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Volume 1 Issue 3 April 2017
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As an advocate for seniors for almost 40 years, I have seen many fluctuations in funding for nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA). For more than 50 years, the OAA has been the primary piece of federal legislation supporting social and nutritional services to Americans age 60 and older. OAA programs are vital for seniors who are at significant risk of hunger, isolation and losing their ability to live independently.
According to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the demographic shift is evident across the United States, where ratios of older adults exceed the current national average. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are serving more people with less money and fewer resources. The situation is expected to get worse as the population of adults 60 and over will outnumber youth under 20 by 2035.
In March, the President sent his Budget Blueprint, also referred to as the “skinny budget” to Congress with a plan to release further details in the coming months. The blueprint focuses on discretionary spending levels for Fiscal Year 2018 and makes investments in defense programs, paid for through deep cuts non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs, such as Meals on Wheels.
The portions of the President’s Budget that have been released so far call for the elimination of a number of federal programs, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), on which some Meals on Wheels programs rely to deliver nutritious meals, safety checks and friendly visits to our nation’s most vulnerable seniors.
Funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) has struggled to keep up with the growing population for the past 10 years. T
hat is why now more than ever, we must encourage policymakers to develop and promote policies that will improve support for older adults, people with disabilities and
caregivers.
Paul Bridgewater
DAAA President & CEO
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Public Hearing
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
2701 Chicago Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48206
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We are hosting a public hearing on our proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Implementation Plan to get input from the public on key services that will make its region age-friendly and supportive to older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
To register for the event, call (313) 446-4444 ext. 5227 - leave your name, telephone number and the number of persons attending the event. Registration deadline is April 28, 2017.
To view/download the proposed plan, visit www.DetroitSeniorSolution.org/FY2018AIMP and send your comments to [email protected].
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Older Michiganians Day
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
100 N. Capital Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
10:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Decisions made in Lansing, Michigan have a direct and far-reaching impact on the quality of life for seniors in Michigan. Each year, the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) participates in Older Michiganians Day (OMD) held on the East Lawn of the Capitol Building. The annual event helps give seniors a voice and help legislators understand both the needs and the voting power of seniors.
For information on obtaining a ticket and reserving transportation provided by DAAA, call Vernest “Rick” Spivey (313) 446-4444 ext. 5272 or email
[email protected]
. Transportation is limited. By ordering a ticket, you will receive a free boxed lunch and have the opportunity to schedule a meeting with your State Senator and Representative. You must provide your name and address in order to schedule a meeting.
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2017 Annual Meeting
Monday, May 22, 2017
Roostertail
100 Marquette Dr.
Detroit, MI 48214
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lunch will be served promptly at 12:00 p.m.
Our annual meeting gives the agency the opportunity to celebrate its success from Fiscal Year 2016 and to say thank you to several of our community partners. Our keynote speaker will be Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence.
This year's theme is Age Out Loud - designed by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to celebrate Older Americans Month.
The theme shines a light on many important issues and trends. More than ever before, Older Americans are working longer, trying new things and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence and advocating for themselves and others.
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Healthy Food Expo
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Eastern Market Shed 5
2934 Russell St.
Detroit, MI 48207
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
A light lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.
DAAA was awarded $72,000 from Healthy Food Connect, a regional initiative of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, to expand the use of existing available commercial kitchens to provide more congregate and home delivered meals to seniors. With the grant, DAAA has planned a Healthy Food Expo that will help you learn what nutritional requirements are for meal sites and what healthy changes should be made to serve more nutritious meals.
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World Elder Abuse Conference
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
DAAA is a proud sponsor for this year's World Elder Abuse Conference presented by the Coordinated Community Response Coalition (CCRC) of Oakland, Macomb & Wayne Counties. The conference will be held on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The day aims to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional and financial abuse of elders. It also seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population and brings together senior citizens and their caregivers, national and local government, academics and the private sector to exchange ideas about how best to reduce incidents of violence towards elders, increase reporting of such abuse and to develop elder friendly policies.
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27th Annual Golf Cruise
Monday, June, 12, 2017
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center
8768 North Territorial Rd.
Plymouth, MI 48170
7:30 a.m.
Enjoy a day of golf and networking at Fox Hills Golf Club! Our golf outing will feature
18-holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, dinner and awards.
Sponsorship opportunities are available now!
Proceeds benefit Holiday Meals on Wheels.
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10th Annual Summer Cruise
Friday, June 30, 2017
Jefferson Beach Marina
24400 E. Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
7:15 p.m.
Cruise with us along the Detroit River as we enjoy food, cocktails, live entertainment and the St. Clair Shores Fireworks!
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now!
Proceeds benefit Holiday Meals on Wheels.
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We are pleased to announce that the agency will continue to be CARF Accredited in the following program(s)/service(s):
- Case Management
- Employee Development Services
- Home and Community Services
This accreditation is effective March 24, 2017 and will extend through March 31, 2020. This achievement is an indication of our organization's dedication and commitment to improving the quality of lives of the persons served. Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards.
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Older Adults Continue to Overcome Barriers to Subsidized Employment
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) assists older adults in eliminating barriers to subsidized employment. Austell Lawton, former SCSEP enrollee, completed an array of courses and attended multiple workshops that he attributes to his success in the program. As the program came to a close, Lawton completed a series of interviews for employment and received a job offer at a local production company as a team lead. We are glad that Lawton was able to overcome many barriers and gain confidence in his skill set by joining the program!
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We Must Raise Awareness and Prevent Elder Abuse
Raising awareness and prevention of elder abuse requires the involvement of everyone. DAAA has been awarded a grant from Aging and Adult Services to Agency (AASA) to work with Wayne State University (WSU) and Faith Based Organizations (FBO's) to establish programs in urban areas with large minority populations to provide training for intervention and prevention of elder abuse. The elder abuse prevention program will address elder abuse concerns and how to promote elder abuse prevention, particularly in the areas of financial, abandonment, neglect/self-neglect, physical, sexual, emotion/psychological abuse.
Special attention will be given to those applications proposing community action projects; those with significant involvement by community or faith-based organization members who may have been victims of elder abuse or who are experiencing elder abuse problems (see types of abuse mentioned above), and projects that encourage collaboration between community members and various organizations to prevent elder abuse.
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Share the Love Revenue Announcement!
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We are pleased to announce that the agency has earned $10,132.62 by participating in the 2016-2017 Subaru Share the Love Event Revenue Share.
We're incredibly grateful to Subaru and its retailers for supporting our organization and the seniors we serve.
We'd also like to thank everyone that purchased or leased a Subaru and spread the word during the event!
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Home Care Services
Rather than moving into a long-term care facility as they age, many older adults prefer to stay at home for as long as possible. Often times, elderly homeowners need to make repairs and modifications to their homes in order to enable them to continue living in an independent and safe environment. These modifications can include things such as grab bars in the shower, railing in the hallways and ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs.
Last year, a wheelchair bound participant in the MI Choice Waiver Program had a ramp built onto her back porch. She was thrilled to be able to enjoy her yard and watch her dog play from the other side of the window. She was very appreciative of her supports coordinator and DAAA's home repair manager for their work.
As the number of older adults is projected to increase, the available resources are not keeping up with the pace of the growing need. As a community we must work together to ensure that their homes are more accessible and safe to live in. At the agency, we are constantly seeking resources to share with our older adult population and encourage you to do the same!
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You May Be Eligible for
Medicare Part D or Medicare Part B Savings!
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Between October 1, 2016 - March 17, 2017 the Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) has helped save Medicare Beneficiaries $1,279,634 in health care cost, $499,200 savings with medications for Medicare Part D and $30,280 in Medicare Part B savings.You may be eligible for help with your Medicare Part D drug cost or your Medicare Part B monthly premium, if you were not eligible before. The income and asset requirements have changed as of April 1, 2017. Contact MMAP to see if you may be able to get some help
1-800-803-7174
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Community Wellness Service Centers
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We are pleased to announce the launch of the Community Wellness Service Centers. The community-based facilities integrate community service navigation, congregate meals, nutrition education and social and health-related services to improve the well-being of seniors and caregivers through a holistic, person and family-centered approach.
Locations include:
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Healthy Detroit
Butzel Family
7737 Kercheval
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 628-2100
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S
amaritan Center
5555 Conner
Detroit, MI 48213
(313) 579-4100
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Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)
Northwest Activities Center
18100 Meyer
Detroit, MI 48235
(313) 961-7990
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People's Community Services
(Serving Hamtramck & Highland Park)
2339 Caniff
Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 365-6260
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Services for Older Citizens (SOC)
(Serving the five Grosse Pointes & Harper Woods)
158 Ridge Road
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
(313) 882-9600
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St. Patrick Senior Center
58 Parsons
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 833-7080
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Help Us Improve Heart Health in the D!
Take Heart is a evidence-based education program designed to improve heart disease and related risk factor management among older adults to ensure they are able to manage their health and live their best life possible.
Patient outcomes from previous testing of this program showed that patients who participated experienced:
- Reduced heart disease symptoms
- Fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations
- Increased ability to self-manage their heart disease and stay well
- An improved overall quality of life
Once enrolled, you will work with trained Health Educators committed to providing guidance and support throughout the program. As a Take Heart participant, you will receive:
- 7 educational sessions, 5 group sessions and 2 one-on-one telephone sessions tailored to meet your individual needs
- A participant workbook full of information, tools and tips to achieve total control of your heart disease and related risk factors
Heart disease is the leading cause of
death for both men and women in the United States.
Let's fight it.
Call 1-844-862-5625 for more details!
Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Wayne State University Physician Group,
DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, University of Michigan School of Public Health
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Boost Your Health with this Watermelon Cucumber Salad
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With summer around the corner, warm season crops such as watermelon and cucumber will grow steadily. So in getting ready for summer, we've provided you with a nice cool salad recipe that provides a unique combination of vitamins and nutrients.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
2 medium unpeeled cucumbers, washed, ends removed, sliced lengthwise then sliced crosswise
3 cups watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
Directions
1. Combine the lime juice, sugar and salt in a 2-quart bowl; whisk together. Stir in parsley.
2. Add cucumbers; toss with a rubber spatula, coating all cucumber pieces. Add watermelon; fold in gently.
3. Cover, set aside and allow juice from the watermelon to mix with the other juices. Stir gently and let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
Cooking Note
Choose a watermelon without a flat side and that sounds hollow when you knock on it. Look for a melon with a dull (not shiny) rind free of soft spots, gashes or blemishes.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1½ cups
Serves 4
Calories: 90: Total Fat: 0.5g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 300mg; Total Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Protein: 2g
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Holiday Meals on Wheels Easter
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Thanks to the dedication and hard work of staff along with donations, this Easter Holiday Meals on Wheels was sponsored by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA). We served 3,500 meals to home-bound seniors and disabled adults in Detroit, the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Highland Park.
To help fund the HMOW program, over 20 years ago, DAAA implemented the Holiday Card Sales Campaign. The campaign runs from October to Easter each year. This annual initiative not only helps provide a hot nutritious meal to one of our most vulnerable populations, it puts a smile on their face as they also receive a personalized greeting card. Each holiday card sold covers the cost of one meal - $5.00. Everything we achieve begins with ongoing dedication from supporters like you!
Please consider a tax deductible donation today!
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A mother-daughter duo have been helping their community by packing meals for home-bound seniors and adults with disabilities during the holidays. Gretchen and Toni Major have been volunteering at every Holiday Meals on Wheels event for more than five years.
The 70 and 90 year old duo thoroughly enjoy being able to support the program and the participants it serves. They believe that it is important to support community resources that benefit those who need it most.
Gretchen and Toni Major's commitment to HMOW is greatly appreciated!
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Please join us in welcoming all new DAAA staff!
Allison Brandt, Rd/ Educator – Health & Wellness Department
Somer Kilebrew, Sr. Finance Analyst – Finance Department
Barbara Dawson Smith, RN – Long-term Care Services Department
Gloria Abron – Nutrition Department
Jessica Johnson, SW – MI Health Link Department
Michelle Iacopelli, RN – MI Health Link Department
Jean Reinbold, SW – Long-term Care Services Department
Cierra Anderson, Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program Department
Alexabdra Kaszuba, Long-term Care Services Department
Lauren Williams,SW – MI Health Link Department
Steven LaDuke, SW – MI Health Link Department
We are so happy to have you all on our team!
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Join Our Team!
Our goal is to create aging friendly neighborhoods and ensure that no senior is left alone or hungry. Simply put, our mission is to promote healthy aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults. We are looking for champions who are passionate about advancing our mission.
Please forward your resume to
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Tackling Everyday Issues for Seniors and Their Caregivers
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Every Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. WCHB 1200 AM, 99.9 FM
Hosted by Paul Bridgewater
President & CEO
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We'd love to hear from you!
Contact us with comments, suggestions
or announcements for future e-newsletters.
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Phone: (313) 446-4444 Fax: (313) 446-4445
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