June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness day, and Portage Service for Seniors held a barbecue at Vopni Park to bring that awareness to our city once again. Gerry Gillespie is the service's new board chair and says it's all about that special feeling you get when you give back.

Gerry Gillespie, new board chair"I was nominated for the position," Gillespie explains. "It's giving back to the community. And it makes a person feel very good about themselves. Anytime you can help people, you feel kind of a warmness inside you."

For the same reason, Gillespie says he works with Mackenzies Funeral Home, adding that was the first job where he wore a suit, came home, and felt good about doing good for another person.

Executive Director Shelley Caskey says their awareness efforts are important, noting more and more people come to them about elder abuse, financial abuse, and spousal abuse.

"The money we raise here helps support programs we don't' have other funding for," adds Caskey.

Shelley Caskey, executive director

The scene at Vopni Park