Telespond Senior Services, Inc.

Organizational History

Telespond Senior Services, Inc. was founded in 1974 as a private, non-profit organization assisting Lackawanna County's older adults and their family caregivers.

The initial phase of Telespond's development centered on programs for individual older adults, and the organization soon became a focal point for senior citizens who were experiencing difficulties or facing a crisis. Services were then designed to promote the goal of independent living by providing education and advocacy on a commmunity-wide level.

The objectives of these programs was to prepare and activate older adults to be their own "change agents," to inform them as to what services were available, what was being done for them, and what they could do for themselves. This effort included the development of a speakers bureau and resource center, a retail Discount Program, a newspaper for and about senior citizens, technical assistance and a base of operations for senior citizens groups, a Friendly Visiting/Tel-A-Care program, a Senior Companion Program, and a series of regional education seminars.

Telespond is presently involved in developing, refining, and providing services to address the many and changing needs of older adults in the community, as well as those of their primary caregivers.

Plans for the future include the development of existing volunteer services, as well as an improved capability in assisting frail homebound and chronically ill elderly throughout Lackawanna County. The role and function of the family as the primary caregiver is also an area where Telespond will continue to be involved in providing support where needed, consistent with its ongoing and comprehensive mission of service to this community.

Our Mission .. .

Telespond Senior Services provides life enriching services to older adults and their families on both a community-wide and individual basis.

We meet this mission by:

Providing high quality community based care to older adults and caregivers;

Enhancing the well-being of older adults by promoting independent living;

Providing low-cost alternatives to institutionalized care;

Working cooperatively with other service providers to improve the efficient,
effective delivery of needed programs.

Funding Sources and Links

Telespond Senior Services, Inc., is funded in part with support received from the Corporation for National Service; United Way of Lackawanna County , the Pennsylvania Department of Aging through the Lackawanna and Susquehanna County Area Agencies on Aging, Lackawanna County Human Services Development Fund, Lackawanna County Coordinated Transportation, and fund-raising activities. Telespond is registered with the State Bureau of Charitable Organizations. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.

Telespond is a Member Agency of the

Local Links

Allied Services
Clarks Summit Borough
Coalition for Aging Services
LackawannaInfo.org
NEPA Center for Independent Living
Parente Randolph
Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Scranton Public Library
Scranton Times
United Neighborhood Centers
United Way of Lackawanna County
WNEP TV - Channel 16