County Commissioners Proclaim May 2024 “Older Americans Month”

Morris County highlights programs supporting the elderly and veterans during May 2024.

MORRISTOWN, NJ - During last week’s public meeting in Morristown, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners declared May 2024 as "Older Americans Month." Commissioner Director Christine Myers presented a special proclamation recognizing the significant contributions of older Americans and veterans.

Group photo of the ACADV. In back row from the left: Emerson Crooks (4), Kasey Errico (5), Sheriff James Gannon (6), Commissioner John Krickus (9), John Sheridan (10), Tom Mazzaccaro (11), Christine Hellyer (12).

U.S. Navy Veteran Tom Mazzaccaro, Chair of the Morris County Advisory Council on Aging Disabilities & Veterans (ACDAV), joined Christine Hellyer, Director of the Office of Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming, and Kasey Errico, Director of the Morris County Department of Human Services, in accepting the proclamation.

“It’s fitting that Older Americans Month is the same month we observe Memorial Day. Who better exemplifies the importance of service to the community and country than our veterans?” said Commissioner Director Myers. 

She expressed gratitude to Mazzaccaro for his military and public service, highlighting the dedication of ACDAV members and their impact on veterans, seniors, and vulnerable populations.

Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Tom Mazzaccaro, Kasey Errico and Christine Hellyer

Mazzaccaro thanked the Commissioners for their support and praised the efforts of Errico and Hellyer within the Human Services department. During the meeting, Hellyer provided updates on veterans services, noting significant expansions and enhancements over the past two years, including the hiring of a fourth full-time Veterans Services Officer and a seasonal intern starting in June.

Hellyer also outlined the $300,000 in funding approved by the Commissioners for veterans programming in 2023-2024. Highlights include:

• 93 nights of shelter placement for veterans through April.
• 89 Uber/Lyft rides for veterans, expanding transportation services through April.
• Assistance for six veteran families, providing 5,400 lbs. of food and products in the first quarter of 2024 during 16 visits.
• 27 hours of legal services provided to veterans.
• Mental Health Association (MHA) support, including 10 group sessions, personal counseling, and case management.

Additionally, Hellyer announced the opening of a new federal Veteran Center Community Access Point (CAP) on May 2 at the Morris County Veteran Services Office. Services are provided every Thursday by appointment with two Veteran Affairs (VA) counselors from the Bloomfield Vet Center. Veterans interested in making an appointment can call the Bloomfield Vet Center at 973-748-0980.

The Morris County ACADV is composed of community representatives, professionals, and consumers who advocate for issues important to seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Council members are appointed annually by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and serve without salary.

In April, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus and Sheriff James Gannon attended an ACADV meeting at the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance. Commissioner Krickus announced a resolution to allocate $300,000 for homeless services, which was approved on April 10.

Sheriff Gannon discussed the evolving role of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office since its establishment in 1738 and highlighted several community support programs, including:

• Hope One: A mobile outreach program offering substance use and mental health support, Narcan training, rehab referrals, and other services.
• Photo ID Program: Providing identification and issuing County ID cards to help individuals secure medical and social services.
• Project Lifesaver: A program where participants wear a transmitter bracelet that law enforcement can track if someone goes missing, beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s or special needs.
• Prescription Drug Drop-Off Boxes: Safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs at the courthouse and other approved locations.

Sheriff Gannon also warned of elder abuse scams involving impersonation of officials and advised caution regarding requests for personal information over the phone. He emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents to the proper authorities.

For assistance and information on local services, residents are encouraged to contact the Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming at 340 West Hanover Avenue in Morris Township. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can be reached at 973-285-6848 or 1-800-564-4656.