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Help Elder Neighbors Connect to the Community

Posted on 11/22/2013 by admin

Caring Neighborhoods Program Encourages Participation of Neighborhood-Based Groups to Help Elder Neighbors

City of Sacramento’s Older Adult Services Program aims to improve the quality of life of Sacramento elders by involving neighborhood residents

The City of Sacramento’s Caring Neighborhoods program is reaching out to Sacramento neighborhood groups and associations to encourage participation of residents in a collaborative effort to promote independence, reduce isolation, and ensure the safety and well-being of elderly neighbors.

Sacramento is a city of neighborhoods. Many residents of these neighborhoods are growing older and facing the challenges of living independently and could use a hand from their neighbors but are reluctant to ask for help. On the other hand, more active neighbors are often concerned about their elder neighbors but may be hesitant to get involved out of respect for their elder neighbor’s privacy.

The Caring Neighborhoods program provides ongoing technical support and resources to residents who form small, informal groups and connect with elderly neighbors who might need a hand with some everyday tasks or enjoy a friendly conversation.

As formal health and social services for elders continue to be limited, it’s important to increase awareness and to find creative ways of providing community support to a growing elderly population. “The Caring Neighborhoods program has the potential to improve the quality of life of Sacramento elders by expanding the ‘resource pie’ to include neighborhood residents as part of the solution,” stated Program Coordinator Martha Paterson-Cohen. “As a result, and the larger goal of the program, elders can continue living at home safely and independently.”

Providing transportation to or offering to pick up a quart of milk at the grocery store, sharing information about nearby senior services and activities, changing a light bulb, or extending an invitation to a family picnic or neighborhood barbecue—these are just a few examples of how neighborhood groups can enhance the lives of their elderly neighbors and allow them to maintain a safe, healthy and productive life in their own home.

Interested program participants can start by recruiting at least three neighbors or work in partnership with their neighborhood association to form a Caring Neighborhoods group. Ongoing communications and support are provided by the Program Coordinator who will meet with your group to help you develop effective strategies for reaching out to elderly neighbors. For more information about starting a Caring Neighborhoods group, please contact Martha Paterson-Cohen, Program Coordinator at (916) 842-7782 or MPCohen@cityofsacramento.org.

About Older Adult Services, City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation

Caring Neighborhoods is made possible by funding from Measure U. Other programs offered by Older Adult Services include Triple-R Adult Day Program, 50+Wellness Program and other special events and activities offered at the Ethel MacLeod Hart Senior Center. For more information, visit the Older Adult Services section of http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/recreation/ .

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Become a City Wonk—Sign Up for the 2014 City of Sacramento Management Academy

Posted on 11/21/2013 by admin

The City Management Academy is an excellent way to learn how the city departments function and how to become involved in the civic process. Applications are accepted until January 10th. Application below.

PART II: STATEMENT OF INTEREST

In 500 words or less, share your reasons for wanting to participate in the City Management Academy and explain how you plan to use what you learn to improve your community. Include information related to your participation with City boards, City commissions, neighborhood groups/associations, business groups, or other community based organizations. Spell out all names and avoid using acronyms. Include your Statement of Interest with the application form.

*Please do not attach additional documents including resumes, letters of recommendation or professional certifications.

PART III: ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT & MATERIALS FEE

I understand the City Management Academy is a valuable opportunity provided by the City of Sacramento. As such, attendance is required and missing more than one of the fourteen evening sessions can result in dismissal from the course. The 2014 City Management Academy will be hosted every Wednesday evening 6:00-9:00pm beginning Wednesday, February 12, 2014 and concluding Tuesday, May 13, 2014 (graduation).

By submitting this application for the 2014 City Management Academy, I acknowledge and agree to abide by the attendance requirement and provide the $35.00 materials fee due the first day of class (Wednesday, February 12, 2014).

Applicant Signature __________________________________

Date _________________

Thank you for your interest in the City of Sacramento 2014 City Management Academy.

ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED

DEADLINE for SUBMISSION FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 at 5:00pm

**LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED** **NO POSTMARKS ACCEPTED**

HAND DELIVER, MAIL or FAX to:

Neighborhood Services Division Attn: City Management Academy 915 I Street, 3rd Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-5959 FAX

If you have questions about the City Management Academy contact:

Tyler Lammerding, CMA Class of 2013

tjlammerding@aol.com

(916) 392-2170 or