GIRARD Probate court will open branch

By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Trumbull County Probate Court is opening a satellite office in the Girard Multi-generational Center to serve the southern portion of the county.
Probate Judge Thomas A. Swift said the initial service will be the Guardian Volunteer Program.
Trained volunteers -- young people and seniors -- serve as advocates and legal guardians to promote their wards' health, dignity, independence and quality of life. Susan J. Rebhan, director of the guardian program for the court, said she will initially be at the center a half-day a week, beginning in early November.
Judge Swift explained that as Rebhan determines the needs for other court programs, such as wills, guardianships and marriage license applications, they will be added.
"By opening [the satellite], it's an opportunity to explain and offer court services," the judge said.
Judge Swift said that its not always easy to travel to the county courthouse in Warren and seniors are sometimes intimidated by it.
A computer will be installed at the center so the public can print out court documents and file them.
Judge Swift said he wants the office in the multi-generational center to be "user friendly."
Volunteers
Rebhan said senior citizens are becoming a large portion of the volunteers in the guardian program.
The volunteers "will bring a warm body into their lives," she said.
Volunteers will visit wards of the court and will serve as a way for the court to monitor their needs.
The judge is looking to open other satellites in senior citizen facilities in the county. Judge Swift said the Solace Center in Warren will begin using the Girard Multi-generational Center in late December or early January.
Solace Center provides a safe place for children to meet with their noncustodial parents and receive counseling. Jack O'Connell of Girard, chairman of the multi-generational center's board of directors, is attempting to lure other county satellite offices, such as the clerk of court and treasurer offices.
Also, O'Connell said, work is under way to place a levy on the ballot in Trumbull and Mahoning counties to pay for senior services.