PROJECT CONCERN

PROJECT CONCERN. Project Concern was started in 1968 after a survey revealed there was no single agency in the city dedicated to meeting needs of the elderly. One of the first projects of the agency was the creation of a newspaper especially for the elderly. Senior Circuit was published monthly in large type and soon developed a circulation of 200. By 1986 that number had grown to 13,000.

The agency also provided transportation for the elderly on minibuses. In the late-1960s cars used by the three Dubuque colleges for transporting students between campus were borrowed during the summer. The cars were used four hours each day and took elderly riders to their doctors or on errands. By 1986 Project Concern had been awarded a contract by the EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION to provide transportation covering Delaware, Jackson and Dubuque counties. Between 1,100 and 1,200 rides were provided daily. Some vehicles included electric lifts for wheelchairs.

The agency in 1986 was also responsible for administering the federal Foster Grandparent Program which paired low-income elderly with handicapped or "troubled" students. Senior involved in the progran earned $2.20 an hour tax-free. Some elderly worked with youth at the HILLCREST FAMILY SERVICES group homes in Dubuque or with students who needed additional help with reading.

Project Concern was also involved with "Project Gleaners." Area farmers provided the elderly of Dubuque with free produce distributed at area churches on weekdays. In 1986 180 farmers donated surplus vegetables and fruit to 665 seniors.

The 1987 Dubuque City Directory listed Xavier Park.

The 1989 through 1993 Dubuque City Directory listed 2013 Central.

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Source:

1. Chanaud, Timothy, "Elderly Get Around Thanks to Concern," Telegraph Herald, September 7, 1986, p. 3