Word From our Executive Director
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Dear Council on Aging of Buncombe County supporters:
It is an honor to be able to serve Buncombe County older adults, especially during these challenging times when the key issues seniors face every day are exacerbated.
Throughout the year, we continue to be inspired by the amount of support we receive: through demonstrated successes in the lives of our clients, referrals, charitable donations, sponsorships, grant awards, thank-you letters and testimonials, partnership opportunities, and more!
With this support, we are able to address: access to information, nutrition & wellness, transportation, application assistance, health insurance education, caregiver support, housing concerns, elder abuse, supply needs, and MUCH more.
While we certainly miss having the face-to-face discussions with you all, our team has continued to show their resilience and dedication to promote the independence, dignity and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy.
The amount of teamwork, participation, and commitment to COABC has been demonstrated in many ways, particularly, our food delivery programs where we have coordinated the delivery of approximately 2,500 bags of shelf-stable food to over 125 individuals during COVID-19.
As always, we value our community and are committed to serving aging adults and their families in successful aging.
We appreciate your feedback and support. At any time you wish to discuss all things aging, please reach out to Council on Aging by phone, or contact me directly at: 828-277-8288 x 1312.
Yours in living well,
Heather Bauer
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Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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The Council on Aging of Buncombe County (COABC) is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion. Read our full diversity and inclusion statement
HERE
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Our Neighbors Need YOUR Help!
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COUNCIL ON AGING OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY
provides
HEAT RELIEF
in the form of box fans and air conditioners to at-risk seniors. This year the demand is even greater as these individuals are increasingly isolated under strict pandemic guidance to remain at home. These vulnerable adults often struggle to make ends meet, choosing between paying bills and spending money on food, and are often uncertain or weary about where to turn for help.
Allow us to support our neighbors by purchasing this equipment, providing safe delivery, and installing ACs with COVID precautions. The trained social service professionals are here to serve and we need your support!
For a donation of $30 you can provide a box fan and have it delivered to a homebound at-risk senior.
For a donation of $190 you can provide an air conditioner, installed by Council on Aging of Buncombe County Minor Home Repair staff with a doctor’s recommendation.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW - VISIT THE COUNCIL ON AGING of Buncombe County ONLINE, OR CALL TODAY TO HELP THESE SENIORS IN NEED BEAT THE HEAT AND STAY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE IN THEIR HOMES.
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**While we appreciate in-kind donations, we are not able to accept used fans or air conditioners.**
Our offices remain closed to the public due to COVID 19, but we are available by phone to answer any questions about our programs and continue to provide full service.
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Get To Know Our New Staff
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Kim Moore,
In Home Aide Care Manager
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I graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1993 and moved to Waynesville, NC in 1997. I played college basketball until career-ending injuries sidelined me.
After college, I gained knowledge in aging services while working with the Department of Social Services and the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, I have worked with persons in the Mental Health and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities field through Care Management Services. I have held positions as a Qualified Professional Service Coordinator, Social Worker, and Program Director throughout Western North Carolina. These experiences taught me how to hold space for others during difficult times. Some of my joys come when I am spending time with my family, fishing, or working in the yard.
As the In-Home Aide Care Manager, I will be assisting individuals who are 60 years or older to access services through assessment of needs to help them stay in their homes while receiving assistance. My priority will be linking these individuals with essential home management and/or personal care tasks, assisting them to remain, and function effectively, at home as long as possible.
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Phil Gale,
Benefits Enrollment Specialist
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My name is Phil Gale and I am the new Benefits Enrollment Specialist at COABC. This role is important in helping seniors enroll for benefits that they may not be aware that they qualify such as SNAP, Medicaid, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs. I originally came to COABC in 2004 as a Services Coordinator for 3 years. I then managed the Senior Dining Program for 12 years, becoming an expert dance and exercise instructor.
I have lived in Asheville since the mid 1970's with my wife Debbie, and I have two children and three grandchildren. "Poppy" is always the trouble maker, and has lots of fun teaching them the wrong way to do everything! I love sports, and I play golf, but anyone who has witnessed it would say I should stick to Putt Putt golf!
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Robert Barclay,
Aging Services Navigator
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My name is Robert Barclay. As a child my parents would load us in the station wagon and head for the mountains every chance they got. I had always said, “Someday I’m going to move to Asheville.” That someday came about 4 years ago when my wife and I moved from hot and humid Florida. We love it here and are happy to call it home.
My social work background has been primarily working with the Veteran population, most being seniors. I was part of a program that put the Veteran in charge of his/her own care with the ability to pay for caregivers of their choosing. The goal of the program was to keep the Veteran at home when the only other choice would be long term care. This was a very rewarding job. In my free time I enjoy hiking, tubing, tasting beer at the local breweries and just about anything else to avoid time on my lawnmower. I’m excited to start a new chapter in my career here at COABC. So thrilled to be surrounded by such an awesome and welcoming team.
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The Council on Aging of Buncombe County would like to thank each and every one
of our incredible volunteers. The professional and friendly service these volunteers provide is essential to the lives of our clients and to our Vision -
a community where everyone has an opportunity to age successfully
. Our volunteers make a big difference! These everyday heroes provide one-on-one counseling on health insurance options, transportation to seniors in need, food to those facing food insecurity, and an enhanced network of support and connection.
Join us in celebrating this edition's volunteer super stars.
We appreciate these volunteers beyond words and simply could not do what we do without them!
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David Bailey
David previously served as the CEO of United Way. We are grateful that he chose to become a volunteer at COABC. David has stepped up during COVID-19 to deliver food bags to seniors across the count twice a month.
When we asked him why he volunteers for COABC he said, "Wow...so many good reasons. My career was in the nonprofit world so I understand how volunteers partner with staff and boards to implement and extend the Mission of an organization... so I must continue to do my part in supporting local non profits, like the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. I receive satisfaction, joy and get to meet great folks. I believe it is important to stretch a bit outside one's norm, think of others, and experience their lives with the goal to build a better community!" David says that the, "most important reason I volunteer for COABC is that my Mom lived 400 miles from me so I did not see her as often as I should... so, now, I can help someone's else's Mom or Dad...that's good. I am glad to be able to help!"
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Bob Salmon
Bob is a triple talent here at COABC as he volunteers as a Medicare counselor, Hombound Food Delivery driver, and Call-A- Ride driver. During COVID-19 he has helped out by providing Medicare phone counseling and delivering meals to seniors all over the county. Bob is always willing to help out wherever help is needed and we are so appreciative to him as part of our team!
Bob has been volunteering for COABC for over two years. We asked Bob why he volunteers in these programs and here what he said, "Medicare is confusing to nearly everyone, so, you can imagine how we counselors feel when, at the end of our counseling sessions, the [clients] are all smiles! We have the satisfaction of helping people understand and plan their Medicare coverage.
I have always enjoyed driving, but I especially enjoy driving for Call-a-Ride, because if we didn't drive them, these folks probably couldn't get where they need to go. They are always grateful, and I usually get to know each person a little. Such interesting lives!
Food delivery to home bound people is a nice break from my routine activities. There is very little contact, but the people are always grateful. A win-win!"
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What Our Clients Are Saying
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"Ever since you have been coming out to see me, things have really improved for me and I don't need to worry about things anymore. You have really, really, really helped me and that means the world to me at this age - I'm 89 years old, almost 90. I don't have the words to tell how much I appreciate you, Deborah."
- Resource Coordination Client
"
The food is beneficial and nutritious! I really appreciate the food bags!
"- Senior Dining Client
"Thank you [Mary] for the time that you spent with us to go over all of the details to help us navigate the extensive Medicare information. My husband and I both felt the calls were very valuable and will help us make sound decisions by utilizing the tools that you taught us how to use. Thank you again for your valuable time, patience, and expert guidance."
- Medicare Client
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Free "Introduction to Medicare" Webinars
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The Council on Aging of Buncombe County is presenting virtual classes on Medicare! We explain how Medicare works,
the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties,
and ways to save money
.
Pre-registration is required and you must provide an email address. A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the class with further instructions.
"
This webinar is a GREAT service to those of us who are struggling with Medicare choices! I heard it (in person) last year, and I am so grateful that you offered it again now that I'm very close to enrollment. Also, your SHIIP counselors are some of the best resources ever. Thank you!
"
- Virtual Webinar Participant
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August 12, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM , Via Zoom
August 27, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Via Zoom
September 9, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Via Zoom
September 24, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Via Zoom
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Free "Financial Literacy" Virtual Class
August 19th at 10:00 am
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The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in partnership with the Bank of America invites you to the first of a series of webinars on financial literacy for seniors.
Identifying & Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your Assets by Preventing Identity Theft
Presented by the American Bankers Associates and Bank of America Community Volunteers. The class will be via WebEx.
Discover:
-What are scams?
-What is identity theft?
-How does identity theft operate?
-Who are the victims?
-Warning signs & how to protect yourself?
*This is an educational event only -
NO
financial products will be sold.
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Council on Aging of Buncombe County | 46 Sheffield Cir, Asheville, NC 28803 (828) 277-8288 |
www.coabc.org
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