A message from Executive Director, Susannah Meyer
Greetings Friends,
Yes, it’s been some time since we’ve connected through our newsletter, but rest assured we’ve been focused on providing critical Ombudsman services, encouraging careers that support older adults through our Healthcare Career Pathway and MSW Internship Programs, advocating for systems change and stronger legislative policies around elder justice, and taking part in events in the three counties we serve to educate and raise public awareness about the work we do. It’s a huge commitment, and it’s worth every minute and every challenge in our goal to affect change. We are proud of our efforts, and grateful for the partnerships and relationships we have developed in doing this work for decades in Contra Costa County, and more recently in Alameda and Solano Counties.
Speaking of collaborations, recently Empowered Aging was part of a collaborative group that planned and hosted an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA). What an amazing legacy launched in 1965 by Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson! For the past 60 years, in California and across the country, nonprofit agencies like Empowered Aging have provided critical resources to aging adults – including, but not limited to nutrition, health and wellness, caregiver support, and much more. Our event, held on the actual anniversary of the signing in 1965, brought together well over 150 attendees representing agencies serving older and dependent adults, elected officials, state and county leaders, and community members. OAA funding has changed the landscape of support services, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this landmark Act. You can view a special message from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, District 10 for the Older Americans Act event and from our other elected officials representing Contra Costa County.
As nonprofits face increased challenges that can threaten long-term sustainability, it is even more important that we stay engaged and share our stories. At every level, we need to prioritize educating policy makers, the general public, and the families of older and dependent adults about the critical resources we provide for people living in long term care. Please read on to learn more about our efforts to do just that.
If you’d like to stay engaged with Empowered Aging, we would love to have you on our team of supporters. We are actively seeking volunteers to join us in our work, you can follow our social media channels and help us spread the word about the support services we provide and the needs they meet, and of course, if you are interested in becoming a donor, we’d love to talk!
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued dedication to Empowered Aging. If you or someone you know needs our support, please reach out or have them contact our team by calling 925.658.2070.
– Susannah Meyer, Executive Director, Empowered Aging