Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) will hold its 20th annual Independent Living Day (ILD) event on Saturday, April 14, as part of a communitywide effort to assist seniors and disabled residents to continue to live safely and independently in their homes.

NYFS is dedicated to providing services to all seniors within the Newtown community.

"This event has become a proud tradition for us," NYFS spokesperson Matt Ariniello said in a release.

"It shows our commitment to helping seniors and disabled residents in our community and it is a great way to show them you care," added Executive Director Candice Bohr.

Last year the agency served more than 50 individuals from the Nunnawauk Meadows senior residential facility and across Newtown - and anticipates serving more individuals this year with the help of local volunteers.

As part of the NYFS continuum of care, Independent Living Day allows seniors an opportunity to receive assistance with basic home upkeep, free of charge.

The event focuses on providing services like yard cleanup, mulch spreading, errands, organizing closets and garages, mowing, clearing debris from walkways, discarding expired food, changing floodlights, and removing dust and mold.

Many senior citizens in Newtown face an increasing costs of living without the ability to earn additional money while keeping subsidies and benefits. In order to live independently, they may require some assistance from their community.

For an application for service, visit the Newtown Senior Center, the NYFS offices at 15 Berkshire Road, or the agency's website, newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org (click on Events in the upper banner, and then on the option for Independent Living Day).

Interested volunteers may also call 203-270-4335. Volunteers may provide assistance April 14 between 9 am and noon.

For more information about the event, e-mail Mr Ariniello at mariniello@newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org.