Moving On with Linda Revilla

In 2008, Linda Revilla came to ACC with a PhD in Psychology, but she was no ordinary academic. She was a people person with a knack for turning ideas into full-blown community programs. In the past 12 years, Linda transformed ACC Programs into a vital community resource, improving the lives of seniors and their family caregivers by the thousands. She put ACC Programs on the map of the region and nurtured ACC into people’s hearts.

Linda is leaving ACC Senior Services as the Program Director to become the Director of Programs at Meals on Wheels by ACC. ACC recognizes her commitment to shepherding ACC Programs through a period of tremendous growth.

Linda grew up in a family that placed high value on participating in community activities by including everyone who wanted to join. Many of her childhood memories are of her mom serving as a room parent for her kids when they were in elementary school while her father coached Little League games.  Even though both her parents worked full-time, they always found time to volunteer and to make a difference where they lived. 

In ACC, Linda found a place that shared her values. Everyone believed older adults had the capacity to live fulfilling and independent lives and wanted to figure out how to make that happen.  Linda was hired for her grant writing and program development experience. She quickly got busy building up programs and embracing volunteers to join forces with her.

Over her 12-year tenure, Linda developed the Lifelong Learning and Wellness Program, 65-70 classes, clubs, and activities that met every week at the ACC Campus. She implemented Bridge to Healthy Families, a program to improve access to comprehensive support services for family caregivers; respite care through the Friendly Visitors Program, where volunteers serve as friendly companions to seniors or people with disabilities; and SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) a community service and work-based job training program for older adults. Many other programs have come and gone depending on the needs of the community and the availability of funding. 

Linda says her favorite grant was from Sac Metro Art Program. This grant funded classes in playwriting, acting, dancing and performance.  At the end of the grant period, the students came together and performed a play written by one of the them, Pattie Hashimoto.  The effect was lasting. Over the past 10 years, with volunteer Glenn Watanabe, ACC developed an outstanding ukulele, guitar, singing, and hula program. The community has come to recognize the talents of the students when they perform at senior centers and community celebrations. 

One of Linda’s most memorable moments was her first-time ride with ACC Rides, the transportation program started by Virginia Wieneke in 2003. She rode with volunteer drivers Ken Ito and Ann Okamura. Linda appreciated the independence the program gave to older adults but was very impressed with the level of care and friendliness the volunteers gave to the riders.

Whether people were introduced to ACC through the Care Center, looking for senior classes, or in need of assistance, Linda brought many of them into ACC to teach a class, participate in community celebrations, or volunteer in some capacity. Linda knew and valued the volunteers and their great capacity to enrich their lives and others by participating in ACC. The connections she made with them encouraged many of them to continue their involvement with ACC for many years.

Linda shared that one of her favorite things the volunteers and participants would do over the years is to bring sweets to the office — Janet Sakata’s apple pie, Gee Kong’s pear pie, Keiko Damon’s weekly cookies, Sheri Morishita’s blueberry mochi and dips, Jean Shiomoto’s baked treats, Michelle Ogata’s desserts, and Pattie Hashimoto’s holiday treats.  And, of course, Alfred Yee’s lunches at ACC were always a highlight.

ACC has a firm policy of keeping classes and programs affordable to anyone who wants to participate. This made funding rather challenging at times and Linda saw Big Day of Giving as a great opportunity to help raise money for programs.  In 2014, Linda began showcasing ACC’s programs and made it a community event. It raised $9,000. ACC’s success was even recognized one year on the front page of the Sacramento Bee! This year, BDoG raised $160,000, breaking the all-time fundraising record for a single event. It highlighted all areas of ACC Senior Services in its first ever telethon.

Recently, Meals on Wheels by ACC recognized its participants would do well to have its program services expand and developed a Director of Programs position.  Linda saw this as an opportunity to grow new programs from scratch. She knew with her experience, knowledge, and the ethos of valuing volunteers and community she would create something great for them. 

Outside of ACC Linda is active with the Alzheimer’s Association, Yolo Hospice, and UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center.  Currently, she is a mentor for the Big Day of Giving organization, and sits on the Community Advisory Board for UC Davis, and API Advisory Council for the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is with utmost admiration and gratitude that ACC honors Linda Revilla for her lasting contributions to our community, made with so much love and care.

Along Came Linda

Louise Joyce, Director of Community Development, Yolo Hospice…

“Linda understood that the conversation with our seniors in regards to end-of-life issues were limited, so she collaborated with Yolo Hospice on several events. Her ever present and endless commitment to the service of our seniors is a delight to behold. She never stops listening, paying attention and meeting their needs in creative ways.”

Bonnie Rae, Family Care Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association, N. Cal and N. Nevada Chapter…

“I met Linda when I was completing my Master in Social Work (MSW) degree. She was one of my supervisors for my internship. She, along with my other supervisors, mentored me throughout the academic year and beyond. I give credit to Linda for helping me develop skills in micro-, meso-, and macro-practice of social work. She is one of the reasons why I have an interest in grant writing and program development. Of all the years of knowing and collaborating with Linda, I would have to say we have done some of our best work together over food.”

Glenn Watanabe, Music Volunteer, ACC Senior Services…

“Linda  might not have realized it then but she became our first booking agent when she asked us to perform at the annual ACC Open House.  Since then, the Pocket Pickers and newer ukulele and guitar groups  have performed at  sister agencies, the Crocker Art Museum and all the Big Day of Giving and holiday concerts, just to name a few.  Linda recognized early on that it really wasn’t about the ukulele but the seniors learning new skills, socializing and giving back to our communities.”

Oanh Meyer, PhD, MAS, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine…

“I’ve known Linda for a couple of years through my research studies in the community. She has been a valuable source of information throughout the years and is currently serving on my community advisory board through the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. I very much appreciate all the knowledge and insight she has provided!“