By Thea Jarvis

The Entitlement Program, a new service offered by the Aging Services division of Catholic Social Services, now provides an aide to assist persons above the age of 60 living on limited incomes.

Mrs. Noble Gray, the entitlement aide, will explore various programs and options a client may be eligible for, including veteran's benefits, supplemental security income and food stamps.

Her position was funded through a grant from the National Caucus and Center for Black Aged of Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Gray makes home visits to assess a client's situation, helping to secure and complete necessary forms and setting up appointments with appropriate agencies. When needed, she provides transportation and follow-up assistance to ensure that benefits have been awarded. In cases of loss of benefits, Mrs. Gray helps clients appeal for reinstatement.

She lets them do "as much as they can themselves," said Betsy Styles, program director for Aging Services. "Each case will be different. Many people are behind closed doors and she has to establish a trust level."

Mrs. Styles noted that interpreters in Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages will be provided to break down any language barriers that might further impede benefit assistance.

Noble Gray is a native of Alabama and has lived in Atlanta with her family for 35 years. She has worked at the military Justice Clinic in Atlanta and brings considerable personal experience and a natural empathy to her work.

"So many people are so naive," said Mrs. Gray, adding that "a lot of people don't want charity."

As an entitlement aide, she explains to clients that benefits are due them. If they have worked or had family members who worked, they have paid into the system and are deserving of a payback, she said.

"I feel great about it," Mrs. Gray said of her new job. "We're bringing something new" to people who might otherwise not receive what is theirs.

Betsy Styles said there are many individuals who are just not knowledgeable about applying for help.

"Now, Catholic Social Services has someone who can help them," she said. "We are most fortunate to have been selected to receive funds for a position that enables us to provide this needed service."

The entitlement program, begun this past April, has already assisted eight people. Four have been elderly Vietnamese referred by the Migration and Refugee unit of Catholic Social Services. Others have called Aging Services directly to request financial help because their monthly funds were insufficient to meet basic living expenses.

The entitlement program is operative Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Catholic Center, 60 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta. For information contact Noble Gray at 404-885-7259 or Betsy Styles at 404-881-6571.