Silver for Seniors Challenge

Kristin Burke of Garrison is spearheading the “Silver for Seniors Challenge.” ERIC GROSS Kristin Burke has a simple motto in life: “When you give, you always get more in return.”

Burke, a resident of Garrison who is a partner in a prominent Manhattan law firm, serves as a member of the board of Putnam Family and Community Services.

The Boston native is challenging the public to participate in the “Silver for Seniors Challenge”—and is offering to match, up to $2,000, any gift made by the community for Putnam Family and Community Services Senior Services program, which reaches out to older adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or isolation, by helping them remain independent as they age.

Based on projected numbers the program will experience a shortfall of some $12,000 by year’s end and, due to the experiences of her aging friends and family, Burke is passionately determined that members of the graying population receive help and support during times of need, especially if relatives are not nearby to help.

Last Friday during an interview with the philanthropic and vivacious young woman, Burke issued the “Silver for Seniors Challenge” in the hope that others throughout the county will take up the cause and help Putnam Family and Community Services raise needed dollars to keep services going.

Burke has asked people from all walks of life and all socioeconomic levels to come forward: “Donate whatever you can—be it $5, or $10, or $25, or more. This is a reachable goal.”

Edythe Schwartz, executive director of Putnam Family and Community Services, explained her group’s senior services team reaches out to older adults by providing assessment and support to those who are unable to access traditional mental health services: “Our team of caring professionals travels throughout the county to assist seniors in their homes or places of residence, helping them gain access to mental health services and medical care while improving their ability to socialize and adjust to the changes of aging.”

While 16 percent of Putnam’s current population is 60 years of age or older, and 11 percent are age 65 and older, within the next decade Putnam’s aging population is expected to exceed 33 percent of the entire population.

Schwartz said the group’s senior services program had reached its capacity: “Older adults have risen to 8 percent of our client population. A week doesn’t go by when we receive three requests for service that cannot be fulfilled due to our current levels of staffing.”

Why did Kristin select senior services as her goal? Her mom died recently from ALS: “She was given two months to live, but passed on two days later. It was a very aggressive form of the disease that was positively horrible, but at the same time the end was wonderful because ‘Mum’ didn’t have to suffer. My uncle is currently struggling with blood cancer. Putnam Family and Community Services needs a great deal for its Elder Mobility Unit. My sentimentality kicked in, and I am honoring my mother, Mary Lou Burke, or as my friends referred to her as ‘St. Mary Lou,’ who used to travel from Boston with her two dearest friends and attend our functions in Carmel.”

Schwartz recalled two client stories where the program assisted residents of Putnam County. Peter had been married for 55 years when his wife passed away. She had been ill and Peter had devoted himself to being her caregiver for more than a decade. Once she was gone, Peter did not know what to do with his days. He became depressed, was unable to eat or sleep, and lost interest in life. Putnam Family and Community Services stepped in to help him cope with his loss by forming a relationship that provided the man with the mental health services he needed.

Victoria lived alone. Her adult daughter lived more than 300 miles away and was becoming increasingly worried about her mother, who often cried and seemed confused. Putnam Family and Community Services was contacted, and a counselor visited Victoria’s home, where she found the woman very depressed with little food in the refrigerator. The team began meeting with the woman on a regular basis and connected her with necessary services that allowed the creation of a support system.

Burke said stories like these also made her “Silver for Seniors Challenge” more meaningful: “Putnam Family and Community Services is a wonderful organization that really helps people of all ages.”

Burke grew up in Boston before relocating to New York 20 years ago. Her New England accent, which she jokes about, is still evident: “I’m proud to ‘paak my caa’ in Boston!” she said with a gleam in her beautiful green eyes.

In 1998, Kristin moved to Garrison. Why? “It’s the most beautiful place on earth. The Hudson River is majestic. The people are wonderful. My black lab and two cats and I believe we have found heaven on earth living here.”

The quick-witted lawyer was asked if she would like to put the title on her story. She paused for an instant and quickly replied: “Boston Red Sox fan hopes to save elder mobile unit” or how about “Tired attorney with bright green eyes wants your green!”

Kristin reflected: “Seriously, when you give, you always get more back in return. That’s been my philosophy of life. I truly hope and pray that people will make a donation to Putnam Family and Community Services to keep the senior services team going.”

Those wishing to make a donation may contact Putnam Family and Community Services at 1808 Route 6 in Carmel or may call 225-2700.