Steuben Senior Services Fund, Inc.

Empowering Seniors to Age at Home

Steuben Senior Services Fund (SSSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults in Steuben County remain independent, connected, and thriving in the homes and communities they love. As the charitable arm supporting the Steuben County Office for the Aging, SSSF exists to fill the gaps that public funding alone cannot—strengthening services, launching innovative programs, and investing in community projects that help local seniors live safely and with dignity.

Across the nation, the number of older adults is rapidly increasing, and Steuben County is no exception. By 2035, one in four residents will be age 65 or older. The number of adults aged 85 and older is projected to rise by 43 percent, and nearly 70 percent of these individuals will require assistance to remain in their homes. These numbers tell a powerful story: our community must be ready to support the changing needs of an aging population.

That’s where SSSF steps in. Founded to promote “Aging in Place,” SSSF helps create livable, age-friendly communities through education, technology, and compassionate coordination of care. We believe that Aging should be a time of connection, purpose, and well-being, rather than isolation or hardship. Through partnerships, fundraising, and innovation, SSSF supports initiatives that ensure every senior, regardless of income, has access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to age well at home.

Mission

SSSF was created as a resource for older adults who want to age in place safely. We foster connections among family, friends, caregivers, and community supports through technology and education. Our mission is to help every senior in Steuben County remain healthy, active, and engaged by empowering them to live independently and confidently in familiar surroundings.

Vision

We envision a future where all seniors, regardless of income, have the ability and opportunity to “Age at Home.”

Values: “HOME”

Our guiding values are built into the word HOME—a symbol of security, belonging, and independence.

H – Healthy Aging: Supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

O – Options & Opportunities: Providing choices that encourage autonomy and purpose.

M – Membership: Recognizing that every senior is a vital part of our community.

E – Engagement: Promoting connection, participation, and lifelong learning.

How We Make a Difference

SSSF is dedicated to helping seniors achieve the comfort and security of “aging in place.” Through heartfelt initiatives like Full Circle America, we provide affordable, technology-supported care coordination that brings together older adults, their families, medical providers, and local services. Our approach ensures that seniors can continue living independently at home, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional facility-based care. This caring model not only allows seniors to enjoy the familiarity of their own surroundings but also offers peace of mind to their loved ones, knowing they are safe and supported in their daily lives.

We also help expand and sustain critical services coordinated through the Steuben County Office for the Aging, including:

• Home-delivered and congregate meals

• Transportation and shopping assistance

• Personal emergency response systems such as Lifeline or Link to Life

• In-home personal care and caregiver respite

• Volunteer-led wellness and social programs that keep older adults active and engaged

By blending local compassion with innovative solutions, SSSF ensures these essential services continue to meet the growing needs of our community.

Why It Matters

Nationally, one in every seven Americans is over 65; in Steuben County, that number is expected to reach one in four within a short time. More than 8,000 residents may face age-related challenges or dementia by 2035. As these numbers rise, the need for cost-effective, community-based care will only grow. SSSF’s work provides a sustainable, local answer, offering independence and dignity to seniors while reducing the strain on families and public systems.

Our Commitment to the Community

Since 2009, SSSF has pursued grants, partnerships, and community donations to strengthen resources for successful Aging. Every dollar we raise stays here in Steuben County, directly supporting programs and capital projects that enhance the lives of local seniors.

Most recently, SSSF has pledged to raise funds to help offset construction costs for the new Hornell Senior Center, a modern, accessible space designed to serve as the heartbeat of community life for older adults. The new center will feature room for expanded wellness classes, group meals, social activities, and confidential, on-site support from Office for the Aging staff.

Together, We Build “Home”

Aging in place is more than a goal—it’s a shared promise. With your support, SSSF is building a stronger, more connected Steuben County, one where every senior has the opportunity to live safely, vibrantly, and independently.

Join us in keeping Steuben County a place we can all proudly call home.