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SPAN celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2004. As we entered the new millennium we reflected on our past and envisioned our future. SPAN began in 1974 when a small band of Denton citizens was moved to take real steps to help older people in their effort to live independent and productive lives. The founders rounded up funding for the first year, of which Kiwanians, who thereby expressed a personal faith in the fledgling program, pledged $8,000. They called it SPAN, Services Program for Aging Needs. In time SPAN became incorporated as a non-profit corporation governed by a local board of directors, which remains our structure today. SPAN has remained true to the initial purpose and continues to provide support services to older citizens so that they may continue living in their homes and be as active as they choose in their communities. SPAN is positioning itself to meet the need for services generated by the increasing senior citizen population in our county. Today, in addition to coordinating a hot noon meals program at six centers in the county, SPAN delivers meals to the elderly confined to their homes. Other support services that are provided are Outreach, Information and Referral, Benefits Counseling, Health and Recreational activities at Senior Centers, Caregiver Support Groups and Emergency Response (Lifeline). Volunteer services have also expanded to include Spring and Fall yard clean up, Shopping/Errands, and Senior Pals programs. In 1988 SPAN entered a new phase by becoming eligible for a transportation grant. With this funding SPAN was able to take on an additional role of providing public transportation, which greatly enhanced the agency’s ability to serve senior transportation needs. SPAN was a subcontractor of transportation services for the cities of Denton and Lewisville as well as a contractor with the Texas Department of Transportation for Rural Public Transportation. SPAN currently operates the transit system in Denton County, which includes commuter express and demand responsive service. SPAN has been an innovative and progressive leader in using new technology within the transit industry. Funding for SPAN’s programs comes partially from Federal and State Grants, however to a great extent SPAN depends on local communities for support as well as United Way of Denton County. One reason for SPAN’s success has been the ability to attract many capable and dedicated employees who work with the deep satisfaction of seeing first hand what a difference they make in the lives of the people they serve. Another secret of SPAN’s success is the over 500 committed volunteers who are certainly the lifeblood of several of our programs. The collaboration among these devoted individuals ensures that SPAN’s mission is carried out in the Denton County community. |
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SPAN
Metro
940.243.8620
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1800 Malone
