NEWS | SUMMER 2019
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THINK.
New SoFIA Program Shows Older Workers Have Value
In the movie The Intern, Robert DeNiro reminded employers that experience is valuable. But in real life, too many older workers are overlooked. In June, SoFIA hosted its Aging in South Florida Symposium where our community discussed how to meet the needs of seniors whose retirement isn't rosy. We had nearly 200 people convene and share ideas on how to make South Florida more age-friendly.

SoFIA is launching SoFIA Fellows, a new program that will harness the power of an older workforce to help nonprofit organizations of South Florida achieve their missions while also providing older adults with an expanded social network, an increased sense of purpose, and updated workforce skills. Read more here or click below to apply. Program begins October 8th.
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ACT.
The Christoper & Dana Reeve Foundation Choose SofiaCare
We're proud to announce that SoFIA was one of seven recipients nationwide to receive a Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center Expanded Effect Quality of Life Grant, which supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis.

SoFIA will use the grant to launch SofiaCare, which creates a holistic approach to tackling the caregiving crisis experienced by older adults and those living with paralysis. SofiaCare will deliver caregiving and respite services along three key components: rapid response, training and advocacy. We're grateful to all our donors who are supporting this programmatic transformation. Diane Smith, the new Senior Director, SofiaCare, will lead our innovative effort, including the Caregiver Coalition of South Florida. For more information or to get involved, please contact Diane here.
THRIVE.
Robots Are Helping With Social Isolation
C3P0, HAL-9000, and Rosie the Robot are all iconic fictional robots who help their human owners in fantastic ways. ElliQ is the latest real-life robot taking the digital world by storm. Recognized by the Consumer Technology Association as Best Innovation Winner 2018, ElliQ is a digital companion that provides isolated seniors with a way to engage at home. SoFIA, in partnership with Intuition Robotics, installed a dozen ElliQs all throughout South Florida - the first market outside of California to continue testing the product. We're looking forward to seeing how this innovative technology responds to the needs of our South Florida seniors. If you'd like to teach seniors how to use technology, then sign up for our Tech Services by contacting Brian Bowlby .
SoFIA Is Growing! Meet Our New Staff and Board Members.
Rhonda Banker,
Sofia Fellows Program Manager
Patti Lynn, Friendly Visitor Program Manager
Linda Pettis,
RSVP/SCP Coordinator
Adi Raz,
Director, Development & Community Affairs
Youdeley Thomas, Relief/Legacy Coordinator
Thomas Thompson, RSVP Veterans Services
Program Manager
Ali Espinosa,
Board Member,
Abbey Del Ray South
Heidi Friedman,
Board Member, Friedman Elder Law Department
Elizabeth Pedersen,
Board Member,
Panza Maurer

SoFIA In The News:

  • Watch here as SoFIA's CEO Peter Kaldes and RSVP Senior Director Kathy Leone visit with Chancellor Fred Lippman on his program Dateline Health to talk about SoFIA's services.
We're grateful to these major donors who have given over $100,000 in fiscal year 2018 - 2019 to support SoFIA's mission: Areawide Council on Aging; Broward County Public Schools; Corporation for National and Community Service; The Jim Moran Foundation, The Frederick A. Deluca Foundation and United Way of Broward. To support our programs, please give here today .