Carl D. Behnke became the newly elected president of Senior Services of Alexandria during the organization's annual meeting June 13 at Goodwin House. He was joined by three new members to the Board of Directors.
During his acceptance speech, Behnke detailed three key goals for his administration, which will encompass SSA's 40th anniversary year in 2008. "First we must become financially robust. Second, we must increase our visibility at all levels of the community so that seniors will be more visible. And, third we must undertake a greater message campaign about the tremendous benefits Senior Services brings to all the people of Alexandria," he said.
"[Senior Services] provides working men and women peace of mind, knowing that their older parents are receiving nutritious home delivered meals and safe transportation to their doctor's appointments. We benefit children by helping parents and grandparents remain in their own homes. And, we help those parents and grandparents keep those homes in good condition," Behnke said.
"By helping to keep those homes in good condition, Senior Services helps to preserve neighborhoods and that benefits our economic base. That's the message we must send," he said.
New Board of Director members elected by acclamation were Barbara Anderson, John Wilson, and C.B. "Buzzie" Harris. Other SSA executive officers are: Claudia Kostel, vice president; Mark Roth, treasurer; Sandra Calhoun, secretary; Barbara Lord, corresponding secretary; and Susan Winn, immediate past president.
Senior Services’ annual report gave the following yearly performance statistics: 306 clients served through its employment counseling and job placement service filling 123 jobs; 72,974 trips provided for seniors and disabled to medical services, grocery shopping, and other appointments; 45,757 Meal on Wheels provided to homebound seniors; and 730 hours of financial services to seniors.