by Nathan Boddy
The organization that took shape on Thursday, September 26th was so new that it hadn’t yet decided on a name. Nonetheless, a gathering of seven individuals, all of whom work in fields that in some way aim to serve residents over the age of 60, quickly took shape and became the Ravalli Senior Network.
Dyana Canavan, who works for Partners in Home Care and lives in the Bitterroot Valley, said she and others have been members of a networking group dedicated to sharing information about services to seniors for some time. That group, known as the Senior Networking Group, is a clearinghouse of information about everything from accessing relocation services to financial guidance to accessing medical care. The downside: the Senior Networking Group is located in Missoula.
Canavan and the others found that, while the networking aspect is incredibly valuable, the two hours of driving time was adding up. “We just don’t have that much time,” she said, adding that they knew they wanted to have something similar in Ravalli County, and so decided to make the leap and create a sister group to be housed in the Bitterroot.
The new Ravalli Senior Network can be joined by anyone whose business or organization provides services that support people over the age of 60, at some capacity. And while the Ravalli Senior Network does not provide services, the more it grows, the greater the reach of those member entities will become due to the networking between service providers. Essentially, Canavan says that the network amounts to bridging the gap between seniors in the community and the resources that are available to them.
“This is to organize the organizing,” she said as the meeting got underway and members introduced themselves and the services their organization provides.
Cathy Orr of the Council on Aging was present and reiterated the importance of the networking group through the simple fact that 35% of Ravalli County residents are 60 and over, which she said is above the state average.
“[It’s] one of the highest counts in Montana,” she said, pointing out that “approximately a third of us could be in need of these services at any point.”
Also present were assisted living and care giving service providers, Kathy’s Place and Hoblitt Homes, as well as Judy Parker of Mary Kay, Lauren Quiroa, owner of Merkaba Within, LLC, and Maddie Flamm with Caring Transitions. As they went around the table with introductions, the sharing of ideas and enthusiasm had already begun.
Cathy Orr expressed it by saying, “It’s really important to get everybody together and meet to put a name with a face and not just be a name on a list.”
For those interested in learning more about being a part of the Ravalli Senior Network, the newly formed group will be led by Dyana Canavan, Cathy Orr and Charlene Miskimen. Emails can be sent to: canavand@partnersinhomecare.org.