Over Coffee
Over Coffee April 10,2008
By Penny Fletcher penny@observernews.net
Apr 10, 2008 - 7:55:30 PM

It’s good to know there’s someplace to go where trained people will hear me out if I have a complaint. I didn’t realize this was true until a few days ago, when I learned there was an office in Sun City Center dedicated to crime against the elderly.

It seems strange to refer to myself as “elderly.” I don’t feel elderly. I don’t even think I look elderly. But seven years ago when I turned 55 I entered a protected class under the law. Ah yes, I acquired the label of “senior.” And guess what? It’s not so bad. Besides being a member of a protected legal class (like other minorities, including children under 18) I can enjoy a lot of discounts when I remember to ask for them.

This one benefit, however, struck me as being worthy of making the news, because when I found out about it, I could see how other “seniors” could benefit in times of need.

I’m talking about the new Seniors vs. Crime Project office that opened its doors in March at 137 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., in Sun City Center (behind CVS pharmacy). It’s on the second floor, in Suite 204, in space donated by Susie Guthrie of Infinity Financial.

Run by Sun City Center resident Norman Meyers, this program can help seniors (and younger folks too, under certain circumstances) solve disputes through mediations. This saves them time and money and related hassles that could come up if the complainant  takes the action to court.

According to Norman, the Seniors vs Crime Project was birthed in Florida in 1989 by former attorney general, Bob Butterworth, and one by one, 48 other states have copied it. It’s run by trained volunteers, who do initial telephone interviews with complainants, and then schedule appointments in the office to go over whatever evidence lies behind the claim that wrongdoing has been done. But the volunteers don’t stop there. Like good news reporters, these volunteers delve into both sides of the story – calling the people who are being accused of an offense and hearing them out as well. After all, most people recognize there are usually at least two sides to every dispute.

Last year, more than $5.1 million was recovered under this nonprofit program in Florida alone; some from clashes over contract work and some from outright scams. “We’re here for anything that can separate you from your money,” Norman told me.

The Sun City Center office is fortunate to have four people as volunteers who have experience in related fields. There’s Paul Flora, a retired judge; Art Pasco, formerly of the New York State Attorney General’s Office; Don Davidson, a certified mediator,  and Sue Else, who has worked extensively with agencies and in programs dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence and underprivileged children.

That’s quite a lineup. But after all, the office is based in Sun City Center, which always has a wide variety of experienced retirees no matter what subject of expertise is needed. These people don’t only help Sun City Center residents though. They’re here for all of us. So if you think you’ve been cheated, exploited, or have a half-finished contract job and there’s no sign of the contract crew –give Norman and his staff a call at (813) 634-8666. There’s a Web site too, www.seniorsvscrime.com and a second number, (800) 203-3099, either of which can provide background information about the program and forms you can use to request help.

I didn’t visit any coffee shops this week because I have been under the weather of late. I did drink coffee while talking with Norman in an informal telephone conversation though, so I’m going to run this under my “Over Coffee” banner anyway and hope to be back on the café circuit again next week.

* Perhaps you have something you’d like to share. Or maybe you’d rather tell the community about your favorite charity or cause; or sound off about something you think needs change. That’s what “Over Coffee” is about. It really doesn’t matter whether we actually drink any coffee or not (although I probably will). It’s what you have to say that’s important.

© Copyright 2008 by The Observer News Publications and M&M Printing