Beacon Federal recently announced major funding locally for a special nationally acclaimed program called Senior Crimestoppers. The announcement was held at Raintree Manor, at 415 Pace Street.
The program was developed by the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation, which works to provide ongoing crime prevention in long-term care and senior housing facilities.
The program has been quite successful, with a total reduction in crime incidents over 92 percent in the latest reporting period.
On hand were Shannon McDonald, of the Tennessee Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation; Dana Green, assistant vice president, branch manager, Beacon Federal; Chase McGee, assistant branch manager, Beacon Federal; Sharon Patrick, advertising director, Southern Standard; County Executive John Pelham; Police Major Bryan Denton; and Carl Young, administrator, Raintree Manor.
The Senior Crimestopper Program components include:
• Toll-free tips line, operated 24/7, for anonymous tips of information about incidents of wrongdoing. Cash rewards are paid anonymously up to $1,000. Cash and anonymity overcome fear and apathy, organizers say.
• Senior Crimestoppers has formed some of the most unique partnerships for the good of a common cause — the safety, security and protection of our nation’s elderly.
• Personal lockboxes installed in the room of each resident. Lockboxes provide a way to store valuables in a secure manner and serve as a constant reminder of the Senior Crimestoppers program.
• Charter plaque and signs placed in and around the nursing home inform all who enter the facility that crime will not be tolerated.
• Continuing education provided for management and staff. Ongoing training serves as continual reinforcement of the facility’s zero tolerance policy.
Beacon Federal is headquartered in East Syracuse, N.Y., with seven full-service branches in Marcy and Rome, N.Y.; Smartt and Smyrna, Tenn.; Tyler, Texas; and Chelmsford, Mass.