When Richedean Hills-Ackbar founded Caregivers’ Helping Hand 10 years ago, her idea as to create an adult day care facility.

“I also wanted young people to do volunteer work at the facility. My vision was for the youth to be mentored and educated by the seniors as they provided aid for them.”

Ms. Hills-Ackbar said she later decided to provide services to all seniors at no cost where they live, instead of creating a day care facility.

“We perform an array of services for seniors, like making sure their yards get cut, and cleaning up their yards. We try to prevent them from dealing with the city’s Code Enforcement investigators, because they feel threatened that they could lose their homes if they don’t comply.”

“We’ve also found out that it’s important to do follow up visits with the seniors to make sure they have continuous service.”

Ms. Hills-Ackbar said among their volunteers are youth from area high schools and from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

“We also partner with the University of South Florida to do some repairs and painting to the homes of seniors.”

Ms. Hills-Ackbar said they are currently looking at eight houses, four of them in the Highland Pines area.

“I’m proud to announce we will be hosting an event on Saturday, February 26th with actor Danny Glover. The event will be a breakfast held at the Blues Ship/Good Luck Cafe in Ybor City. Breakfast will be served from 8 a. m. until 10 a. m. and the event is free.”