PCA's Update: Fall/Winter 2020

A Publication of

Fall/Winter 2020

update News & notes for friends of PCA

PCA SERVES ONE MILLION MEALS TO OLDER ADULTS! Our continuity of care remains unwavering during pandemic P3

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PCA’s upcoming virtual events: Regional conference & gala fundraiser

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Breaking down our stateapproved Area Plan

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Changing to meet seniors’ needs for Medicare Open Enrollment assistance

President’s message Shifting gears to accelerate support for older Philadelphians

Of great significance is that since the pandemic shut down our normal operations in mid-March, PCA has remained constant in its fight against food insecurity among older adults. Recently, PCA marked the distribution of over one million meals to eligible older participants since March.

Additionally, many of our staff volunteered to ensure the distribution of much-needed produce vouchers to eligible seniors, courtesy of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). This was the first time that these vouchers, which allow recipients to purchase fresh produce from participating area farmers’ markets, were distributed entirely by mail. In 2020, PCA distributed vouchers to more than 25,000 seniors.

As we look to the future in this new normal, we are guided by our new Four-Year Area Plan, which was recently approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. This plan fulfills our work under the Older Americans Act and serves as a guidebook in addressing region-specific priorities and issues when it comes to older adults, those with disabilities and their caregivers.

Our priorities for the next four years include work in service access, social determinants of health, diversity and inclusion,

PCA board of directors 2

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The unprecedented challenges of these extraordinary times run parallel to the resiliency and dedication of this agency to meet each obstacle with solutions in furtherance of our mission.

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As we embark on our seventh month of caring for older adults and those with disabilities since the impact of COVID-19 – many of us working in a remote capacity – I’d like to highlight some meaningful milestones and accomplishments at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

safety of older adults, and operational efficiency. Further insight into PCA’s goals and objectives for those we serve throughout Philadelphia County can be found courtesy of the Area Plan breakdown on page 5 or by review of the full Four-Year Area Plan at pcaCares.org/ AreaPlan.

The unprecedented challenges of these extraordinary times run parallel to the resiliency and dedication of this agency to meet each obstacle with solutions in furtherance of our mission. PCA strives to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and those with disabilities, and to assist them in achieving their maximum levels of health, independence and productivity.

This momentum could not have been achieved without the support of our partners in the aging network, and the assistance and advocacy from local, state and federal entities. We are a team and we depend on each other to keep pace with the needs of our consumers. To each one, please know you have our sincere gratitude.

Najja Orr, President and CEO Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P., Chair Judee M. Bavaria, Vice Chair Glenn D. Bryan, Secretary Send ideas, comments or requests to be Satya B. Verma, O.D., Treasurer added to the Update mailing list to: Louis A. Bove, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris PCA Communications Dept Angela Foreshaw-Rouse 642 N. Broad Street Fran Miller Philadelphia, PA 19130-3409 Victor M. Negrón, Jr Lenore Wasserman Scola communications@pcaCares.org Eloise N. Young Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D. ©2020 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M. All rights reseved.

Jennifer Russell hired as PCA’s new Executive Administrator of Planning

PCA’s 2020 Regional Conference on Aging, Oct. 20-22 For nearly 10 years, PCA’s Regional Conference on Aging is the only conference in Southeastern Pennsylvania that focuses specifically on aging.

This year’s conference will be held virtually via Zoom and will feature 14 online sessions over three days. Regional and national experts in the field of aging services will offer best practices, resources and guidance on a variety of topics, from public policy to caregiving to COVID-19.

Sessions at the conference will include: • Trauma is in the Eye of the Beholder: Why Trauma-Informed Practices are Vital in Serving Grandparents Raising Grandchildren amid the Opioid Crisis and COVID-19 • In the Wake of a Pandemic: Responding to the intersection of COVID-19 and the Needs of LGBT Older Adults • Protecting Your Home Sweet Home: Tips for Tenants and Homeowners Attendees will also have access to bonus content, including daily chair yoga sessions at lunchtime and an evening cooking demonstration on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The conference is open to professionals in the aging-services network at a cost of $40 per 2.5-hour session. Continuing education units (CEUs) for nurses and social workers are available for most sessions at no additional cost. The complete schedule of sessions and registration is available at pcaCares.org/conference. For more information, contact Thomas Shea at 215765-9000, ext. 5065 or thomas.shea@pcaCares. org.

PCA’s Regional Conference on Aging is sponsored by Mom’s Meals and Oak Street Health.

Jennifer Russell joined PCA as the agency’s new Executive Administrator of Planning on July 13. A longtime advocate for older adults, Russell most recently served as Director of Operations at Ralston Center, an organization that serves older Philadelphians in the west and northwest sections of the city.

Russell has also previously worked as an attorney, specializing in legal services for older adults at SeniorLAW Center and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA. She earned a J.D. from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and holds a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts.

Russell’s drive to advocate on behalf of older Philadelphians stems from a deep-rooted respect for the older adult population. “I’ve always had a deep admiration and affection for older adults and the wisdom that comes from life experiences,” she said.

Her time working as a lawyer cemented her dedication to advocacy on behalf of those who are most vulnerable and a drive to seek systemic solutions to the many challenges facing older adults.

In her new role with PCA, Russell oversees all strategic planning, development and communications for the agency. She expressed excitement about joining PCA and referenced the sense of honor she feels in helping to shape the agency’s blueprint for meeting the evolving needs of the city’s older adult population.

“I’m excited to work on behalf of older adults and advocate for them in a meaningful, systemic way with such a talented and dedicated group of colleagues,” said Russell. “The ability to strategize and help shape PCA’s path going forward is not only exciting, it is a real honor as well,” she said.

Joining PCA in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russell was impressed by the agency’s ability to adapt and continue services in the face of coronavirus restrictions. She referenced that ability to be nimble and flexible as a necessity in continuing to address the concerns of older adults going forward.

Problems related to social isolation, hunger and malnutrition, housing insecurity, and the digital divide among Philadelphia’s older population have only been exacerbated by the pandemic, she said, and it will take a collaborative effort to continue to overcome them.

“I see the need to pull together as really amplified right now, on both the micro and macro levels, as individuals and as organizations,” said Russell. “We need to continue to work together to best advocate for and meet the needs of our neighbors.”

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Election 2020:

PCA in the news

PCA encourage seniors to vote, shares safety information

May 22: PCA Caregiver Support Program offers relief for grandparents raising grandchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic (ScoopUSA)

PCA Director of Caregiver Support, Cheryl Clark, offered information on how grandparent caregivers can receive financial assistance during COVID and tips on how to navigate the challenges of caring for grandchildren during the pandemic.

June 9: Local Live: Center in the Park (The Local)

Local Live with Steve Fillmore sat down with Center in the Park’s Executive Director Renee Cunningham to talk about how the PCA-supported senior center is continuing to engage with older adults through meals and virtual programming during COVID-19.

June 11: Najja Orr Testifies to Senate Special Committee on Aging (NBC 10)

The 2020 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, but voting has already begun in Pennsylvania. PCA is sharing information to help seniors make sure their voices are heard by casting a ballot, in person or by mail. Any adult, 18 or older, who has been a U.S. citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania in the current voting district for at least 30 days is eligible to vote.

Register to vote by Oct. 19: Voter registration applications can be completed online, by mail or in person. Voter registration status can also be confirmed at VotesPA.com.

Vote in person Nov. 3: The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Philadelphia residents can locate their polling location at PhiladelphiaVotes.com/en/voters. Any voter whose name is not in the voter roster has the right to vote on a provisional ballot. Poll workers will be available to assist with any questions or concerns on Election Day. For guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on safely voting in person during COVID-19, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/election-pollinglocations.html.

Voting by mail: Voting by mail is safe, secure and legal. For this election, all registered voters in Pennsylvania have the option to vote by mail. Oct. 27 is the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. Mail-in ballots must be completed in blue or black ink, placed inside the inner white “secrecy” envelope marked “official ballot” and sealed. The sealed “secrecy” envelope must then be placed inside the outer return envelope, sealed and signed. Mail-in ballots must be returned by Nov. 3 and can be sent via U.S. mail, returned to the County Election Office or placed in a ballot dropbox.

Be sure to check all VotesPA.com for the most up-to-date information.

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PCA president and CEO Najja Orr presented during a hearing for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging titled “Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Orr highlighted the importance of home-delivered and congregate meal programs in combating isolation and highlighted the need for increased funding and education to bridge the “digital divide.”

June 25: PHL COVID-19 Fund Deploys Funds to Aid Pandemic Recovery Efforts (Business Insider) PCA received a $50,000 Community Reopening grant from the PHL COVID-19 Fund. The fund was created in March by the Philadelphia Foundation and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey to distribute aid to nonprofits serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

July 20: How seniors can apply for federal food voucher program during pandemic (KYW Newsradio)

KYW’s Lynne Adkins talked with Skylar Young, PCA special projects coordinator, about PCA’s distribution of Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers by mail to keep seniors safe and nourished during COVID-19.

July 27: Philadelphians Young & Old Finding Ways to Beat Extreme Heat Gripping City (CBS 3)

Director of PCA’s Helpline, Chris Gallagher, offered tips on how older adults can stay cool during the pandemic and information on PCA’s Heatline.

Breakdown of

PCA’s state-approved Area Plan PCA recently received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) on its plan to navigate the agency’s focus for the next four years.

PCA is among 52 area agencies on aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth that recently submitted a 2020-2024 FourYear Area Plan to PDA. This plan examines region-specific aging services and also fulfills requirements under the Older Americans Act. Using data and information from various resources, PCA has assessed the following as priority areas when it comes to older adults, people with disabilities and those who care for them within Philadelphia County: • Access to services • Data-driven decision making • Diversity and inclusivity • Innovation and operational efficiency and effectiveness • Safety of older adults • Social determinants of health These factors aided in the creation of five primary goals, with accompanying objectives, strategies for action and performance measures.

Goal 1: Promote efficient and innovative best practices to ensure service access for Philadelphia’s diverse aging population.

We plan to continue to explore new and creative opportunities to reach previously underserved and emerging communities across all programs and services. Our objective is to identify underrepresented communities while strengthening our existing engagement goal efforts. Collaboration with area senior centers and our partners within the aging network will also be instrumental in helping us accomplish this goal.

Goal 2: Improve efforts to address social determinants of health, support healthy living, promote active engagement and build a sense of community among older Philadelphians.

PCA will use its footprint to work with community partners to advocate on the issues that affect our consumers. This will bring together stakeholders in aging, health care, social services, housing and food provision sectors.

These efforts intend to reduce hunger and malnutrition, raise awareness of older adult homelessness, and advocate for better senior housing.

Goal 3: Demonstrate continued efforts of inclusion and person-centered practices through services and programs, as well as outreach and education.

PCA will use data on regional demographics to enhance our capacity to reach new and diverse older adult populations. We will also increase access to and use of our services by building or enhancing relationships with local community-based and health care organizations.

Internally, we’re promoting diversity and inclusion through targeted staffing practices and mandatory participation in PCA’s Diversity and Inclusion training, which is a great example of how we continue to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Goal 4: Enhance and advocate for continued support of efforts promoting the rights, safety and protection of older Philadelphians through increased education, prevention and compassionate response.

PCA will increase its advocacy and awareness efforts at the state and national level for support of ombudsman, legal and protective services. We are actively searching for ways to increase resources and continue to seek additional funding sources for our Older Adult Protective Services unit. For example, we recently submitted a request to renew the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to support our Victim Support Program.

Goal 5: Use data-driven, evidence-informed planning to improve business practices and the provision of services and programs.

Our care for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities must focus on innovation. Over the next four years, we’ll look to explore tools and systems to improve efficiency in business operations. We’ll rely on evidenced-based data to support programs and services, and finally, look at methods to streamline processes and communication with all PCA stakeholders.

Read more about PCA’s Area Plan online at pcaCares. org/AreaPlan.

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Changing to meet seniors’ needs: APPRISE consultations go digital for open enrollment

With open enrollment officially underway, Medicare recipients and those looking to enroll will be able to take advantage of Philadelphia’s APPRISE program safely from the comfort of their homes, this year. All counseling services will be conducted through the phone or video chat as APPRISE counselors are working remote due to the pandemic.

APPRISE is Pennsylvania’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and is a free counseling service for individuals who qualify for Medicare. APPRISE is funded through area agencies on aging throughout the commonwealth with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) funding the APPRISE program for all of Philadelphia County. APPRISE counseling is provided by both the Center for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) and Einstein Medical Center.

During the open enrollment period each year, APPRISE counseling assists approximately 1,000 individuals in Philadelphia.

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As in most years, recipients or those newly eligible for Medicare will call to schedule an appointment to be held either over the phone or via video chat. Those with access to a computer at home will be able to view many of the Medicare tools provided online through MyMedicare.gov in real time while talking with their counselor. Counselors can guide Medicare recipients through any changes to Medicare stemming from the pandemic, including changes to coverage for telehealth visits.

For more information about APPRISE or how to become an APPRISE counselor, please call your nearest APPRISE center: • CARIE: 215-545-5728 (South,West and North Central) • Einstein Medical Center: 215-456-7600 (Northeast and Northwest) Those living outside of Philadelphia can also call the Statewide APPRISE Helpline at 800-783-7067.

PCA celebrates gifted artists with virtual Celebrate Arts & Aging Festival Celebrate Arts & Aging is an annual festival, celebrating the bright and vibrant older adult artistic community. Each year, artists from all over Philadelphia, both professional and amateur, send PCA pieces of artwork of all subjects and mediums to be displayed at senior centers. While this event is typically held in May, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the in-person art exhibits and artists’ receptions to be canceled. Instead, PCA held its first virtual Celebrate Arts & Aging online exhibit throughout the months of September and October.This virtual event is featured on PCA’s website at pcaCares.org/CelebrateArts, as well as on senior center and sponsor websites.

Three signature artworks were selected to be featured at the beginning of the 2020 Celebrate Arts & Aging virtual art gallery: (clockwise from bottom left) “Royal Petunia” by Shahina Siddiqi, 65; “Community College of Philadelphia” by Marilyn Lavin, 88; and “Bahiana” by Stacia Friedman, 72.

Nearly 100 artists’ works were photographed and assembled into a slideshow. All art pieces feature diverse subjects and topics from senior artists ranging in ages from 55 to 103.

PCA would like to thank all the artists who participated in this year’s gallery. To view the virtual art gallery, go to pcaCares. org/CelebrateArts.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is the first place for older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities to turn for information and services to help maintain or improve the quality of their lives. Established in 1973, PCA is a private, nonprofit, nationally recognized Area Agency on Aging. One

of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations, PCA contracts with more than 200 community organizations to deliver services aimed at helping older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities achieve their maximum levels of health, independence and productivity. Through its work, PCA touch-

es the lives more than 140,000 individuals each year. PCA is funded primarily by federal and state sources.

For information about PCA, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.

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Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Virtual Gala to benefit the Rodney D. Williams Philadelphia Fund for Seniors

Thursday, November 12, 2020 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Join Najja Orr, PCA president and CEO, to remember Rodney D. Williams and honor Holly Lange.

Tamala Edwards, anchor, 6ABC, is our co-host!

Sponsorships and tickets are still available!

• Special Appearances • Musical Performances • Online Auction Go to pcaCares.org/PCAVirtualGala for more details.

Musical entertainment provided by Anthony “DJ TouchTone“ Stevenson The World‘s #1 Blind DJ from “The Basement Party“ on 107.9 Radio One