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 AD staff load a batch of Project CARE gifts to be delivered.
The holiday season in Los Angeles was brighter than ever this year thanks to Project CARE (Caring Actions Responding to Elders), the annual initiative led by the Los Angeles Foundation on Aging (LAFA), in collaboration with the City and County combined Charitable Giving Campaigns, the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging and the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD). Project CARE is aimed at supporting low-income older adults. This heartfelt campaign provides essential gifts and personalized items to those who often face isolation and need extra support during the holidays.
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Now in its 19th year, Project CARE 2024 continued its mission of spreading holiday cheer by providing crucial assistance to older Angelenos through a network of community partners and programs.
The Aging & Disabilities Department, in collaboration with its 14 community and senior centers, the Adult Protective Services (APS) program, the Supportive Services Program (SSP), and Integrated Community Services (ICS) partner, worked diligently to identify seniors who would benefit most from the program.
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This year, over 80 older adults received gifts delivered directly to their homes by department staff, while another 140 seniors enjoyed the experience of receiving their gifts at their local community and senior center. From cozy blankets to personal hygiene items, food staples to warm clothing, participants were able to request items that would help improve their quality of life and make the holidays a little brighter. Gifts for the program were generously provided by the Los Angeles Foundation on Aging (givelafa.org). |
The beauty of Project CARE lies not just in the practical help it provides but also in the emotional impact it has on recipients. Many participants shared that receiving gifts, tailored to their specific needs, made them feel seen and valued in a way that lifted their spirits during what can sometimes be a challenging time of year.
One participant, expressed their gratitude for their local center: “I love coming to the Potrero Heights Community & Senior Center throughout the year. I feel welcomed; it is my second home. The holidays are lonely for me, but I know there is always someone to greet me here.”
Irene Hildago from the East Los Angeles Service Center added: “I don’t have words to thank you and the staff for the wonderful things you did for us. Giving us all the wonderful things we needed for Christmas. It makes us feel like someone really cares for us. Thank you for all the love and joy you give us in this center.”
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Cynthia Ramirez who frequents the Centro Maravilla Service Center shared how meaningful it was to participate in the program: “I was happy and grateful for the weighted blanket I received. It can keep me extra warm during these cold days and nights. This is a wonderful project that I hope can continue and bless many more seniors."
Richard J. who received his gift at home, added: "It feels so great people are thinking of me. God bless. No one in our family can work right now; it is a blessing you came and helped us out."
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Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedicated efforts of staff and community partners, Project CARE 2024 demonstrated the true spirit of the season. It was a celebration of collective compassion—showing that even the smallest gesture of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life.
As the department wraps up another successful holiday campaign, it looks forward to continuing its mission to support and uplift older adults throughout Los Angeles County, making each year brighter and more meaningful for those who need it most.
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 AD's Home Safe Team with Assistant Director Dr. Solomon Shibeshi
The Home Safe program, administered by the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), has been featured in USAging's 2024 case study on homelessness prevention. This program plays a critical role in helping older adults and individuals with disabilities in Los Angeles secure stable housing and avoid homelessness, when facing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Launched in 2018 as a pilot, Home Safe was expanded statewide in 2021 to address gaps in housing-related support for vulnerable individuals experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Through Home Safe, AD has been able to provide comprehensive services, including housing assistance, eviction prevention, case management, and home modifications, to support individuals at risk of becoming homeless.
A key feature of Home Safe is the integration of the Adult Protective Services (APS) Program with supportive services from our Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. This collaboration enables AD to act quickly when housing instability is identified, addressing clients’ needs while also preventing further maltreatment.
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USAging’s case study highlights the success of Home Safe and the flexible approach employed by Los Angeles County in its execution. The study outlines how AD partnerships—such as the one with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)—are essential in providing a comprehensive solution to homelessness prevention.
We invite you to read the full case study to learn more about Home Safe's impact in Los Angeles County and how its model can serve as inspiration for other communities.
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On December 19, CBS KCAL Mornings featured the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department's (ISD) Delete the Divide initiative, highlighting its critical role in bridging the technology gap for underserved communities, particularly older adults.
This initiative also serves as a key partner to the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), supporting its Building a Better Connection for Older Adults (BBCOA) program by enhancing digital literacy and fostering greater social connections among older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The BBCOA program offers 8-week training courses at five Community & Senior Centers, where Delete the Divide instructors teach participants how to use technology to stay connected with family, access healthcare, and engage with the digital world. Upon completing the course, participants receive a free Apple iPad and a two-year high-speed data plan, ensuring they remain connected long after their training ends.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), BBCOA was launched with the goal of addressing the social isolation and digital divide that became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, 26 cohorts of the 8-week training were completed, with 234 iPads and two-year data plans distributed to older adults, significantly reducing isolation and improving access and connectivity to essential services.
A key takeaway from the KCAL segment was the emphasis on the personal connections forged through this program. As one instructor shared, “We want to make sure that their lives still have purpose and they solve access within the digital age. Access looks like providing them with the tools they need to thrive in this new social landscape.” For many older adults, the iPads represent more than just a device—they are a gateway to digital opportunity and social connection.
The Delete the Divide initiative plays a vital role in AD's efforts, providing support through digital assistants at local senior centers and County libraries. These interns and instructors help older adults navigate everything from basic tasks, such as creating documents, to more complex technology needs.
The Aging & Disabilities department is continuously seeking opportunities to connect older adults with the education and devices they need to stay digitally engaged. In 2024, AD, in partnership with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), also launched the Access to Technology (ATT) program. From April 15 to August 30, the ATT program distributed 3,365 tablets, each with a two-year 5G data plan, and provided digital literacy training to 2,255 participants, further expanding opportunities for older adults and individuals with disabilities to thrive in the digital age. Participants in this program included 830 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) clients and 535 homebound individuals.
The Building a Better Connection for Older Adults program continues to be a transformative initiative in Los Angeles County, empowering seniors with the tools and knowledge they need to stay engaged, connected, and empowered. AD's goal remains clear: to ensure that older adults can fully participate in the digital world, reduce isolation, and enhance their quality of life.
For more information on these programs, or to get involved, contact your local community center.
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 Commissioner Deaka McClain from the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities (LACCOD) addressing attendees.
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On December 8th, the Peninsula Friends of the Library hosted the Celebrating People with Diverse Abilities event. The event brought together a vibrant community to honor and uplift individuals with disabilities, showcasing their talents, stories, while offering resources in a warm and festive atmosphere.
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Merlin David, the Executive Director of Peninsula Friends of the Library, served as the engaging MC. His enthusiasm, coupled with his signature pink sparkly floral jacket, added a touch of holiday cheer to the celebration. Throughout the day, the crowd was treated to inspiring motivational speakers, wonderful performances, and valuable community resources that highlighted the abilities and resilience of individuals with diverse needs.
The speakers lineup featured powerful voices from all walks of life. Lisa Barron, of We Are Brave, shared her personal journey as a mother of a child with disabilities. Her organization supports mothers navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, mental health issues, and other unique challenges. Robert Dawes, a long-time journalist with cerebral palsy and the initiator of this annual event, captivated the audience with his insights and advocacy for the disability community. Rowan, a young disability advocate and vintage car enthusiast, also spoke, sharing his passion and commitment to raising awareness. Additionally, President Carlos Benavides and Deaka McClain, Commissioners from the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities (LACCOD), provided important perspectives on disability rights and inclusion.
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Slay the Night: Bringing Fun and Resources to the LGBTQ+ Community |
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On December 6, 2024, West Hollywood hosted a lively and inclusive celebration at Slay the Night: Holiday Drag Bingo, an event that brought the LGBTQ+ community together at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park. Held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the event was a festive occasion that also served to promote health awareness and offer resources for the LGBTQ+ community in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
The event was hosted by Pickle, West Hollywood’s first-ever Drag Laureate, who energized the crowd with her live-singing drag performances. Accompanied by an 11-piece live band, Pickle, along with fellow drag performers, kept attendees engaged through an interactive and high-energy series of bingo games, where participants had the chance to win exciting prizes.
While entertainment was central to the event, the evening also aimed to educate and raise awareness about important health and social issues. A standout feature was a Naloxone (Narcan) training session, which taught attendees how to respond to opioid overdoses. With fentanyl being a leading cause of accidental drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County, the session underscored the importance of accessible interventions like Naloxone.
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 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has extended the deadline for its important surveys to December 31, 2024. DPSS invites community members, colleagues, and organizations to share their valuable feedback to help improve services for residents across the County. Your input matters! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage others to do the same. Survey Link for General Feedback from Colleagues/Organizations.
Additionally, DPSS is seeking input from non-DPSS customers—individuals who do not currently receive benefits or have never contacted DPSS. If you know anyone who may fit this category, please share this Non-Customer Survey Link with them.
These surveys are anonymous and confidential. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping services and ensuring that the County’s resources meet the needs of all residents, including those experiencing homelessness, temporary housing, or other barriers to accessing services.
Help make a difference—participate in the survey today and encourage others to do the same!
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible connections we've made together—across programs, events, and initiatives.
We are grateful to each of you for your continued support and involvement.
May your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful moments. Wishing you a bright and healthy start to 2025!
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