Partnership’s SARAH Project has hired Constance Smith as the case manager/advocate for victims of abuse in later life in Hamilton County who are aged 50 – 59. The SARAH (Safety And Resources And Help) Project was established by Partnership with federal funds to provide specialized services and advocacy for victims who have either been neglected or abused physically, sexually, psychologically or financially by people they love or trust.
Ms. Smith graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Public Administration and Non Profit Management, and also holds a degree in Human Services from Chattanooga State Community College. She brings a broad experience of working with individuals in crisis to her new role as case manager/advocate in Partnership’s Elder Services department, having worked at the Scholze Center and Sharon’s Adult Day Center. As a student at UTC, Ms. Smith completed an internship with The Partnership’s Service Coordinators in Public Housing; and Elder and Disabled Victims programs.
“I’m excited to be joining Partnership’s team of aging services professionals,” Ms. Smith said. “There’s an unserved population of people who have been victimized by people they should be able to trust: their own spouses, family members, friends and caregivers. I’m here to make it right. It’s my job to connect these victims to the resources they need in their lives to restore the safety and stability that has been stolen from them.”
“We’re privileged to have Ms. Smith in this position,” said Bill Tobin, project coordinator for The SARAH Project. “She has an enthusiasm and a sense of determination to solve the unique problems experienced by people who have been victimized in later life by people they trust. It takes an uncommon sense of empathy to get these victims to confide in you. Constance has it.”
Services (available free of charge) to victims of abuse through the case manager/advocate include safety planning, short term financial assistance for victim relocation, court related services, referral services, crisis intervention, care management and counseling. To qualify, persons must be aged 50 – 59, a resident of Hamilton County, and the victim of either neglect, physical abuse, sexual assault, psychological abuse or financial exploitation perpetrated by a trusted caregiver or loved one. The program complements similar programs serving older populations offered by the Partnership.
For information about the SARAH Project and the services offered by the program, contact Ms. Smith at 423 755-2870 or by email at csmith@partnershipfca.com.