If Only...A gift fulfillment program for older adults with limited financial resources

If Only... A gift fulfillment program for older adults with limited financial resources

If only I had the opportunity to…. All the “if onlys” older adults think about, hoping to do something but waiting for the right time. Suddenly the right time has slipped away and the opportunity to do something presents more of a challenge because of physical limitations or lack of financial resources.

The If Only Program is a gift fulfillment program created using the proceeds from a generous gift by Mr. O. Moser, a former resident of Forsyth County. Working together with businesses in Forsyth County, the Program is managed through the Department of Social Services (DSS).

To make a request of the If Only... Program, you will need to submit a personal letter written by you or a representative acting on your behalf. This letter should be no longer than one page in length and should specifically describe the nature of your request. The letter should be attached to the completed application. Letters received without an accompanying application cannot be processed.

WHO:

• Applicants must be age 60 or older
• A resident and/or a legal immigrant residing in Forsyth County.
• Have the physical and cognitive ability to participate in a requested activity
• Demonstrated need due to limited financial resources
• Be fully aware of the request should someone apply on their behalf
• Applicant will submit a completed application for the If Only... Program (available from the Department of Social Services)

The If Only---Program is unable to grant the following types of requests:

• Cash
• Automobiles, or RV rentals
• Travel outside the US or cruises
• Medical, dental or psychiatric treatments
• Monetary value over $2000
• Surprise request for someone else
• Purchase of property, home improvements or repairs

WHAT

Requests can include a special dinner out with family or friends, a short trip, visits with family or friends or something that would enhance quality of life for the recipient. Past gifts include:

• A portable keyboard and music for a gentleman with cancer
• DVD player with instructional DVD’s, wheelchair batteries, assistance with the purchase of medical supplies and/or durable medical equipment ordered by a physician.
• A bed-bound grandmother received a laptop computer, enabling her to interact with her grandchildren in another state.

To begin the application process, you will need to send the following:

Print an Application

• Download the application form using the link above. Or you may request that an application form be mailed to you by calling (336)703-3501.
• A one-page personal letter that describes your request, why you need help and why the request is important to you. The letter can be written by you or another person on your behalf.

A completed application, including personal letter, and application form should be mailed to the If Only... Program at the address listed below. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

If Only... Program
Department of Social Services
Adult Division
741 N. Highland Avenue
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

If your request is approved, a representative from DSS will contact you regarding the decision and will help to make the arrangements for your request.