Social Accountability – Why Does It Matter?
In a LeadingAge magazine article from January 19, 2018, the question posed was “If we did not exist, what would be lost?” That is a great question for every not-for-profit organization to wrestle with. At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, our Social Accountability Plan outlines the programs that contribute to the greater good of Mesa and surrounding communities. Our community benevolence, in the form of rental assistance, extends to over 150 seniors meeting fixed income requirements. We provide employment and benefits to 120 employees living in Mesa and surrounding communities. As a Center of Aging Excellence, we provide important resources, education and services to the community.
We help seniors maintain their independence with our Wellness Connection offering Home Health, Supportive Services and Outpatient Therapy. In addition, we partner with Dr. House Visits, providing physician visits in our resident’s homes. Aviant Palliative also provides in home medical care focused on relief. Abundant Life Nutrition Coaching provides on-site and in-home individualized holistic nutrition coaching and our SeniorFit exercise programs are designed especially for seniors under the supervision of trained fitness instructor.
Through Neighborhood Connect, we provide relevant senior health education topics monthly at no cost. Our community is the meeting site for community and support groups including Diabetic Support, Veterans Groups, Travel Clubs, Caregiver Support and Food Allergy Nutrition Group for Seniors (FANGS)TM. Our residents and staff participate and contribute to multiple community partnerships including Water Drive for Mesa Fire Department, Baby Welcome bags for Crisis Pregnancy Center, Blessing Bags for Paz de Cristo and Teddy to the Rescue with the Mesa Police Department, to name a few.
Being good stewards of our resources is another way to contribute to the greater good. At Fellowship Square Historic Mesa, energy efficient lighting and timers on outdoor lighting are installed. We participated in a pilot program for programmable thermostats with Salt River Project (SRP). The SRP Ez3 program helps with energy savings. Our residents are avid recyclers too. Our staff members participate in the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program helping to keep the valley air clean.
To answer our first questions, YES social accountability matters. Although it can be difficult to quantify, what matters is the impact on the social fabric of the community. Through affordable housing, career employment and community education & resources, Fellowship Square Historic Mesa is making a difference in Mesa, Arizona!
Matthew 25:40: “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Kristie Larsen
Executive Director
Fellowship Square Historic Mesa
