Choice in Aging

We are pleased to introduce our new Program Director at Mt. Diablo Center, Mindy Tucker! Mindy's professional background substantially comes from her military service in the medical field doing various roles that include acute care, emergency care, medical administration and leadership. She retired after 20 years in the service and then completed her degree with a Bachelors in Science in Health Administration. Shortly after she retired, she continued to gain experience in supportive medical care, memory care, and assisting with homeless veterans in crisis. She gained experience in both for-profit and nonprofit agencies. Through these different roles, she has developed a passion for nonprofit organizations within different vulnerable populations. Mindy joined Choice in Aging team in September 2024 and is committed to supporting the team and the future growth of the organization as the Program Director at Mt. Diablo Center. Welcome to the team, Mindy! ??

We are thrilled to welcome back Republic Services as a Platinum Sponsor for our 7th Annual Bedford Block Party!!! It's not too late to register for a sponsorship and become a VIP! ?? Learn More: https://lnkd.in/dA9braS4 Festivities at the VIP-only event on Sunday, October 20 will include a delicious Mexican feast, refreshments, live music, and bocce ball tournament. Stay tuned for more information about online auction, which will be open to all! #BBP2024 #BedfordBlockParty

?? Free #Caregivers Retreat at the Stanley Dollar Clubhouse in Rossmoor on Friday, September 27 from 9:30 AM - 11:45 AM!! Topics: - "Caregiver Burnout" with Lorna Van Ackeren - "Mindful Meditation" with Barbara Porter Registration is required! RSVP to Rossmoor Counseling Services: - [email protected] - (925) 988-7750

"Today is a day of solemn remembrance as we mourn the souls we lost in a heinous terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones. We also honor the extraordinary heroism on display that fateful day by ordinary Americans helping their fellow Americans. We will never forget." – Vice President Kamala Harris #PatriotDay #NeverForget

Today, the little sprouts at Choice in Learning joined us for our first intergenerational activity of the new school year! #MusicTherapy #YoungAtHeart

#ParticipantSpotlight: Meet "J" In 2021, J first enrolled in our PEAS program and was connected with Meals on Wheels (MOW) after requesting help purchasing groceries. Needing additional assistance, PEAS was able to cover the cost of her medication co-pays, as well as purchase and deliver household items, including treats and litter for her beloved cats. J also required a walker and transport wheelchair, which PEAS procured for her. In 2023, J once again sought out assistance and was able to re-enroll in the PEAS program. During the intake process, she informed our team that years prior, after experiencing the loss of her husband, she had been persuaded to move from Santa Cruz to Solano County by a friend who offered her an affordable apartment. Subsequently, her friend sold the apartment building and with no rent control, the new owners raised the rent significantly, causing a financial burden for J. After falling and undergoing a series of surgeries, she was unable to drive, feeling isolated, and struggling to cover her bills, cook, and care for herself. PEAS was able to provide financial assistance and help J receive mental health therapy. She was also enrolled in a Fall Prevention Program, and PEAS purchased durable medical equipment (DME) for her home. Additionally, PEAS aided her in paying over 40 overdue utility bills. J’s dream is to return to Santa Cruz to her family, but the cost of housing has made that impossible for her. She put it best: “I could really use some help!” and our team will continue to do everything they can to make her life better. Learn more about PEAS: https://lnkd.in/gq7thcAW

#StaffSpotlight: Meet Tracee Our PEAS Education & Outreach Specialist, Tracee, has been in the trenches working with seniors in the long-term care continuum for 25 years. She enthuses, “PEAS is by far the most rewarding and challenging program I have ever supported.” In addition to assisting clients with case management and short-term therapy, Tracee provides community mental health education and suicide prevention education throughout Solano County. She is proud to be certified in Mental Health First Aid and “Be Sensitive, Be Brave” Mental Health & Suicide Prevention and is also a certified safeTALK and Master Applied Suicide Intervention Skills trainer. Tracee shares her expertise and training free of charge to “anyone who will listen…senior centers, libraries, churches, assisted living facilities, police and county departments, and wherever there are gatekeepers.” Tracee has been with the PEAS program since the very beginning, so this is her “heart’s work.” She is grateful to Choice in Aging for seeing the value in the services we bring to our seniors. “Knowing we help people that otherwise would be left to flounder and suffer is the most rewarding part of this work,” Tracee enthused. The PEAS staff is an outstanding, dynamic team dedicated to doing whatever it takes to improve the quality of life for the clients they serve. They strive to exemplify collaboration and inclusion, and Tracee is “honored to work with such a dedicated group of people.” Learn more about PEAS: https://lnkd.in/gq7thcAW

"It isn’t weak to ask for help. It’s like using a flashlight when you are lost in the dark." Choice in Aging's Prevention & Early Access for Seniors (PEAS) program was designed with the intention to serve any senior that needs support to reduce their risk of grief, isolation, depression, anxiety, or unsolved problems leading to adverse health and mental health outcomes in Solano County. There is no income requirement and no required diagnosis for a person to receive services. The only criteria to receive support from the PEAS case management team or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is to live in Solano County, be 60 years of age or older, and want help. The PEAS team meets clients where they are with the goal of solving problems by reducing mental health challenges, increasing quality of life, and supporting a person to live safely and thrive in their community. PEAS is the only program of its kind in Solano, helping people get the care they need at no cost and with no insurance requirement. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gq7thcAW Submit a Referral: https://lnkd.in/gTFSvVPF If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth #SuicidePrevention

A huge thank you to the Oakland Athletics for providing tickets to Saturday's game for our staff!!! ?????? #TakeMeOutToTheBallGame #OaklandAs

Vote! Vote! Vote! Here's How: Join the Zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 25 at 2 PM and hear from Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters about everything you need to know about voting in the November 5 election. Spread the word! Join via Zoom: https://lnkd.in/gXAbQsYT Meeting ID: 836 2161 0321 Passcode: 471154