OPT’s Serving Seniors Initiative
Ozarks Public Television is committed to serving our senior viewers by connecting you with local resources that help promote health and quality of life. OPT’s Serving Seniors initiative is made possible in part by a grant from Greene County Senior Citizens’ Services Fund. Below is a list of organizations that serve seniors in our community.
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Senior Centers
Senior centers offer friendship, fun, and educational opportunities for individuals aged 60 and over. Services include a variety of social and wellness activities, as well as meal programs.
1-800-497-0822
SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging
Provides a wide range of resources and information for seniors and their caregivers. Services include telephone reassurance, assistance with tax preparation, new to Medicare classes, patient companion program, meal programs, bilingual care coordination, and many more.
1-800-497-0822
Trained volunteers accompany seniors on medical appointments to help fill out paperwork, take notes, and facilitate better communication with their healthcare provider. Do you know someone who would enjoy serving as a patient companion? This program is also seeking volunteers.
417-862-0762
OATS Transit
Provides specialized transportation for citizens of all ages. Helpful for medical appointments, shopping trips, social excursions, or other errands. Their vehicles can accommodate walkers and wheelchairs, and services pets are welcome.
1-800-770-6287
Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinee Series
On select Wednesdays of the month, Greene County and Christian County residents aged 60 or older receive free admission to see a classic film in the historic setting of the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield. Admission includes free popcorn and non-alcoholic beverage.
417-863-9491
OACAC – Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program
Foster Grandparents serve as role-models in the classroom, helping teachers with tutoring, therapy, and other activities. Share your time, talents, and love with at-risk children in our community.
417-864-3420
Give 5
A “civic matchmaking” program that matches retirees and soon-to-be retirees with meaningful volunteer opportunities in our local community that best fit their skill sets and passions.
417-863-7700
Opportunities for seniors to serve their community by providing specialized volunteer support to local non-profit organizations or government agencies. Opportunities range from grant writing to community gardening programs.
417-868-9592
Council of Churches - Ombudsman Program
Ombudsman is a Swedish word, meaning “representative.” Volunteers with the Council of Churches’ Long-term Care Ombudsman Program ensure nursing home residents are informed of their rights and help resolve complaints between the resident and the facility.
417-862-3586
Springfield Greene County Library
Provides free home book deliveries, technology classes, large-print books, and much more.
417-882-0714
Jordan Valley Community Health Center – Dental Care
Provides dental services.
417- 831-0150
Springfield Greene County Health Department Shingles Vaccination Program
Provides no-cost shingles vaccinations to any Greene County resident age 60 years or older.
417-874-1220
Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri
Provides services for individuals and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s, including support groups, educational sessions, online resources, and a 24-7 helpline with information and advice.
(Helpline: 1-800-272-3900) 417-886-2199
Salvation Army Food Pantry
Provides open food pantry on Wednesdays from 9:30am-3pm.
417-862-5509
CoxHealth Lifeline Medical Alert
Provides medical alert devices to aid individuals living independently.
1-800-749-6555
Crosslines – Homebound Shopper Program
Volunteers help shop for groceries and provide social support for seniors unable to shop for themselves.
417-869-0563
Crosslines – Senior Food Box Program
Eligible recipients can receive a Senior Food Box once per month.
417-869-0563
Council of Churches – Connections Handyman Service
Provides essential home repairs to help low-income seniors remain independent in their homes.
417-887-3586
Legal Services of Southern Missouri
Provides legal representation for seniors on a variety of civil matters, including healthcare directives, simple wills, estate planning, guardianships, divorces, tenant issues, and consumer fraud.
1-800-444-4863
Groupo Latinoamericano
Offers translation of legal and medical documents for Spanish-speaking families.
417-886-1348
Lost & Found Grief Center
Offers bi-weekly support groups for adults grieving the loss of a spouse.
417-865-9998