Atchison resource fair to offer senior services, screenings, prizes

Seniors, caregivers and residents trying to line up rides, meals or housing help will find a one-stop stop at Project Concern on Wednesday, June 24, from 1 to 3 p.m., when the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services brings a free community resource fair to Atchison. The fair is built around the most practical needs facing older adults: preventive care, independent living, meals and public transportation.

Maximus, Three Rivers, AllWays Community Health and Project Concern will be on hand with information, and local partners also include Amberwell and Atchison Housing Authority. Light snacks, door prizes and free blood pressure screenings are set for attendees, giving people a chance to check a basic health measure while asking questions about services, coverage or next steps.

Project Concern makes the fair especially local. Founded in 1971 with roots going back to 1967, the Atchison County nonprofit runs Meals on Wheels, two senior centers and public transportation. A local foundation profile says it operates the county’s only general public transportation program and delivers nearly 40,000 meals each year to people age 60 and older.

That service mix matters in a county where a missed ride can mean a missed appointment and a limited pantry can make daily living harder. KDADS says community-based meal and transportation programs are key supports for people living independently, and Project Concern has long filled that role for residents who need help getting across town, getting fed at home or staying connected to senior-center activities.

Atchison Housing Authority, at 103 S 7th Street in Atchison, helps income-eligible families find safe, affordable housing, adding another layer to the network of assistance available locally. The fair brings those agencies together in one place, making it easier for Atchison residents to compare options, ask direct questions and leave with concrete information they can use right away.