“CAC is a critical component of Knoxville’s social safety net. Numerous programs run by CAC provide critical services to Knoxville’s most vulnerable community members. The Office on Aging Senior Companion Program is one of those critical services. Around the country, individuals who are age 65 and older make up one of the fastest growing demographics. As a result, policy makers are looking to innovative approaches for adult day care programs to serve this growing population. Meanwhile, in Knoxville, CAC’s Senior Companion Program has been around since 1988, providing a service that many other cities are only now beginning to consider. To maintain this critical program, we must recognize how fortunate we are to already have a program in place and do the work needed to ensure its ability to not only continue serving our community but to grow so we can ensure all of the seniors in our community in need of support are able to receive it. I am honored to have the opportunity to raise support and awareness for this most needed program in our community.”

Amelia Parker is the At-Large Seat C representative on the Knoxville City Council and through her role serves on the Audit Committee and on the board of Knoxville Community Media. In her spare time, she serves on the UTK College Scholars Program Board, organizes with the City Council Movement, and volunteers with numerous other community organizations. In addition to her work on the Knoxville City Council, Amelia is the Finance Director for Peace Brigades International USA, a nonprofit organization that provides support and protection to threatened human rights defenders around the world. For fun, Amelia enjoys jigsaw puzzles, reading, canoeing down the Holston, traveling the world, and breaking bread with old and new friends.