Sep. 23, 2026
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service (SCHAS) has launched the Service Champions Circle, a donor-supported initiative to help vulnerable adults receive in-home care that may otherwise seem financially out of reach.
For nearly 60 years, the nonprofit has provided premium in-home care across East Tennessee, enhancing quality of life for older adults, Veterans and people with disabilities. Its caregivers assist with everything from meals, hygiene and daily chores to companionship – all to help individuals maintain safety, dignity and independence at home.
To expand access to this essential care, SCHAS has established the Service Champions Circle, a community of generous donors whose ongoing support helps sustain and grow the agency’s Equitable Access Care Program, which offers qualifying clients a significantly reduced rate for in-home care services.
“Every older adult and every person with a disability in our community deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and connection,” said Amy Blackburn, CEO of SCHAS. “For many families, especially those on fixed incomes or in rural areas, high-quality care can feel out of reach. Support from generous donors in our community helps ensure cost is not a barrier to receiving the care needed to live safely and independently at home.”
Recurring gifts provide a reliable source of funding, helping vulnerable adults access the care and support they need to remain safely and independently in their homes.
“When we asked clients if they’d want to receive regular calls, most respondents requested a weekly phone call, underscoring the need for more connection among older adults and people with disabilities,” Blackburn said. “We want to make sure they don’t feel forgotten. A warm meal, a clean home and meaningful companionship can make a profound difference, but we need community support to do it.”
Donations help fund services such as meal preparation, medication reminders, hygiene assistance, errands, companionship and other daily living support to help adults live independently. Monthly contributions of as little as $10 help bridge the gap and make a lasting difference.
All SCHAS board members have pledged financial support for the Service Champions Circle, reflecting the organization’s shared commitment to sustaining the Equitable Access Care Program.
Community members can learn more or consider a one-time or ongoing gift at schas.org/support.
SCHAS is a state-licensed Personal Support Services Agency (PSSA) providing personal care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), companionship, cooking, cleaning and respite care for family caregivers. The nonprofit serves clients across East Tennessee, including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties.
Information about SCHAS services can be found at schas.org/services.
About Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS)
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS) provides older adults, Veterans, and adults with disabilities with solutions for long-term care and aging in place through non-medical in-home caregiving and supportive services. These services include assistance with personal care, from dressing and grooming to medication reminders; household assistance, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping; and companionship. We also offer respite care for primary caregivers and family members. We measure success by the comfort and safety our clients feel at home, the meaningful companionship we provide and the quality of care that helps them age in place with dignity. Learn more about SCHAS at schas.org.
