The answer is: We will continue to provide services. While at this writing we do not have in-person services, we are working on how to make that happen. All departments are consulting Department of Public Health guidelines and developing new policies and procedures that ensure safety and social distancing. We need to hear your ideas. Please complete the survey below.
Utilities Education & Assist-ance Program. Susan Sarinas is still assisting people with utility bills. With so many people unemployed and worrying about payments, Susan has been extra busy. ACC’s contract to provide this free service was renewed as of June 1. This program is for everyone, not just seniors, so be sure to contact her at ssarinas@accsv.org or 916-393-9026 x 339 to see how she can help lower your Internet or TV bill as well as phone or PG&E bill.
Bridge to Healthy Families Caregiver Support Program led by Soojin Yoo, MSW, works with family caregivers via phone, email, US mail, and Zoom. She has been maintaining our support groups by email, and they are now transitioning to using Zoom. Soojin also plans to teach a “Powerful Tools for Caregiver” series in the near future. Will it be online? Maybe. Email her for more information syoo@accsv.org.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Staffers Jeri, Peggy, and Haroon are also busy providing service remotely. Our participants must prove their program eligibility annually and complete education/development tasks biannually. Providing documentation is difficult for seniors without smart phones, computers, and copying machines and who don’t have cars. Staff are doing their best to overcome these challenges. Expect changes to the office as the team plans on installing plexiglass or other barriers and making other social distancing changes.
Lifelong Learning & Well-ness Program (LLWP) is the community program that has been hit the hardest as most everything has paused. We do have one meditation class online and are planning a yoga class. The pickleball group may be our first activity to return to ACC. Susan will have a Zoom session with instructors to discuss changes to classes. LLWP is in the same category as “community centers” in the phases of re-opening California.
ACC Rides has re-started “essential rides” to grocery stores and medical appointments. Of course, we utilize strict safety measures. Everyone must wear PPE (personal protective equipment). Vehicles are sanitized after every ride and each evening, and these safety measures take time. Because we have some drivers on leave and no volunteers, we cannot provide transportation at our pre-COVID capacity—for now. However, staff have been busy. They contacted 3,000+ riders in the database for a wellness check. They help Meals on Wheels and Great Plates deliver food. Two drivers recently went above and beyond. In addition to Hoa Tran saving a senior’s life (see article on page 6), a driver, Keng Thor, put out a vehicle fire on 1-5. Kudos to our hero drivers!
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