October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

Facts About Breast Cancer In The United States

• In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• 65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
• This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
• Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
• 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
• There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

Early Detection:

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) offers us an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. Led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), NDEAM also showcases supportive and inclusive policies and practices benefiting workers and employers.

This year's NDEAM theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” recognizes the important role individuals with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce.

“A strong workforce is the sum of many parts, and disability has always been a key part of the equation,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn M. Williams. “People with disabilities make up a wonderfully multifaceted group. By recognizing the full complexion of our community, we can ensure our efforts to achieve disability inclusion are, in fact, truly inclusive." Read the press release.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals. 

Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner. It can occur across the lifespan to victims of all ages, including older adults (ACL). 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Kale Day, join CERES Community Project goal to sign up 25 new Kale Club members before the clock runs out at 11:59 PM on 10/5/2022!

Although CERES recently expanded their client base to include people with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, breast cancer remains one of the most common diagnoses their clients face. Many clients are the primary cooks in their families and are deeply appreciative that at a time when they don’t necessarily have the energy to shop and cook, CERES nourishes both, them and their family members.  

Kale Club members commit to making a monthly gift of $5 or more, which helps keep CERES clients nourished and their teens empowered. As a Kale Club member you’ll receive the following VIP perks:

• Monthly Kale Club eNewsletter with delicious recipes by Ceres
• Special updates on our work including Impact Reports and Seasonal Newsletters
• Invitations to members only events
• And more!

Thank you in advance for your support!

"Age isn’t just a number–the experiences that come with it are copious and rich. "

                                 ~Unknown

From the World Health Organization

Overview:

Age is one of the first things we notice about other people. However, age is often used to categorize and divide people in ways that lead to harm, disadvantage and injustice and erode solidarity across generations. This is ageism: the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age.

Ageism is pervasive, affects people of all ages from childhood onwards and has serious and far-reaching consequences for people’s health, well-being and human rights.

Ageism seeps into many institutions and sectors of society including those providing health and social care, in the workplace, media and the legal system. Healthcare rationing based solely on age is widespread. A systematic review in 2020 showed that in 85 per cent of 149 studies, age determined who received certain medical procedures or treatments.

Ageism Impact:

Ageism has far-reaching impacts on all aspects of our health and well-being when we are older:

• It is associated with earlier death.
• It is linked to poorer physical health, affecting, among others, our ability to recover from disability and our sexual and reproductive health.
• It increases risky health behaviors (e.g., eating an unhealthy diet, smoking).
• It is associated with poorer mental health, including the onset of depression, increases in depressive symptoms over time and lifetime depression.
• It is associated with a lower quality of life and contributes to social isolation and loneliness.

Ageism also takes a heavy economic toll on individuals and society and exacerbates other forms of disadvantage. More research is required to better understand both the impact that ageism has in earlier stages of life and cumulatively over the life-course. 

Read more on Ageism as a Global Challenge HERE.

About Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's^® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

Time:

Registration 8:30AM - Opening Ceremony 9:30AM - Walk at 10:00AM

Location:

Green Music Center at Sonoma State University

1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Contact:

Rebecca Halloran - (707) 273-1620 - [email protected]

More Event Details HERE

Petaluma is officially having its first Pride celebration!

Join us for a festival in Walnut Park from 2 PM - 7 PM with amazing performers, kids' activities, and local businesses and organizations tabling in the park.

• At 7pm, we'll walk down the sidewalks of Petaluma Boulevard to Putnam Plaza. Walk with us and be lit up to start the night off right!
• From 7:30 - 9 PM we will have musical performances in Putnam Plaza.
• From 9 PM - midnight, we will have fabulous music and a drag and burlesque show at the Big Easy.
• After midnight, stay with us at the Big Easy to end the night with the best queer dance party ever!

Walnut Park 

201 4th Street, Petaluma

Click HERE for Event Information

YOU WILL LEARN TO:

• Practice and adopt proven strategies to reduce fall risks
• Set goals for increasing activity
• Increase strength, balance and flexibility through simple and safe chair exercises appropriate for all ability levels

National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November -- is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.

Celebrating Family Caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:

• Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
• Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
• Educate family caregivers about self-identification
• Increase support for family caregivers

Join the Movement to Prevent Falls

Become a Certified A Matter of Balance Coach!!

The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Petaluma People Services Center, is pleased to announce our upcoming training on Tuesday, November 1st for community members wishing to become a certified volunteer coach for A Matter of Balance.

Please contact Kelly Dixon if you are interested in becoming a Coach and improving the lives of your community members. Class size is limited, so please register soon!

Kelly Dixon

Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging

[email protected]

707-565-1758

Open enrollment is the annual window during which individuals and families may sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant individual and family health insurance – or make changes to their existing coverage. It’s the only time during the year – other than a special enrollment period – that Americans can sign up for a plan or switch to a different health plan.

Email: [email protected]   *   Phone: 707.526.4108 

 Website: HICAP • Senior Advocacy Services

Join to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promote effective communication, respond to dementia-related behaviors and how to prepare for future care costs. This four-part series is provided through a grant from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and will cover the following topics:

• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (September 9, 2022)
• Effective Communication Strategies (November 11, 2022)
• Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior (Jan. 13, 2023)
• Managing Money: A Caregiver's Guide to Finances (March 10, 2023)

Attendance at all four programs is not required. Seating is limited for each program.

All Program Sessions will take place at the Rohnert Park Senior Center,

5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park, CA ~ Meeting Room 2.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES: 

Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. Caregivers will learn to decode and behavioral messages and identify strategies to help them connect.

DATE: Friday,

November 11, 2022

TIME: 10-11:30 a.m.

UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO DEMENTIA-RELATED BEHAVIOR:

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the ways people with dementia express their needs and feelings as language is lost. Participants will learn to decode behavioral messages, identify behavior triggers and how to intervene with some common behavioral challenges of ADRD.

DATE: Friday,

January 13, 2023

TIME: 10-11:30 a.m.

MANAGING MONEY: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO FINANCES

It’s never too early to put financial plans in place especially for dementia caregivers. This program will provide tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning.

DATE: Friday,

March 10, 2023

TIME: 10-11:30 a.m.

What is Secret Santa?

Sonoma County’s Secret Santa is a nonprofit gift-giving program, providing gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate in our community.

Secret Santa has been bringing joy to people throughout Sonoma County for over 30 years, ensuring that children, teens, adults, and seniors who would not otherwise receive a holiday gift have reason to celebrate and experience the compassion and generosity of their community.

How it works…

Sonoma County Secret Santa works with over 125 county agencies, schools, and community nonprofit organizations to fill over 38,576 wishes each year. Each wish ($25-$40 item) is placed on a Red Heart and these hearts are displayed throughout Sonoma County businesses for the public to adopt. Agencies and individuals also submit over 1,024 Letters to Santa. These letters include larger requests and are vetted and read on air at KZST, or published on the Secret Santa website to be adopted. With the help of our HUGE volunteer base, we strive to fulfill every single gift request received.

Adopt a Heart, Register a Heart, Adopt a Letter, or Read More HERE

CONTACT:

Please contact the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership if you wish to volunteer for Secret Santa or if you have any other questions.

Ask to speak to the “Secret Santa Coordinator”.

Call the CVNL at 707-573-3399

Email [email protected]

CVNL Web Site

Visit us at:

153 Stony Circle, Suite 100

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Redwood Gospel Mission's Annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet will be at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds this year.

 This has been a vital part of our community outreach for over 20 years. More information coming soon. 

​

Volunteer: 

Opportunities will be available starting October 17th. 

​Please note we have a new Volunteer System. If you have not received an email to create a password or need help, please contact Tina Karns 707-578-1830 X 314.

If you are planning on volunteering with someone under 18 years old, please don't fill out an application for them. Please contact Tina Karns.

• New Volunteer
• Existing Volunteer

Give:

Contact Mariella Zapata for more information on hosting a drive at 707-578-1830 X 306 or [email protected].

Receive:

Registration will take place from Wednesday, Oct.12th through Saturday, Nov. 19th, Mon.-Fri. from 10am-4:30pm; Sat.10am-2:00pm at the Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift Store, 1821 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa 95403. 

To receive a family food box and turkey, you must register in person. Must provide Photo ID and Email Address (Registration is limited to 800 people)

Festivities include:

A hot turkey meal, coat distribution, booths with services, other festival activities, and the Gospel message. All are provided free of charge.

RESOURCES:

Senior Peer Counseling

Senior Peer Counseling is supportive counseling (not therapy) between two people who have something in common. Our Senior Peer Counselors provide goal-oriented counseling on a short-term basis to address problems and life adjustments. Emphasis is on developing coping skills and expanding one’s knowledge and use of resources.

PPRC office address: 5350 Old Redwood Hwy., Suite 600, Petaluma 94931

PPRC office telephone: (707) 565-1299

The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is Recruiting!

If you are interested in advocating for older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers, this may be the volunteer opportunity you have been looking for!

The AAA Advisory Council members represent all segments of the community: business, professional, health and human services, caregivers, consumers, etc. The AAA Advisory Council is a strong advocate for older adults (60+), adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.  

Next Advisory Council Meeting:

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

1PM - 3PM

For additional information on the AAA Advisory Council, Council Meeting details, Council Committees, etc., please contact:

[email protected]

UNIDOS por Nuestro Bienestar

A collaborative care, care management program in partnership with the County of Sonoma and Santa Rosa Community Health. The goal of Unidos por nuestro bienestar is to help adults (50+) improve their sense of wellbeing through a collaborative care team approach.

For more information, please talk with your medical provider or call Santa Rosa Community Health Center, 707-547-2220.

Area Agency on Aging | 3725 Westwind Blvd., Suite 101, Santa Rosa, CA 95402