commission of the Mid South assists individuals over 60 years of age and vulnerable adults over 18 who have been victims of crime in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties. CREVAA’s goal is to address both emergent and on-going unmet needs to help victims recover from acts of crime. 
Advocates assist elder and vulnerable adults in obtaining needed long-term services and support as it relates to the crime committed against them. They educate the public about abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Advocates help older adult victims of crime gain stability through services such as: therapy, counseling, durable medical equipment, transportation, medication replacement, and short-term case management.
If you know a person who is elderly or disabled and is the victim of crime, please contact local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-866-836-6678 for assistance. 

Tag(s): November2021, Elder, APS, Aging, AdultProtectiveServices

Jul 08

Answering the Call

Posted to Community Services News on July 8, 2022 at 3:47 PM by Jessica Harris

Community Services Agency
Answering the Call

Shelby County CSA is proud to say that we Honor our customers by holding them in high respect. As a social service organization, oftentimes, we meet our customers at what may be one of the lowest moments of their lives. They may be experiencing the threat of utility disconnection or the loss of their home as a result of loss of employment, the loss of a loved one, or astronomical car or home repairs. Whatever the need, we understand the sensitivity and we answer the call. CSA is consistently providing high levels of customer service by treating every customer with the upmost dignity and respect. We are Helping people and Changing Lives, because we listen with our EARS, but we hear with our HEARTS.
For utility, rent, or mortgage assistance, call 901-222-4212 or visit www.shelbycountycsa.org. 

Tag(s): UtilityAssistance, RentAssistance, November2021, MortgageAssistance, CSA