Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications
Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

CHORE Program Now Available Through BRiDGES

NEW CITY, NY – A program to help Rockland residents who are older and those with disabilities with small home maintenance tasks has been transferred to a new agency where it will continue to offer services.

The CHORE program provides volunteers to do light handy work and simple home maintenance for residents with a disability and anyone over the age of 60.

"We are proud to continue to offer this service, which helps people remain in their homes," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "This is another example of how our community works together to assist our seniors so they can continue to live independent lives."

CHORE is supported through a combination of volunteers, a grant from the Rockland County Office for the Aging, and the generosity of local businesses and residents.

The program had operated for the past five years through Home Aides of Rockland, which closed last month.

CHORE is now being run by BRiDGES, a community-based, not-for-profit in New City dedicated to advocacy and providing services on behalf of people with disabilities.

"CHORE fits the mission of BRiDGES," said David Jacobsen, the organization's executive director. "CHORE volunteers install grab bars and change light bulbs – these activities help people be able to continue to live at home independently. It's a great program. We are thankful to the County for the opportunity to continue to provide this service."

Tom Ternquist, who has managed the program for several years, continues to oversee CHORE. For more information about CHORE, or to schedule an appointment, contact Tom Ternquist at 845-215-1010.

Additional information about BRiDGES can be found at www.bridgesrc.org or by calling 845-624-1366.