Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 145Community Relations: Community relations will become increasinglyimportant as the Home finds its niche in the evolving climate of health carereform. Much of what will be done for the elderly will be in the area of"community based services." The Home must be an active participant in thelife of the community. We believe that this is an essential part of our missionto serve others for the sake of Christ. Believing the mission of the RP Homeincludes a commitment to serving people in difficult circumstances andremaining a force for good in a troubled neighborhood, we have takenseveral steps to be a part of the solution.Under the oversight of the mayor's office, three task forces have beenformed to address issues of safety in the Perry Hilltop. These have beenplaced under the direction of the Perry Hilltop Citizen's Council. OurAdministrator has joined that organization and has been participating in theirmeetings. Our Executive Director has been attending the Perry SouthCOP/Neighborhood Task Force. The latter is an occasion for the Pittsburghpolice and neighbors to exchange information and cooperate in combatingproblems.Participation by the Home in the neighborhood groups has been verybeneficial. In both cases, our attendance has sent a strong signal to theneighborhood that we care about conditions and are available to participatein solutions.We have also made contact with the mayor's office, making them awareof our safety needs. Two members of the mayor's staff attended one of ourboard meetings. Their response has been positive, and one member of themayor's staff has remained in weekly contact with the Home, offeringassistance on various issues, the most helpful being the attempt to find vacantproperty to use for auxiliary parking.Expansion: The popularity of the personal care program has promptedresearch into expansion of the RP Home with regard to this service. At thistime we are looking to develop an independent living and personal carecenter in Beaver County.Development of New Services in Pittsburgh: Equal attention is being paidto developing the Pittsburgh operation of the RP Home. The need forprotected parking for residents, visitors and employees remains a priorityalong with improving the worship facilities. Other program services which weare considering offering in Pittsburgh are:the opening of a child day care center,physician offices,out patient physical therapy,adult day care center andcommunity transportation services.Expansion of our nursing unit always remains a possibility, however,economic and political pressures are a definite impediment at this time.Respectfully submitted,Faith M. Martin, Executive Director