SHASS Information and Assistance is the first place to call to find out what services are available.  Our I & A specialist will gather your information and direct you to the services or help you need.  To get started contact Jeanette Ball at 269-637-3607.

Tax Rebate Assistance

South Haven Area Senior Services will assist seniors with their taxes using the VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). This free program will allow us to electronically file your basic income tax return.  For an appointment please call Jeanette Ball or Georgia Yurkinas at 269-637-3607.

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance

Vikke Anderson is our Medicare Specialist.  If you need any kind of Medicare or Medicaid help please call Vikke for an appointment today at 269-906-1073.

Project Fresh

Senior Project Fresh is Michigan’s market nutrition program through the Farm Bill of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  The goal of the program is to increase sales of produce for Michigan farmers and to assist low income older adults with the purchase of healthy fruits and vegetables.  The program is simple. If you are a senior over the age of 60 and meet the income qualifications, you simply fill out the application and get your coupon booklet.  You must be present to sign up for the program, and you must bring proof of income and identification when you sign up. You then take the booklet (which consists of ten $2.00 coupons) and use it like cash at roadside stands and farmers' markets that have the "Project Fresh" signs displayed. Now remember, you may only purchase fruits and vegetables that are locally grown in Michigan. You will get a list of all participating farmers' markets and roadside stands at the time you receive your booklet. 

Emergency Medical Cards

Our nurse, Ruth Adkin, will set up a time with you to fill out an emergency medical card.  You keep this card at your home with you, in a place that it is easy for emergency personnel to find.  If you are unable to let emergency personnel know what medications you are taking, the card can do the talking for you.  Please call the SHASS office (269-637-3607) if you would like Ruth to come prepare an emergency card for you.

Commodities Registration and Distribution

Senior Commodities are distributed at Columbia Township Hall the second Thursday of each month, 9 am – 11 am and at the Warren Center the third Thursday of each month 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.  

Low Income Commodities (called TEFAP) are distributed quarterly on the third Wednesday of February, May, August, and November at Columbia Township Hall and The South Haven Moose Family Center.

You must be 60 or over to receive Senior Commodities.  Income qualifications must be met in order to receive either Senior or TEFAP commodities. All information is given to The Southwest Community Action Agency.

When signing up or recertifying, you must bring with you:

• Proof of monthly income in the form of a bank statement or check stub (includes interest from savings, CD, etc. if it goes into your checking). 
• Social Security card
• Some form of identification showing proof of age and address
• A bill or bank statement showing how much you pay each month if you have supplemental health insurance