Lance Diehl, First Columbia President & CEO says, “As a bank, we know firsthand the importance of ensuring the safety of consumers’ money and valuables. The physical lockboxes for Grandview will certainly enhance security; however, the power of education and information cannot be understated. Helping seniors know what to be on the lookout for in terms of scams and wrongdoing is essential and can stop potential crime before it occurs.” Michele Boone, NHA at Grandview, adds, “We are so grateful to be a part of a small town community where helping others is important and evident through First Columbia Bank reaching out to offer us this opportunity to better serve our residents.”

Thanks to First Columbia Bank & Trust Co., residents of Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Danville, PA will live in a safer and even more secure environment. First Columbia Bank recently joined the CRA Partners powered by the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF). They are helping to protect those seniors by funding the Senior Crimestoppers program for seniors residing in this care facility. The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation is a national organization that banks partner with to fulfill their federally mandated Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirement of providing aid to low and moderate income individuals in their local community.

Our mission is to provide safe and secure living environments for our nation’s nursing home residents, many of whom are low and moderate income individuals, through the operation of the nationally acclaimed Senior Crimestoppers program. Crime against the elderly in our society is a longstanding, constant battle that can be reduced and prevented through the operation of the Senior Crimestoppers program in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Senior Crimestoppers is a coordinated set of components that work together to create a zero tolerance to crime platform in senior housing facilities.

Components include personal lockboxes for the residents, cash rewards up to $1,000 paid anonymously for information about wrongdoing of any kind, and effective, on-going education and training for staff members and residents. Senior Crimestoppers has reduced all aspects of crime in participating facilities by 94%.

Senior Crimestoppers is a way for care facilities to further enhance the lives of the residents they serve. Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation is very committed to providing a safe, secure, comfortable living environment for their residents. Their desire to implement the program is just
one more example of this commitment.

Lance Diehl, First Columbia President & CEO, offers additional perspective, “As a bank, we know firsthand the importance of ensuring the safety of consumers’ money and valuables. The physical lockboxes for Grandview will certainly enhance security; however, the power of education and information cannot be understated. Helping seniors know what to be on the lookout for in terms of scams and wrongdoing is essential and can stop potential crime before it occurs.”

Michele Boone, NHA at Grandview, adds, “We are so grateful to be a part of a small town community where helping others is important and evident through First Columbia Bank reaching out to offer us this opportunity to better serve our residents.”

Senior Crimestoppers Charter Presentation is at Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation on Wednesday, May 4th at 10:00 am at 49 Woodbine Lane, Danville, PA 17821 Members of the media and public are welcome and encouraged to attend.

About First Columbia Bank & Trust Co.
First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. has been a local community bank for over 115 years. With more than $649 million in assets as of March 31, 2016, First Columbia offers a full complement of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses throughout Columbia County and the surrounding area. The locally owned and managed bank operates thirteen branch offices in the communities of Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Buckhorn, Catawissa, Elysburg, Lightstreet, Orangeville, Millville, and Scott Township. For more about First Columbia Bank, visit www.firstcolumbiabank.com or call 570-784-1660. Member FDIC.