Fayette Senior Services has undertaken the momentous task of building a new facility to serve the needs of the growing senior population in Fayette County. Based on projections from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budgeting, the over-65-year-old population will increase from close to 8,000 in 2000 to approximately 12,000 in 2010.

Periodically, the Prime Timer Pages will provide updates and articles relaying their progress.

By JANET McGREGOR
Contributing Writer

Fayette Senior Services was incorporated in 1978 as the Council of Mature Adult Citizens Organizations of Fayette County Inc.

In 1981 the name was shortened a little, dropping the word “Citizens.” In 1992 it was changed to the current Fayette Senior Services Inc.

Margaret Hunter, a master's degree candidate in gerontology, led the effort to establish the original council. The council was formed in 1977 by combining a number of senior organizations.

Originally, The Friendship Center, one of the mainstay outreach programs of the council, met at the First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. The council's proposal to add a meals program in July 1978 was met with opposition from the community, as it was perceived as a “welfare program.” Contrary to fears, close to 70 percent of those using the services at FSS are above poverty level.

In the fall of 1978, Fayette County purchased 1.3 acres and the building on the site at 390 Lee St., Fayetteville, to house the senior programs. The building was remodeled and opened in mid-1979.

In July 1991, the council was selected by the Atlanta Regional Commission as the contracting agency to provide programs for seniors.

Fayette Senior Services is a nonprofit, United Way organization. Funding to support the agency and its many programs comes from a variety of sources.

The ARC, United Way, Fayette County, Peachtree City and Fayetteville all provide some degree of support. Donations from businesses, individuals, fund-raisers and program income also contribute needed revenue. The top three sources of income are the ARC, United Way and program income.

Some of the programs provided by Fayette Senior Services include the well-known Meals on Wheels (home-delivered meals), Adult Day Center, information and referrals, congregate meals (on-site meals), wellness program and various in-home services.

FSS provides the federal Title III Older American Act program in Fayette County.

Fifty-eight percent of those using the services of FSS live in Fayetteville. Thirty-four percent being served live in Peachtree City. The remaining percentage live in Tyrone, Brooks and other areas.

In 1999 close to 22,600 meals were delivered to homes by volunteers and FSS staff. The organization received well over 12,000 information and referral calls. During the fiscal year of 1999 the transportation service has made more than 12,800 one-way trips.

FSS depends heavily on volunteers. Many local individuals contribute their time to deliver meals and assist in other ways. Businesses and civic groups also volunteer and give donations to fund a variety of programs and projects. FSS currently has one full-time and 15 part-time workers. The organization uses an average of 16 volunteers a day.

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