spring / summer 2025

NEWS from SAGE:

Empowering Seniors, Supporting Families

SAGE Highlighted at Recent Summit Common Council Meeting

Katherine Griffith, a Junior at Summit High School, presented the “Historical Minute” at a recent Summit Common Council meeting, focusing on SAGE’s 70+ year history in Summit. Katherine spoke about SAGE’s founding and the development of key programs such as Home Care, Spend-A-Day and Meals-on-Wheels, noting how Meals-on-Wheels never missed a day of delivery even during COVID. She also shared her own connection to SAGE, reflecting on her volunteer work that began in 5th grade and continues today.

Welcome Abby Julius, Director of Home Care

Abby brings a unique blend of experience, as well as hands-on patient care. After spending the first 12 years of her career in sales and marketing, she shifted her professional focus and earned a second degree in Nursing from Rutgers University.

Abby is committed to ensuring that patients receive safe, high-quality care at home for as long as possible. She works to match each client with the most qualified staff, while also partnering closely with families to support a collaborative care approach.

We look forward to the expertise and compassion that Abby brings to the Homecare team.

COMMUNITY FOOD DONATIONS

Thank you to several recent efforts that have helped replenish the pantries for our Meals-on-Wheels and Spend-A-Day programs.

Contributions came from:

The Summit UPS Store and The Elks food drive in May.
GRACE and Other Fellows First Foundation, providing fresh produce and breakfast sandwiches from the Summit Diner.
Walmart’s ongoing food drive.
Siblings for Seniors, offering consistent support through their donations and fundraising.
The Celiac Club at Summit High School, May gluten free food drive.

Upcoming Event for Caregivers:

SAGE Welcomes Two New Board Members

Helen Griffith of Summit has been a resident of the community for over 14 years. She has been active in volunteer roles within the Summit public schools, a tradition continued by her three daughters Katherine and twins Maddie and Lizzie.

John Hoffman of Chatham has a long history with SAGE. He was a member of The Board of Trustees from 2011-2020, President of the Board from 2017-2018 and Treasurer from 2014-2016. He is currently a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer, a role he has taken on for over 14 years. He served as Senior Managing Director of Prudential Financial until he retired.

Building Empathy:

Students Step Into Seniors’ Shoes

This spring, we welcomed both the 5th grade classes from Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School and the 7th graders from Oak Knoll School to take part in hands-on exercises and discussions providing insight into the challenges of older adults. Their visit included time with our SPAD participants playing bingo and doing crafts. This program is part of SAGE’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful connections between young people and older adults.

During one visit, Yunqing a client and former college professor who no longer remembers English due to cognitive issues, was able to communicate in his native language with a Mandarin speaking 5th grader. This was a wonderful example of why intergenerational activities are so important.

SHIP Funding Renewed for 2025

We are pleased to announce that funding for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has been renewed for 2025. SHIP is a statewide program that provides free, objective help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have questions about or issues with their health insurance.

Our trained counselors specialize in Medicare-related health insurance coverage and benefits, offering support with claims and helping individuals evaluate their health insurance options.

We also host Medicare 101 events throughout the year, especially during Open Enrollment from October 15th to December 7th to help beneficiaries make informed decisions. SHIP continues to be an integral part of Sage Eldercare, proudly serving and supporting the elder community of Union County with vital, accessible guidance. Please visit our website for more information.

SAGE hosted a “Connect & Collaborate” networking event, bringing together a distinguished group of professionals dedicated to supporting older adults and their caregivers.

Thank you to:

LIMBER THERAPIES

VETERAN CARE SERVICES

REVIVE CARE

for their generous sponsorship and for sharing valuable expertise and resources with attendees.

Did you know that caning and rushing are traditional methods of chair seat weaving? Our talented Furniture Restoration Workshop volunteers are experts at both!

Call for a free estimate on all types of furniture repair.

ALL proceeds support SAGE’s programs for seniors in our community.