A Publication of
Summer 2020
update News & notes for friends of PCA
LEADING DURING COVID-19 New PCA president and CEO Najja Orr talks continuity of care in the face of a pandemic.
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Senior produce voucher distribution modified due to COVID-19
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Passing the Torch: PCA veterans say goodbye
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Caregiver Support Program helps grandparents
PCA combats food insecurity amid COVID-19 pandemic
President’s message Extraordinary efforts in an unprecedented time An agency puts measures in place and procedures to follow ensuring that the steps made along the way are the most accurate. But in order to provide the continuity of detail, care and dedication people have come to expect from Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, sometimes for those little things, those are decisions that have to be made quickly. When I assumed the role of president and CEO of this agency on April 3, I did so with great humility – both of the responsibilities that were now placed on me and of the people I had the privilege to learn from in getting to this point. However, no one can prepare you on how to provide for 140,000 older Philadelphians during a viral pandemic in which they are the most susceptible. There’s no cheat sheet on how to prepare for something you can’t plan, knowing that with everything you touch or people you come in contact with you, personally risk contraction. But if you dwell on those facts, if you look at this from a negative standpoint, the mission, our mission: to improve the lives of older Philadelphians and those with disabilities, suffers greatly. Fortunately, every single one of us at PCA has realized this to be the case and has inherently done their part to ensure we don’t miss a beat. Since COVID-19 became prevalent, not only has PCA continued to provide for our eligible consumers, we’ve exceeded that care in several categories. Our meal distribution has expanded and with the existing help and new collaborative partners, we’re distributing meals to thousands of consumers, both through home delivery and through Grab-and-Go options at area senior centers.
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Since COVID-19 became prevalent, not only has PCA continued to provide for our eligible consumers, we’ve exceeded that care in several categories.
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There’s no playbook for the granular details that arrive from a pandemic.
While the majority of our staff remain at home working remotely – an effort I applaud our entire staff for managing effectively – there are still those who take the proper safety precautions while continuing to support those in need in the community. Without all of this collective fuel, PCA’s engine does not run. So, as we embark on this new chapter for PCA, we do so due to the people you’ll read about through these pages. The collective impact they and others make ensures we provide older Philadelphians with what they need under guidelines of the Social Determinants of Health and under our mission to help them live their best possible lives. Sincerely, 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.
Farmers market voucher program modified to comply with COVID guidelines While Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) voucher distribution is currently underway, this summer’s distribution methods were modified to comply with social distancing guidelines. Instead of distributing vouchers at specific in-person locations, PCA is mailing vouchers to those who apply. Each summer, PCA distributes more than 36,000 vouchers to older adults that can be redeemed for local produce from certified farmers markets throughout Philadelphia. The SFMNP vouchers are made available through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The voucher value has increased this year from $5 to $6 per voucher. Four vouchers are distributed to every applicant, for a total value of $24 worth of produce. In order to qualify for the vouchers, adults must be 60 or older by Dec. 31 and have a household income that falls below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Vouchers are limited to one set per person and must be redeemed by Nov. 30. Those who have applied for vouchers in the past have received an application in the mail to apply this year. Those who have not applied for vouchers in the past can request an application through PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 or download it at pcaCares.org/produce. SFMNP is just one of the many ways PCA is addressing food insecurity and the nutritional needs of older Philadelphians. As part of the national Defeat Malnutrition Today coalition, PCA is committed to ensuring older adults receive the proper nutrition needed to stay healthy. In spring 2019, PCA also formed the Defeat Malnutrition Today: Philadelphia Coalition, an alliance of 57 organizations dedicated to eradicating malnutrition among Philadelphia’s seniors. Through education and collaboration, DMT connects seniors with important nutrition resources in the community, while stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Information on Defeat Malnutrition Today can be found at pcaCares.org/dmt.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, PCA continues to provide meals to thousands of older Philadelphians. In just three months from the start of the city-wide lockdown, PCA provided more than 595,000 meals through its home-delivered meal program and the newly implemented Grab-and-Go program. Before the start of the pandemic, senior centers provided hot meals in a group setting to older adults throughout the city, each weekday. When Philadelphia senior centers closed, which impacted congregate meals, PCA began to provide Grab-and-Go meals for distribution at those senior centers or to be delivered directly to consumer homes. Around 3,000 eligible individuals are served meals, each week, through the Grab-and-Go program. More than 4,300 individuals are served through the home-delivered meals program, which delivers an average of 31,000 meals per week. PCA would like to thank all the volunteers who are making meal distribution and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic possible. PCA especially thanks Easter Outreach, which has been instrumental in meal packaging and distribution. If you suspect that an older adult is experiencing food insecurity, please call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
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Combating social isolation
PCA in the news January 15: Fixes to make Philly seniors’ homes safer could be a phone call away (KYW Newsradio) Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) was the focus of an interview with Mark Myers, PCA’s director of facility operations and housing programs. Myers talked about the importance of keeping older adults’ homes safe and accessible. February 20: Rodney D. Williams, former president of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, dies at 78 (Philadelphia Inquirer) Former PCA President and CEO Holly Lange reflects on the legacy of her predecessor and founder of PCA, Rodney D. Williams, who passed away in February. March 18: How COVID-19 is changing daily life for seniors (6 ABC Action News) Field reporter TaRhonda Thomas stopped by PCA-funded senior center, Lutheran Settlement House, to talk to executive director David Chiles about the measures being taken to ensure older adults do not go hungry during the pandemic. Segment spotlighted the center’s Graband-Go meal program and their on-site food pantry, which provides older adults with supplemental nutrition.
Social isolation can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of all people, but older adults are typically at higher risk. In fact, a report by the AARP Foundation found that social isolation has the same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PCA encourages individuals to stay connected to older adults as it is estimated that between 36% and 42% of all people 60 and older live alone in the city. Keeping in regular contact via phone, video chat, email, traditional mail or texting can help to fill those gaps in social interaction amidst the pandemic. Video-chatting options are typically available through certain smartphone platforms, virtual meeting software, social media platforms and home assistant devices. As the majority of social interaction is now facilitated by technology, PCA is also doing its part to maintain contact with older adults, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Long-term care assessment workers and service coordinators are conducting “visits” by phone. Older Adult Protective Services (OAPS) investigators are calling older adults who are referred to the service. In addition, senior centers are also conducting regular wellness calls to existing members and those who are newly receiving meals. PCA also encourages individuals to ask loved ones if they are running low on any items, such as food, medications or other necessities. If you know of an older adult in need, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040. Additional resources related to COVID-19 for older Philadelphians can also be found at pcaCares.org/covid19.
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April 8: How to help the senior citizens in your life during COVID-19 (6 ABC Action News) PCA President and CEO, Najja Orr, talks with Action News about PCA’s efforts to support older adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ways for family and friends to stay connected to older loved ones during that time. April 16: Power moves (Generocity) Former chief strategy officer Najja Orr’s appointment to PCA President and CEO is featured in Generocity’s weekly round-up of influential professionals moving up in Philadelphia businesses. April 27: Healthy meals available to Philadelphia seniors for pickup or delivery (KYW Newsradio) Lynne Adkins of KYW chats with Najja Orr about the City of Philadelphia’s announcement to partner with PCA, adding additional Grab-and-Go meal sites around the city.
‘The Mayor of PCA’ honored for lifetime achievement During his tenure, Senior Vice President of Operations Louis Colbert has garnered the affectionate nickname, “the Mayor of PCA,” due to his strong ability to connect with people. It is also most likely what has caused him to be immensely successful as an aging-community advocate for close to 40 years. For his outstanding and ongoing contributions to the field of aging, Colbert was honored by the American Society on Aging with its 2020 ASA Award. The award also recognizes Colbert’s leadership roles within ASA, including 15 years on the ASA board of directors and its chair from 20132015. “It was a tremendous honor,” Colbert said. “I was very humbled by it.” Colbert’s career in aging services began in 1976 with a social work field placement from TempleUniversity at the Area Agency on Aging for Delaware County (COSA). After graduating, he was hired by COSA, dedicating six years there. Colbert next became assistant director of program management at PCA. In his first eight years, Colbert became a familiar name around the agency. In 1991, Colbert re-joined COSA, serving as deputy director and later director, for a total of 22 years. He returned to PCA in 2013 as vice president of operations. Throughout his life’s work, Colbert has championed caregivers, especially advocating for caregiving men and caregivers of color. As a former caregiver for his parents, he brought a first-hand perspective that helped to further dialogue about caregiving for older adults on both a local and national level. “I also felt that it was important in my career to bring a minority perspective to whatever arena I was in,” Colbert said. “I think the whole ability to represent communities of color no matter where I am, at the state level or with providers, is crucial and very important because sometimes that voice is not well represented.”
Transportation update As of June 30, PCA will no longer schedule shared rides or attendant transportation services for Community HealthChoices (formerly Waiver) consumers. While PCA regrets having to suspend this service, severe budgetary limitations have forced this decision. Courtesy of our collaboration with SEPTA, PCA will continue to provide transportation through the CCT Connect bus program, which runs throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
For those seniors who benefited from either shared rides or attendant transportation services, alternative arrangements will have to be made with their service coordinators. Service coordinators will no longer schedule transportation services, nor will they coordinate these services for Community HealthChoices participants through the managed-care organizations’ transportation providers. For additional questions regarding this modification to our bevy of services, contact Kaliah Smalls, PCA’s Transportation Resource Coordinator, at Kaliah.Smalls@pcaCares.org or 215-765-9000, ext. 5152.
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Passing the Torch: Several long-serving employees say goodbye to PCA
Care Connections Executive Director Ann Danish Ann Danish, executive director of PCA Care Connections, retired April 10. Danish joined PCA in 2002 as an assistant director in the Long Term Care Options (LTCO) department and was later promoted to the director of care management. She was named the first executive director of PCA Care Connections in 2019, following changes prompted by Pennsylvania’s transition to managed care. Alluding to the “white waters of change” that she experienced during her tenure, Danish credits the commitment and creativity of her co-workers for PCA’s continued success in delivering care, despite many changes.
“What I appreciate about the agency is that it is so mission-driven,” Danish said. “The people I’ve worked with are so amazing in their commitment to the mission and to serving older adults and younger people with disabilities. They’re such strong advocates for the people they serve.” Former PCA Care Connections Deputy Director Barbara Nickels has been named as Danish’s successor. Nickels has more than 30 years of experience in long-term care. She began her career at PCA as a care manager and later assumed leadership positions, first as a supervisor within the former Long Term Care/Waiver department in 2003. “I’m proud of developing a leadership group and a management team that will be able to continue to grow in a new environment when I’m gone,” Danish said.
Long Term Care Assessment Director Betty Jo Robinson Betty Jo Robinson, director of PCA’s Long Term Care Assessment (LTCA) department, retired April 2 after 35 years of service to the agency. When Robinson came to PCA in 1984, she was among the original core of 24 assessment workers and the landscape of long-term care was just beginning to evolve. She remained in the LTCA Department for her entire 35-year PCA tenure, moving up the ranks to intake worker and supervisor, administrative manager, assistant director, and finally director in 2013. While at PCA, Robinson earned a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania and participated in the New Ventures in Leadership program. She credits her willingness to continually learn and adapt with her success in navigating the complex world of long-term care. “I believe my greatest accomplishment was ensuring the department stayed intact,” she said.
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“And the department has consistently had a reputation of working to achieve the gold standard of work and efficiency.” One of Robinson’s assistant directors, Shani Gilmore, was named LTCA director following her retirement. Gilmore joined PCA in 2008 and has been an assistant director of LTCA since 2018.
Program Management Director Pat Funaro
After 35 years at PCA, Program Management Director Pat Funaro retired April 30. Funaro was hired by PCA in 1984 as the Policy and Program Analyst, working in the former Procurement Department. Early in her career, she served as PCA’s Data Analysis Planner, helping to draft position papers and statements on topics of interest for seniors.
In 1992, Funaro was promoted to Assistant Director of Program Management and would remain in the department for the next 28 years, becoming its director in 2012. Under her leadership, Program Management expanded its services and oversaw the rehabilitation of several senior center buildings and the opening of the Meal Distribution Center, which centralized the home-delivered meals program in one location. Funaro credits the spirit and determination of her staff for their ability to expand services, even as funding did not always keep pace. “One of the ongoing challenges is providing quality services, when the funding is not there to support it,” she said. “I’m amazed by the dedication of the people here and that really makes a difference.” Wanda Mitchell, former director of community relations, has been named the new director of Program Management following Funaro’s retirement. Mitchell previously served as an assistant director in Program Management.
Make sure #SeniorsCount in the 2020 census When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many operations in the city to close, PCA ramped up its efforts to encourage older adults to complete the census and make #SeniorsCount in 2020. Conducted every 10 years, the census determines the appropriation of $675 billion in federal funding each year. For the city of Philadelphia, this translates into $21,000 of funding per person over the next 10 years. “Older adults are historically underrported in the census,” said Karen Washington, PCA’s assistant director of program management. “We hope to change this, as much of the funding stemming from the census supports Medicare, Medicaid, housing programs, SNAP benefits and vocational rehabilitation grants.” Prior to the citywide stay-at-home mandate, PCA-funded senior centers, in partnership with Generations on Line and AARP Pennsylvania, helped to familiarize older adults with filling out the census online through on-site workshops. Generations on Line is also providing digital tools at EasyCensusHelp.org. This year, older adults are encouraged to complete their census by phone or online at my2020census.gov. In addition, select neighborhoods will also receive a paper copy of the census that can be submitted by mail. For more information on the census, visit pcaCares.org/census.
“[Wanda] will be working with some extremely dedicated and talented staff,” Funaro said. “She’ll be fabulous.”
“[Shani] has the kind of temperament and abilities that are going to be needed for things to run smoothly,” said Robinson. “[Her] team approach [will] continue the department and help it grow stronger.”
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PCA releases 2019-2020 Annual Report: Changing Lives Every Day
PCA’s Celebrate Arts & Aging festival rescheduled for September For the past 17 years, PCA has hosted its month-long Celebrate Arts & Aging festival in May to coincide with Older Americans Month. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 festival has been postponed until September. All submissions that have already been received have been entered into the show, which will feature exhibits of senior artwork. The deadline for senior artists, 55 or older, to submit an original artwork for inclusion in the show has been extended to August 5. Submissions must have been created within the past three years and can include painting, drawing, photography and prints. For more information, call 215-765-5000, ext. 5055, email Amanda.Buonomo@pcaCares.org, or go to pcaCares.org/SeniorArt.
PCA eases stress
“PCA’s Caregiver Support Program has been a big help. PCA eases stress and finances [by providing reimbursement for caregiving expenses and respite services]. It makes a big difference in our lives,” said caregiver Sebastian Collins, who wouldn’t be able to do everything he does for his mother without PCA. PCA meets a variety of evolving needs with compassion and expertise. From the monthly Milestones newspaper that offers suggestions and tips, to the senior community centers we support, older adults have many opportunities to remain engaged and fulfilled. Caregivers can receive support and reimbursement for respite care. Older adults who need help to age in place can receive home modifications, meals and personal care. For older adults who experience abuse, protective services provides crucial intervention. PCA is here to support and advocate on behalf of older adults, so they can fully enjoy life.
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PCA’s work is truly life-changing for the older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities who we serve. Our 2019-2020 annual report, titled “Changing Lives Every Day,” illustrates how our continuity of services positively impacts the lives of our participants by supporting the Social Determinants of Health. Programs and services are focused on improving health outcomes in six main areas: education, economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, community and social context, quality of care, and food. The report, which is available to read and download at pcaCares.org, also features testimonials from consumers (including the one above), a financial summary, brief description of all programs and a donor list.
PCA board officer elected to Optometry Hall of Fame S a t ya B . Ve r m a , O. D. , secretary of the PCA Board of Directors, has been named to the National Optometry Hall of Fame, which for 22 years has recognized and honored doctors of optometry who have made significant and enduring contributions to the optometric profession.
This is just the latest accolade in Dr. Verma’s impressive career. He will celebrate his 50th year at Salas University’s Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) in 2021 and is currently associate professor and director of externships. He started the Community Eye Care Service program, clinical teaching for students and providing eye care to the homebound older adults in Philadelphia, the first of its kind. In addition, Dr. Verma was selected as a Delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging and for a Primary Care Health Policy Fellowship at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“I am proud to be a part of the optometric fraternity, my second family, that has given me so much more than I may have contributed,” Dr. Verma said.“Hopefully, I can continue to do whatever I can for the betterment of our profession.”
He is also the only optometrist in Pennsylvania who was honored twice by the Chester-Delaware County Optometric Society and the Pennsylvania Optometric Association and received the American Optometric Association’s Optometrist of the Year award. Congratulations, Dr. Verma!
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Having served as PCA’s human resources director since 2016, Shaunise Spivey was promoted to vice president of human resources, diversity and inclusion in December 2019. Serving older adults throughout Philadelphia for nearly 50 years, PCA reaches a broad and diverse population. Yet, just as diverse is PCA’s more than 500 employees, who are ensure vital services are provided.
Shaunise Spivey named vice president of HR, diversity and inclusion
“An inclusive and diverse workforce represents a work culture and environment where all employees can feel welcome and accepted to create and thrive,” Spivey said. “It is exactly that type of culture and environment that makes those who live within it stronger. PCA has held this tradition of diversity and inclusiveness in many ways throughout the agency. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to continue that long-standing tradition and to help move the organization forward in creating more opportunities to continue its much-needed work for the Philadelphia community it serves.” More than 74% of all PCA employees are women. PCA’s workforce is also diverse in age, spanning over five generations. Spivey came to PCA in 2014 as a human resources generalist. During her tenure, her most notable accomplishments include building a grassroots mentoring program that pairs members of PCA’s leadership with staff seeking to advance their careers and coordinating an agency-wide customer experience program. Spivey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in human resources management from Strayer University. In 2016, she received an HR Management Certification from Villanova University and Senior Human Resource Professional Certification with a Senior Certified Professional designation (SHRM-SCP).
Over her 21-year career at PCA, Wanda Mitchell has spent time in a number of roles, including service coordinator supervisor in Long Term Care Options, trainer in the Planning Department, and assistant director for In-Home Support and Volunteer Services within the Program Management Department. Four years ago, she became director of community relations and returned to Program Management in May to assume the role of director. Mitchell will lead both departments when community relations and program management combine to become Community Services, effective July 1. “It is amazing the journey I’ve had here at PCA,” Mitchell said.“I’m so grateful for everything this organization has provided me.”
Wanda Mitchell named director of community services 10
During her time at the helm of Community Relations, Mitchell was instrumental in implementing programs to reach the diverse populations PCA serves. “The Community Relations Department really takes its’ mission about educating and informing the community seriously,” Mitchell said. “We did that well as a team.” Mitchell steps into her new role at a very challenging time. She will work to address food insecurity among older adults as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as address social isolation, self-care and mental health care.
Caregiver Support Program offers relief for grandparents raising grandchildren During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are feeling the crunch of compounding responsibilities, including homeschooling, working, caring for the home and children. This is also the reality for more than 16,000 grandparents throughout Philadelphia who are raising grandchildren. During this time, PCA is encouraging these grandparents to apply for assistance through its caregiver support program. In addition to connecting caregivers with supports and resources, the program also delivers financial assistance to grandparents who are primary caregivers of grandchildren through reimbursements for certain expenses related to child care. In light of the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, reimbursements can be issued for expenses related to hiring someone to shop for food or medicine. “Due to the age of many of the grandparents raising grandchildren, they are reluctant to go out to supermarkets during the pandemic,” PCA Director of Caregiver Support, Cheryl Clark said. “Reimbursement for hiring someone to shop for them alleviates that extra costs and allows for more money to remain in the family’s food budget.”
Expenses for respite care or childcare are also eligible for reimbursement through the caregiver support program. This is especially important while some grandparents continue to work at essential businesses, such as grocery stores. Approximately 67% of all grandparents raising grandchildren are under the age of 60. Clark also shares these important tips for grandparents who are raising grandchildren during this time: • Try to keep children on a routine or daily schedule. • Give yourself permission to take a break and make time for yourself. • Seek assistance from family or a trusted friend to help with responsibilities. For more information on the caregiver support program, visit pcaCares.org/caregivers. Those who wish to enroll in the program can call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040.
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update News & notes for friends of PCA
Calendar of Upcoming Events SAVE THE DATES! Please note the following dates of PCA’s special events for fall 2020. Events not listed here have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled in 2020. More information will be posted on pcaCares.org in the coming months.
Conference for Spanish-Speaking Elders:
Celebrate Arts & Aging
Oct. 23
September-October
Clergy Quarterly Meeting (Fall): Sept. 10
Information & Referral Council Meeting (Fall): Sept. 17
Oct. 10
Clergy & Seniors Day (Fall): Oct. 15
Emergency Fund Luncheon & Silent Auction: Winter Resources Training: Nov. 10
PCA’s Gala Reception: A Taste of Philadelphia: Honoring Holly Lange, former PCA President & CEO Tentatively Nov. 12
Regional Conference on Aging: Sept. 22-24
On-site training classes will resume as soon as it is safe to do so
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 touches the lives more than 140,000 individuals each year. PCA is funded primarily by federal and state sources. PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 • pcaCares.org.