RSVP, county, Pathfinder Bank to launch financial program for seniors

SUNY Oswego will host the first workshop in a new partnership of three prominent Oswego County organizations offering seniors critical assistance to boost financial awareness and the opportunity to meet with professionals and learn about the free resources available to help assure a more secure financial future.

Pathfinder Bank, the Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) and the Oswego County Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) have teamed up to coordinate a comprehensive financial awareness workshop as part of Pathfinder’s "Money Smart" program.

The first workshop will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in Rich Hall's Room 118, a conference room on the campus of SUNY Oswego. Those attending need to register. Parking is available in the employee lot adjacent to Rich Hall.

The collaboration of public and private interests is designed to respond to a widespread demand for information on how to use the readily available financial assistance apparatus within Oswego County.

"Pathfinder Bank is dedicated to helping our seniors and their families stay safe in a world where elder financial abuse is a growing issue," said Pathfinder Bank Branch Manager Deana Michaels. "Together, we will provide our seniors the resources to make healthy financial decisions and the tools to prevent financial exploitation."

The workshop will feature information on an array of information ranging from Power of Attorney, avoiding scams and the benefits of knowing your banker, to accessing legal help and healthcare resources. Professionals will be available to answer questions in their areas of expertise pertaining to financial health and wellness.

"By highlighting the resources and materials available, especially for our seniors, we are working together to ensure they have access to accurate and up-to-date information,” said RSVP Director Meave Gillen.

"Our mission is to assist older residents to remain in the community at the highest level of independence, for as long as possible, in safety and dignity," said OFA Aging Services Administrator Sara Sunday. "We are happy to partner with Pathfinder Bank and RSVP to add one more tool to help our seniors safely age in place."

The Pathfinder Bank "Money Smart" program was designed through combined resources and expertise of Pathfinder Bank and SUNY Oswego to cover a multitude of topics to increase fiscal literacy and understanding among Oswego County residents.

RSVP works to recruit volunteers ages 55 and older and to develop program opportunities for volunteers that are rewarding and challenging, as well as strengthening the Oswego County community by meeting critical needs and improving lives.

To register for the workshop or for more information, contact RSVP Director Meave Gillen at 315-312-2317 or rsvp@oswego.edu. Space is limited.