MYSTERY SOLVED!!!
Hello Statesboro and Bulloch County!!
I have a SECRET to share about the TALLEST building in Statesboro (six stories), built in 1978 and sandwiched between North Main and College Streets.
Know what I am talking about??? Yes, indeed the answer is simple: the STATESBORO SUMMIT APARTMENTS!!
These apartments are predominantly one bedroom and fall under the following program subsidy: Project Based Section 8/Tax Credit (consists of 98 Apartments, two 2-bedroom and 96 1-bedroom units).
It is a community designated for Adults with Disabilities and Senior Households of at least 62 years old. Qualified households pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income. The apartments have utilities included (water, electricity, sanitation) paid for by the property, an on-site Social Services Coordinator, maintenance, laundry facilities, education activities and a fitness center ALL part of the property. The Residents NEED to be qualified as DISABLED and have a Criminal Background check.
It is owned by Vitus and managed by MMS group. Statesboro Summit has two outstanding employees, April Smith, Social Service Coordinator and Carolyn Dunlop, Property Manager. Both women are totally ‘SOLD OUT’ to assist with the Residents with their basic requirements.
April Smith and Carolyn Dunlop make it their RESPONSIBILITY to understand the NEEDS of their Residents and have truly BUILT a community within the walls of this property.
April Smith, MS, MHC, serves as the Social Service Coordinator for Statesboro Summit Apartments. She has been working in the field of Social Service/Social Work for more than 20 years, with various community agencies. April received her Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from Georgia Southern University, as well as her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is married to Alex Smith, has three children, a bonus daughter and granddaughter, Kayleigh. April says she loves helping the residents who reside at Statesboro Summit Apartments. Her passion is bringing educational resources and services to the Residents, to help them live as INDEPENDENTLY for as long as possible in their OWN community.
Carolyn Dunlop serves as Property Manager for Statesboro Summit Apartments. She has been working in property management for the past nine years, with eight of these years, serving as Property Manager with Statesboro Summit. Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation with an emphasis in therapeutic recreation from Georgia Southern University. She is married to Chris Dunlop and has two sons. Carolyn strives to help individuals, who meet the criteria, attain Affordable Housing within this thriving community. She said that she enjoys the SMILE she brings to FUTURE RESIDENTS’ faces when she gives them the key to their new apartment home.
April Smith works with a totally ‘OPEN DOOR’ policy. I witnessed it on my visit to the Statesboro Summit Apartments. She was continuously ‘BOUNCING THE BALL’ between communicating with me, answering property management concerns from the incoming Residents asking questions or sharing GREAT NEWS on their many achievements. YES! YES! It was a true JUGGLING ACT!
However, each person was received with personalized interest and joy. NO MATTER the topic or WHATEVER the issue, April and Carolyn were available to listen and interact with them.
The ROLE of the Social Service Coordinator provides a VALUABLE SERVICE to the Residents. Below is a list of some of the areas that April assists the Residents with.
- Financial assistance (reading and understanding their bills, discounts, banking, etc.)
- Medical assistance (prescriptions, drug benefit plans, low cost home & health care, wellness clinics, etc.)
- Educational and emotional support
- Employment assistance
- Homemaker assistance
- Legal issues
April said, “The residents like to remain ACTIVE, however due to financial limitations, disabilities,and health issues, they are limited.” Transportation is an issue. Several have cars and volunteer with the Food Bank, Christian Social Ministries, and other groups. She mentioned how PARTNERSHIPS with Statesboro and Bulloch County organizations have been a HUGE BENEFIT.
“We have partnered with the Georgia Southern University Nursing Program to have the Statesboro Summit scheduled as a Clinical site for Nursing Students teams to create and present educational topics to our Residents," April said.
Ogeechee Tech’s students have also reached out and scheduled their first presentation ‘Don't Let Diabetes Put You in Jeopardy.’
Statesboro-Bulloch County Library will be bringing their ‘Programming Van’ to Statesboro Summit with book lending, adult crafts, computer and cell phone training, and an abundance of newly discovered programs. The library is looking into wi-fi capability for their 'Programming Van' to accommodate onsite visits to the Statesboro Summit. That is another thing: they have NO wi-fi in the building unless the Residents self-purchase.
Summarizing my visit, Statesboro Summit Apartments was extremely interesting. Everyone was working with a common GOAL to make ‘low income’ Senior Adults aware of the many OPTIONS available to ENJOY life and become COMFORTABLE and KEEP themselves busy.
The Residents and staff try very hard to stay informed and not to let money be the OBSTACLE for their daily routine. Enclosed is a calendar of events that ALL Residents have access to for FREE. Special activity programs are held in the Community Room, and prizes and incentives are always a FUN addition. Asking for new ideas or suggestions for programs are definitely encouraged.
April concluded, “We EMBRACE the Community involvement and love to bring a wide variety of educational topics to our residents. We would like to implement more programs on our calendar for our Residents, such as religious services/studies, adult training, safety awareness, games, crafting, painting/arts and much more. Donations are welcome such as clothes, durable medical equipment, incontinence products, crafting or art supplies. Each year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we work diligently to CELEBRATE our Residents. There are opportunities to give through the ‘Adopt a Resident for Christmas' program, or to simply provide COMPANIONSHIP through reading or a phone call with a friendly hello. WE LOVE TO HAVE FUN!”
OH YES, my trip to the Statesboro Summit Apartments was definitely a GREAT and INFORMATIVE visit. What a caring and friendly community property!
NOW the ‘MYSTERY’ is SOLVED!!
‘What is that TALL BUILDING sandwiched between North Main and College??’
REACH OUT and have another great Senior Moment!
