Aging and Volunteer Services Feb 2012 Newsletter

Aging and Volunteer Services Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania Counties

Vol I - Issue 1: February - April 2012

A&VS The Area Agency on Aging and the Volunteer Services Department

Merge Together

At the end of 2011, the Area Agency on Aging and the Volunteer Services Department merged into one department - Aging and Volunteer Services. The consolidation will not affect employment or change programs or services.

LeeAnne Tucker, director of the newly formed department, says it’s not about just merging departments but “it’s about creating something new. It’s very exciting.”

Volunteer Services brings to the merger a national volunteer program entitled Senior Corps. Senior Corps, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, connects today’s 55+ with the people and organizations that need them most. Senior adults become mentors, coaches, or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Conceived during John F. Kennedy’s presidency and authorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, Senior Corps currently links folks to service opportunities at nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations. Senior Corps consists of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and Senior Companion Program (SCP).

RSVP offers “one stop shopping” for all volunteers 55 and over who want to find challenging, rewarding, and significant service opportunities in their local communities. LOSRC began sponsoring RSVP in 1985. In 2011, 519 volunteers gave 61,434 hours of service to their communities.

The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) connects volunteers age 55 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs. Last year in our region, 102 senior adult volunteers gave 81,000 hours in local schools, day care centers, and Head Start centers. The Foster Grandparent Program began in 1999 at LOSRC. The Senior Companion Program (SCP) brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple tasks of day-to-day living. LOSRC began sponsoring SCP in 1985. Last year, 80 volunteers served 77,250 hours to assist the frail and elderly in Western North Carolina.

“The two departments are now aligned so we can be united in a single planning process that more directly and coherently serves senior adults in our region,” according to LeeAnne.

“The merger will also help facilitate the staff working together more often on projects.

Since we already have similar programs in aging and volunteer services, this merger will only create more opportunities for collaborations,” LeeAnne stated. Staff is excited about the potentials for service enhancements and has experienced a smooth transition.

Website: www.landofsky.org Phone: (828) 251-6622

Front Row L-R: Terry Collins, Barbara Hinshaw, Brenda DelaCruz, Lee Ann Smith Middle Row L-R: Tracy Ash, Rebecca Chaplin, Carol McLimans, Jennifer Atkinson, Pat Hilgendorf Back Row L-R: Linda Kendall Fields, Sherry Christenson, LeeAnne Tucker, Christina Giles, Patti Cameron, Stacy Friesland

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Area Agency on Aging FCSP

AAA

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging helps to determine the needs of older adults and works with counties to plan services to meet those needs. The goal of providing these services is to enable older adults to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.

The AAA is responsible for the management and delivery of the programs listed.

Help for Grandparents and Older Relatives who are Raising Children

In September thousands of grandparents from across the nation rallied in Washington to raise awareness about the number of Americans struggling to raise grandchildren - a number that has only increased since the recession. In North Carolina alone, the 2010 census found 98,493 grandparents responsible for their grandchildren. Many of these grandparents have not planned to take on these responsibilities having already raised their families. But they gladly take on the challenges nonetheless, often at great personal sacrifice to their own physical, emotional and financial health.

As the children’s parents struggle with substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, and other challenges, these caregivers provide a vital safety net to children inside and outside of the foster care system.

• Many grandparent caregivers do not seek adoption because the process may be disruptive to their family and create animosity among family members. However, opting for less permanent, or informal, arrangements may limit their rights as the child’s primary caregiver.

• Some of the issues that these caregivers may be coping with include: financial difficulties, legal issues, a child’s exposure to potentially harmful and high-risk behaviors, their own or a child’s health problems, lifestyle issues, distance from social resources, isolation from other family members, and trauma that precipitated their role as a caregiver.

• The stress of caring for young children, accompanied by their own health difficulties, can be overwhelming for many older grandparents and relatives, resulting in a variety of stress-related illnesses.

• Factors that account for the increase in grandparents and other relatives raising children: death of a parent, child abuse and/or neglect, abandonment, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, medical problems including HIV/AIDS and mental health problems, unemployment, incarceration, divorce, family violence, and poverty.

• Grandparent caregivers are 60% more likely to live in poverty than are grandparents not raising Caregivers often ask if Medicare FCSP grandchildren. will pay for their home care • 45% of these families have no parents of the children present in the home.

Medicare will help pay for your home care if all of the following are true: • 70% of the grandparents are under age 60.

• You are homebound, meaning it takes a considerable • 23% live in poverty. (100% poverty level) and taxing effort to leave your home; • You need skilled care. This includes skilled nursing care Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support on an intermittent basis. This can also mean you need Program provides support for grandparents and other skilled therapy services; older relatives who are raising a child under the age of 18.

• Your doctor signs a home health certification stating All too often, these caregivers do not know where to turn, that you qualify for Medicare home care because you and are in need of basic information as well as counseling, are homebound, need intermittent skilled care, that support and respite. Call Carol McLimans, Family Caregiver a plan of care has been created for you, and that a Specialist, for information about these services. doctor regularly reviews it; and Data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2005-2009 American • You receive your care from a Medicare-certified home Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Detailed Table B09006 and health agency.

Subject Tables S1001 and S100 provides additional information about these grandparents.

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Learn more about requirements for Medicare coverage of home health care at www.medicareinteractive.org.

FCSP

Family Caregiver Support Program

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support for caregivers of frail elderly persons and grandparents or other older relatives who are raising children. FCSP also provides caregiver counseling, training, respite and case assistance to help support families with the emotional and physical stress of dealing with caregiving for their lived ones disabilities or illness.

FCSP

Fun Friday for Family Caregivers

In celebration of November as National Family Caregiver Month, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s Family Caregiver Support Program partnered with 23 organizations to provide a day of frivolity and fun for family caregivers on November 4.

This free event gave caregivers permission to laugh, relax, and enjoy a lovely lunch.

Karla Reese, Pardee Pavilion Adult Day Services Executive Director, served as Master of Ceremonies. Cindy Miles, Family Caregiver Specialist for the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging and certified laughter therapist, had everyone laughing, dancing and enjoying themselves. Nathan Johnson, Council on Aging of Buncombe County Service Specialist, performed as Nate the Great and got the participants to join him in some juggling. Larry Reeves, Program Associate with the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter’s Mountain Area Office, shared humorous stories about family. Several participants were selected to be the models for a humorous fashion show. Members of the Student Government Association of East Henderson High School created and performed a lively Hee Haw Skit and the women of Wild Bodema closed the day with their African music and drumming.

Many caregivers expressed their appreciation and stated that they could not remember when they had laughed so much and felt so good. Several asked when we will have the next “party” for caregivers. Due to the popularity of this event we plan to hold a Fun Day for Caregivers annually. We will partner with child care providers as well as aging services providers in 2012 in order to reach and support kinship caregivers and caregivers of special needs children and caregivers of older adults.

Above: Participants prepare for the Fashion Show. Right: A special thanks to all of the 2011 Fun Friday Sponsors!

SCSEP Senior Community Services Employment Program

The Senior Community Services Employment Program is a job-training employment program for low-income adults.

SCSEP provides temporary work experience assignments for people age 55 and over whose incomes fall at or below the federal poverty line and are currently unemployed.

Participants work with community organizations to sharpen and develop skills while searching for a permanent job.

SCSEP

SCSEP Update

As spring fast approaches, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) strives to find ways to provide meaningful part-time paid work experience for senior adults. The $241,903 budget allows for 20 participant slots which unfortunately will not meet the needs of those senior adults seeking employment assistance. However, we will work hard to find employment for the participants and will continue to serve them to the best of our ability.

With 19 participants enrolled, we are reviewing our wait list for one more participant. However, a match with an appropriate position and host agency has yet to be found.

We rotated one participant to a different host agency to work on particular skill training she needs. The change should also make a more suitable community service position for the participant. Recently, we added a new host agency, MANNA FoodBank in Asheville. Thus far, we enrolled a new participant to provide community service for this agency.

As of January, Brenda Delacruz will focus all her time as Aging and Volunteer Services Project Assistant. She is missed as SCSEP’s Job Coach and Jennifer’s “right hand” for many years. With this change, Jennifer added four hours to her work week for a total of 24 hours per week.

This gives her more time to complete in-office work and make more visits to host agencies in the region. We are fortunate to receive SCSEP office support from a participant here at Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

SCSEP enhances employment opportunities for unemployed older Americans and promotes them as a solution for businesses seeking trained, qualified, and reliable employees. Older workers are a valuable resource for the 21st century workforce, and SCSEP is committed to providing high-quality job training and employment assistance to participants. If you know of a business hiring at the present time in your county contact Jennifer Atkinson, SCSEP Coordinator, at (828) 251-6622 or email at jatkins@landofsky.org.

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HPDP

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

LH

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention provides support to older adults in maintaining optimal physical, mental and emotional health. Administers funding and program support for Senior Centers and a variety of regional health and wellness activities.

HPDP

Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition or Diabetes

Living Healthy also known as Chronic Disease SelfManagement Program, developed through Stanford Patient Education, is a six-week workshop for people with any type of ongoing health problem. Participants learn to manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue & depression; increase endurance; use medication effectively; improve communication skills, eat well; handle stress; and more!

A Healthy Dose of Death

We are all going to die, yet we spend surprisingly little time in conversation about this important and inevitable topic. In this article I am going to propose a radical perspective – integrating death into life is a healthy habit.

The Way We Live Life Ironically, a healthy dose of death can bring us to the heart of how we live life. Between now and the time of our death there are moments, hours, days - maybe even years. How will we spend this time?

And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. --Abraham Lincoln Research supports the idea that the “life in our years” can lead to positive health outcomes. The International Journal of Behavioral Medicine states that “a strong correlation exists between well-being, happiness, health and longevity of people who are emotionally and behaviorally compassionate, so long as they are not overwhelmed by helping tasks” (2005, Volume 12, No. 2, 66-67). The caveat “as they are not overwhelmed by helping tasks” is a good reminder to take good care of ourselves.

The Little Deaths Life is full little deaths; every time we let go of an old habit, relationship or way of being a piece of us dies. Little deaths may be a choice and or beyond our control. Regardless of the circumstances around the little death – new life will come forth. As any gardener knows, the dying leaves become nutrients for next year’s harvest.

When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves. --Viktor E. Frankl Advance Planning The Health Care Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Directive are important mechanisms for taking charge of our health.

When we are ready to discuss the reality of our death we can begin to plan for those times when we may not be able to speak for ourselves. CarePartners Health Services, our regional hospitals and the NC Center for Creative Retirement have classes and workshops on advanced planning.

In conclusion, the health tip of the season is: Notice and celebrate death as an opportunity to truly choose life.

As always, I welcome your wisdom here.

Feel free to contact me with your thoughts and comments. Rebecca Chaplin, Aging Program Specialist, 251-7438

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Save the Date!

Financial scams, frauds and exploitation: • Misuse of personal checks, credit cards, or accounts • Stealing cash, income checks, or household goods • Forging signatures • Engaging in identity theft • Transferring property • Announcements of a “prize” that has been won but requires money to claim • Phoney charities • Investment fraud • Healthcare fraud and abuse • Telephone and Internet scams

The Community Resources Connections (CRC) for Aging and Disabilities would like to invite Financial Institutions & Human Service Organizations to a meeting on

“Financial Fraud, Scams and Exploitation” This CRC Partnership Meeting will focus on how elders and people with disabilities are affected in our region. State and local professionals will speak about the crimes committed against people each day and how we can help.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 AB Tech - Simpson Hall 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Light refreshments will be served.

To register email Brenda at brenda@landofsky.org.

FP

Fall Prevention

The WNC Fall Prevention Coalition is committed to reducing the number of falls and fall-related injuries in Western North Carolina. The Coalition is comprised of community volunteers and representative of 35 local agencies. The Coalition has three areas of focus: provider education, community awareness and education, and community screening and referral.

LH

Buncombe County Gets Healthier!

The Buncombe County Health Department was awarded $296,858 in grant funding by the Office of Minority Health for the Community Focused Health Disparities Initiative in December 2011. The purpose of the grant is to expand the reach of chronic disease self-management programs to minority populations such as African American, Latino and those living with HIV/AIDS. The Area Agency on Aging will be awarded $42,178 as a subrecipient over 16 months. The purpose of this award will be to coordinate the development of Living Healthy, Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) with existing services in order to expand our reach. We will be the first region in North Carolina to have people trained to deliver the Tomando Control de su Salud (Spanish CDSMP)and Positive Self-Management (for people with HIV/AIDS).

Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition 2012 Workshops Land-of-Sky Regional Council 339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140, Asheville Fridays, February 17 - March 23 9:30 am - 12:00 noon Edneyville Community Center 15 Ida Rogers Road, Edneyville Fridays, February 17 - March 23 1:00 - 3:30 pm United Way - For Project Access Clients Only!

50 South French Broad Avenue, Asheville Thursdays, February 23 - March 29 6:00 - 8:30 pm The Health Adventure at Biltmore Square Mall Wednesdays, April 4 - May 9 12:00 - 2:30 pm Asheville-Bethel, Seventh Day Adventist Church 238 South French Broad Avenue, Asheville Saturdays, April 14 - May 19 4:00 - 6:30 pm

Home and Community Care Block

HCCBG Grant

The Home and Community Care Block Grant, or HCCBG, allows local groups to make decisions about what services are most needed by older and disabled adults in their county, how much money needs to be allocated to the service, and what agency will provide the service. Last year more than 3600 seniors were assisted in our region.

A&VS Free Tax Assistance AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the IRS, NC Department of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. will again offer free tax preparations for taxpayers with low- and moderate-incomes with special attention to those age 60 and older. This service will be available from Wednesday, February 1 - April 17 at the sites listed below.

Both Federal and NC State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation and faster refunds.

Locations Pack Library - Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 67 Haywood Street, Asheville Phone: 628-3662 Free parking for the first hour at the Civic Center Garage West Asheville Library - Tuesdays 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 942 Haywood Road, Asheville Phone: 250-4750 Weaverville Public Library - Thursdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 41 North Main Street, Weaverville Phone: 250-6482 Black Mountain Library - Tuesdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 105 North Dougherty Street, Black Mountain Phone: 250-4756 Taxpayers should bring the following documents: • Social Security cards and ID for all taxpayers and dependents • Previous year’s (2010) income tax return • W-2 forms from each employer • 1099 forms for all income • Detailed list and receipts for all itemized expenses • Any other tax forms or info for both incomes and expenses • A voided check for direct deposit of any refund to your checking or savings account Page 5

CRC

Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities

Community Resource Connections is a federal and state initiative to reduce the confusion that many have experienced in trying to find services, often resulting in making multiple telephone calls before finding help. CRC core functions include information and assistance; options counseling; streamlined access; transitions partnership with hospitals and nursing facilities.

LTCOP Top Three Scams Targeting Seniors Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their accounts. Financial scams also often go unreported or can be difficult to prosecute, so they’re considered a “low-risk” crime. However, they’re devastating to many older adults and can leave them in a very vulnerable position with little time to recoup their losses.

Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Review the list below to help you identify a potential scam.

1. Health Care/Medicare/Health Insurance Fraud - In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information, or provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the money.

2. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs - Most commonly, counterfeit drug scams operate on the Internet, where seniors increasingly go to find better prices on specialized medications. The danger is that besides paying money for something that will not help a person’s medical condition, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm.

STHL

Senior Tar Heel Legislature

The Senior Tar Heel Legislature promotes citizen involvement and advocacy concerning aging issues before the General Assembly. STHL provides information and education to Senior Citizens on the legislative process and matters being considered by the General Assembly. Each of the 100 NC counties is entitled to one delegate and one alternate to the STHL.

National Data Highlight Extensive LTCOP Services Provided to Persons Living in Long-Term Care Facilities Program data for FY 2010 indicate that long-term care Ombudsman services to residents were provided by 1,167 full-time equivalent staff and 8,813 volunteers, trained and certified to investigate and resolve complaints. These volunteers and paid Ombudsmen: • Worked to resolve 211,937 complaints, opening 143,062 new cases (a case contains one or more complaints originating from the same person(s)).

• Resolved or partially resolved 74% of all complaints to the satisfaction of the resident or complainant.

• Visited 74% of all nursing homes and 39% of all board and care, assisted living and similar homes at least quarterly.

• Conducted 5,662 training sessions in facilities on such topics as residents’ rights.

• Provided 103,195 consultations to long-term care facility managers and staff and participated in 20,775 resident council and 3,531 family council meetings.

The five most frequent nursing facility complaints were: • Unanswered requests for assistance; • Inadequate or no discharge/eviction notice or planning; • Lack of respect for residents, poor staff attitudes; • Medications – administration, organization; and • Resident conflict, including roommate to roommate.

3. Funeral & Cemetery Scams - The FBI warns about two types of funeral and cemetery fraud perpetrated on seniors. In one approach, scammers read obituaries and call or attend the funeral service of a complete stranger to take advantage of the grieving widow or widower. Another tactic of disreputable funeral homes is to capitalize on family members’ unfamiliarity with the considerable cost of funeral services to add unnecessary charges to the bill.

The five most frequent board and care and similar facilities complaints were: • Quality, quantity, variation and choice of food; • Medications – administration, organization; • Inadequate or no discharge/eviction notice or planning; • Equipment or building hazards; and • Lack of respect for residents, poor staff attitudes.

For a complete detailed list of the Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors visit www.ncoa.org and click on senior scams or call the Ombudsmen at 2516622.

For more information on ombudsman activities and the types of cases/complaints that they investigated, see 2010 National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) data. From AOA Elder Rights Protection Program 1/6/2012.

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Long-Term Care Ombudsman

LTCOP Program

An Ombudsman is an advocate for long-term care residents’ rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of, nursing and adult care home residents. They work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care.

CAC

AAA

Other AAA Programs & Services

Other programs and services that the AAA manage include: • Century Club honors people on their 100th and subsequent birthdays.

• Operation Fan/Heat Relief ia a special assistance project that provides people 60 and over or with a disability fans and air conditioners during the hot summer months.

CAC Retreat 2011

It was cold that day, December 8, 2011. Snow was on the ground and the air was nippy. A rattled Ombudsman was thinking of ways to contact all the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members to tell them that the retreat had been called off…pity! Called off after all that work and expectation!

But wait!!! The sunshine began to sparkle like jewels as it reflected from the snow. News from WLOS reported that the mountain roads were open to travel! The cold air seemed to warm a bit as the sun rays penetrated the skies. Could it be??

It could! As I rounded the curve towards the beautiful Governor’s Western Residence there was already a bustle going on. I could hear the percolator and smell the coffee. AAA staff were deftly arranging the reception table and snacks. The courteous staff members at the Residence were quick to offer help and assistance. The Community Advisory Committee members began to arrive, marveling at the beauty of the well-kept grounds spattered with patches of clean, white snow.

As the program began, people began to settle in to the soothing splendor and enjoy the day of excellent speakers, delicious food, humorous actors and exciting prizes. The 2011 Community Advisory Committee Retreat will be remembered with a sigh of relief and gratitude. Thank you CAC volunteers…it’s all for you!

Many thanks to our speakers and participants: State Ombudsman, Sharon Wilder; Land-of-Sky CRC Coordinator, Linda Kendall Fields; Madison County DSS Director, Connie Harris; Buncombe County DSS Adult Services Supervisor, Cathie Beatty; The Autumn Players; and The Red Radish Catering Company.

CAC Volunteers and the Ombudsmen enjoy the day at the Governor’s Western Residence at their 2011 CAC Retreat.

CAC

Community Advisory Committee Member

The Ombudsman Program works in conjunction with Nursing Home (NH) and Adult Care Home (ACH) Community Advisory Committees (CACs) in each county to serve residents in longterm care facilities. CACs are volunteers appointed by county commissioners who visit facilities, interact with residents, and advocate for quality care in the homes.

Welcome New CAC Members Welcome: Gene Knoefel to the BC NH CAC Sandra Treadway and Sherrie Thomas to the MC ACH/NH CAC Madelyn Meyer to the TC ACH/NH CAC Thanks and Farwell to: Cynthia Daye and Jan Aho from the HC ACH/NH CAC Faith Ashe from the MC ACH/NH CAC Thank you for your services!

You will be missed!

CAC Meeting Calendar Buncombe County ACH: February 17, March 16, April 20 Buncombe County NH: March 15

CAC Orientation will be held on April 25 & 26 at Land-of-Sky Regional Council from 9 am - 1 pm. *If you are interested in becoming a CAC member, call the Ombudsmen at 251-6622.

Henderson County ACH/NH: February 8, March 14, April 11 Madison County ACH/NH: TBA Transylvania County ACH/NH: April 9

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Volunteer Services

VS

VS

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. VS helps them become mentors, coaches or companions to people in need, or contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Their contributions make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations throughout our region.

MLK National Day of Service 2012

In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s volunteer programs came together to uplift the most vulnerable of our community, homeless veterans.

According to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, America’s homeless veterans have served in World War II, the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF), and the military’s anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America. Nearly half of homeless veterans served during the Vietnam era. Two-thirds served our country for at least three years, and one-third were stationed in a war zone.

Roughly, 56% of all homeless veterans are African American or Hispanic, despite only accounting for 12.8% and 15.4% of the U.S. population respectively. About 1.5 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

Although flawless counts are impossible to come by – the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty – the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs estimate that over 67,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Over the course of a year, approximately twice that many experience homelessness. Only eight percent of the general population can claim veteran status, but nearly one-fifth of the homeless population are veterans.

In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.

In addressing this community need, Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s volunteer programs partnered with Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM) Veterans Restoration Quarters to bring attention to the growing problem of homeless Veterans in our community. This was achieved through a coordinated letter writing campaign that asked volunteers and community members to write a letter of thanks and encouragement to one of the 250 homeless veterans residing at the Veterans Restoration Quarters. Letters included words of appreciation and support meant to inspire the veterans during their challenging transition into civilian life.

Media releases and invitations were sent to local media, elected officials and volunteers detailing the community need and a call to participate as part of the National Day of Service in recognition of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. On Friday January 13, 2012, letters were presented to Michael Reich, Director of the Veterans Restoration Quarters, in a simple celebration attended by over 40 residents of the Quarters. The Celebration tapped the skills and passions of staff and volunteers. They read poems, sang songs and offered words of encouragement. In total, seven Senior Corp volunteers participated in the celebration, four of which were veterans.

Two hundred volunteers and community members participated in the service project by writing letters.

Veterans, volunteers and staff participate in a day of recognition.

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SCP

Senior Companion Program

FGP

The Senior Companion Program brings together volunteers age 55 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple task of day-to-day living. Companions help out on a personal level by assisting with shopping and light chores, interacting with doctors, or just making a friendly visit.

SCP

Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with children with exceptional needs. Their efforts enhance a child’s physical development, improve the children’s self-esteem and, in general, they serve the children as invaluable role models. Their service and kindness fosters hope in the hearts of the children.

23 Years as a Senior Companion

Senior Companion Betty Howard is nearing her 23rd year being a Senior Companion volunteer at Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Betty began her Senior Companion service in May of 1989 as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association. Betty volunteered there for 20 years providing much needed respite for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Today, Betty volunteers at Day Stay Adult Day Care in Candler and has been serving there since 2009. To date Betty had served over 8775 hours. Betty is as active a volunteer as she was the day she started in 1989. We salute Senior Companion Betty Howard.

Senior Companion Betty Howard

A&VS National Volunteer Week 2012 National Volunteer Week is approaching!

April 15-21, 2012 is dedicated to the volunteers that help make our community the great place it is.

National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, in unison, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

National Volunteer Week is about taking action, encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change - discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster positive transformation.

National Volunteer Week is not only our moment in time to celebrate our volunteers, but to enable a nation to share ideas, practices, and stories, wherever they happen, and shaping a movement to reimagine the notion of citizenship for the 21st century.

Please join us in celebrating the special volunteers that work with you!

Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate and recognize the efforts of your volunteers: •

For a group or individual that has done an exceptional service effort you can submit a nomination on their behalf for a Daily Point of Light Award. This award honors individuals and groups that create meaningful change in communities across America. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort is selected to receive The Daily Point of Light Award. Only 260 awards are issued each year. Learn more at www.

PointsOfLight.Org/Recognition/dpol.

•

Honor your volunteers with a custom certificate, letter and pin from the President of the United States. The Presidents Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain standard of service – measured by the number of hours of service completed over a 12 month period.

Sign up now to become a participating organization so you can honor your volunteers with a very special gift. Learn more at www. presidentialserviceawards.gov.

•

Send thank you letters to donors, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and others who have contributed to your project and include a picture of the project at work.

•

Have a recognition lunch to present certificates.

•

Publicize volunteers’ activities through your newsletter with pictures, if possible, and list the volunteers’ names.

•

Publicize the project through local newspapers.

•

Submit press releases, articles, photos, and other information about your successful project to local media.

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RSVP

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program connects volunteers age 55 and over with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability.

From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, RSVP volunteers make a difference.

RSVP

RSVP~ Your Volunteer Center for the Second Half of Life

RSVP is very pleased to be joining the Area Agency on Aging. For those that are not aware of what RSVP is, let me take a moment to introduce you to this outstanding National Service Program.

RSVP stands for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a program of the Corporation of National and Community Service under the umbrella of Senior Corps. RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.

Join RSVP and you join nearly 500,000 volunteers across the country who are tackling tough issues in their communities. Locally, RSVP partners with 100 non-profit and governmental agencies to offer 600 challenging, fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities. We are here to keep you active and involved in your community.

Look for future RSVP articles on how you can get involved or check out our volunteer listings at https://sites.google.com/site/ landofskyrsvp/Welcome-Page

FGP

Best Wishes Becca Dion

The Foster Grandparent Program would like to say a heartfelt farewell and best wishes to Becca Dion in her retirement. Becca has been the Director at Valley Child Development Center since 1994 where she has been a strong advocate of her “Valley” girls, children, and the Foster Grandparents serving the center. The Foster Grandparent Program will certainly miss Becca and her enthusiasm and warm caring personality. We wish her well in the next chapter in her life.

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VS

Volunteer Services Funding

Volunteer Services is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation. More than five million Americans are engaging in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and United We Serve.

RSVP

RSVP information sessions

Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Already volunteering but want to try something different? Let RSVP point you in the right direction! We invite you to attend a RSVP Information Session in which you will receive a short orientation to RSVP, enjoy a guest speaker and then receive volunteer placement assistance from our RSVP Coordinator.

February 7, 2012 NC Center for Creative Retirement on the Campus of UNCA Room 205, 9 - 11 am This month RSVP features the YWCA’s After-School Program.

This 5-Star licensed program is open to children in grades K-6 and offers homework help, tutoring, swimming lessons, gardening, arts & crafts, field trips and nutritious snacks.

After-School is held in the YWCA Youth Wing which has five classrooms dedicated to science, technology, arts, diversity and tutoring. Volunteers are needed for all levels of support.

February 16, 2012 Silvermont Opportunity Center in Brevard 1 - 2 pm Our RSVP Coordinator will be available to meet with interested folks or senior adults the third Thursday of every month to help them get on the road to volunteering. Registration is required for this event.

March 7, 2012 NC Center for Creative Retirement on the Campus of UNCA Room 205, 9 am - 11 am This month RSVP features the American Red Cross.

March 15, 2012 Silvermont Opportunity Center in Brevard 1 - 2 pm Our RSVP Coordinator will be available to meet with interested folks or senior adults the third Thursday of every month to help them get on the road to volunteering. Registration is required for this event.

For more information and to register contact Patti Cameron, RSVP Coordinator, at 251-6622 or patti@landofsky.org.

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Calendar of Events

RSVP Information Session, NC Center for Creative Retirement, see page 10 Greenhouse Cultural Change Meeting, LOSRC, 1 -2:30 pm “Resident’s Rights” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, for more information contact Barbara Hinshaw at 251-6622 Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Buncombe County TRIAD Meeting, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Family Caregiver Support Program Advisory Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm Buncombe County TRIAD Planning Committee Meeting, LOSRC, 2 - 4 pm Healthy Hominy Valley - Heart Healthy, Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, Candler, 12 - 12:20 pm. Learn the differences in heart attack symptoms between men and women. For more info call Rebecca at 251-6622.

RSVP Information Session, Silvermont Opportunity Center in Brevard, see page 10 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, LOSRC, see page 5 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Edneyville Community Center, see page 5 NC Respite Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11 am - 2 pm. For more information contact Jane MacLeod at 919-740- 6605 or email jane.macleod@nc.eastersealsucp.com Buncombe County Citizen Corps Meeting, LOSRC, 9 - 11 am Living Healthy with a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, United Way (Project Access Clients Only), see page 5

March 7 7 8 8 12 13 14 15 21

“Diabetes, Insulin and Infection Control” CEU Class, LOSRC, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm, for more info contact Barbara, 251-6622 RSVP Information Session, NC Center for Creative Retirement, UNCA, see page 10 WNC Fall Prevention Coalition Meeting, LOSRC, 11:30 am - 1 pm Senior Volunteer Services Advisory Council Meeting, LOSRC, 2 - 4 pm Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm RSVP Information Session, Silvermont Opportunity Center in Brevard, see page 10 Healthy Hominy Valley - Walk to Health, Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, Candler, 12 - 12:20 pm. Learn how to walk for optimal benefit. For more info call Rebecca at 251-6622.

April 2 Matter of Balance Workshop begins. This FREE workshop includes eight two-hour sessions and participants learn

practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels.

Marshall Library, 1 - 3 pm, Register with Deana Stephens at 649-3531 ext 240.

Transylvania Regional Hospital, 3 - 5 pm, Register with Robert Anderson at 884-2980 or randerson@msj.org.

4 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, The Health Adventure, see page 5 6 Good Friday, Land-of-Sky Offices Closed 11 CRC Leadership Team Meeting, LOSRC, 10:30 am - 12 pm 12 Aging Advisory Council Meeting, LOSRC, 9:30 - 11 am 14 Living Healthy w/ a Chronic Condition Workshop begins, Asheville - Bethel, Seventh Day Adventist Church, see page 5 15-21 National Volunteer Week, see page 9 16 Senior Companion Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm 17 Foster Grandparent Volunteers In-Service, LOSRC, 9 am - 1 pm 18 Healthy Hominy Valley - Rewards of Relaxation, Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, Candler, 12 - 12:20 pm.

Learn and practice methods for stress reduction. For more info call Rebecca at 251-6622 30 Empowering Yourself as a Caregiver, CAPES (Caring for Aging Parents Education and Support Program) Education Series,

5 - 6:30 pm, Mission Hospitals Wellness Resource Center, 50 Doctor’s Drive, Asheville. Contact Kimberly Webb, Council

on Aging of Buncombe County (277-8288) for more information.

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ASEHVILLE, NC PERMIT #367

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140 Asheville, NC 28806 Phone: (828) 251-6622 Fax: (828) 251-6353 Website: www.landofsky.org/aging

We would like to hear what you think of the new Aging and Volunteer Services Newsletter. Contact Christina at 251-6622 or email christina@landofsky.org.

Please recycle this newsletter!

Aging and Volunteer Services

Serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania Counties Vol I - Issue 1: February - April 2012

A&VS

Aging and Volunteer Services’ Staff

LeeAnne Tucker - Aging and Volunteer Services Director Brenda DelaCruz - Aging and Volunteer Services Project Assistant

AAA

VS

Volunteer Services Staff

Patti Cameron - RSVP Coordinator Stacy Friesland - FGP Manager Tracy Ash - SCP Manager

Area Agency on Aging Staff

Barbara Hinshaw - Lead Regional Ombudsman Carol McLimans - Family Caregiver Resource Specialist Christina Giles - AAA Project Assistant, Newsletter Layout & Design Jennifer Atkinson - SCSEP Coordinator Lee Ann Smith - Regional Ombudsman Linda Kendall Fields - CRC Coordinator Pat Hilgendorf - Caregiver Program Associate Rebecca Chaplin - Aging Programs Specialist - HPDP and Senior Center Sherry Christenson - Aging Programs Specialist - Contracts and ARMS Terry Collins - Regional Ombudsman

Please share this newsletter with residents, staff, family members, volunteers and others interested in our community.