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The Los Angeles County Regional Coordinating Council for Aging and Disability held its inaugural meeting on January 27, 2025, and its second meeting on March 18, 2025. Co-chaired by Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), and June Simmons, President & CEO of Partners in Care Foundation (PICF), the Council was established to strengthen the state’s No Wrong Door access systems and foster collaboration between local and state public health departments, community organizations, and service providers.
The January launch meeting brought together 41 industry leaders to discuss the creation of a more integrated and efficient system aimed at improving the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities across the region. Dr. Trejo addressed the urgent needs of the community, particularly in the wake of recent wildfires, where housing was identified as a top concern. Other critical topics included access to care management services, digital literacy, and ways to leverage resources to address systemic issues in healthcare and homelessness.
Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging (CDA), attended the launch, joining representatives from various Los Angeles County departments, such as Public Health, Mental Health, Public Social Services, and Economic Opportunity, along with organizations like ONEgeneration, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, HealthNet, and Anthem Blue Cross among others.
During the March 18 meeting, participants shared impactful stories that highlighted the real-life influence their organizations have on the communities they serve. June Simmons underscored the importance of continued collaboration, encouraging the group to join forces in building systems that will improve lives.
At the meeting, the Council also formally presented its "Charge," which outlines its mission: "A Regional Coordinating Council for Aging and Disability in partnership with the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department/Area Agency on Aging and Partners in Care Foundation, bringing together diverse health and social care organizations, will promote integrated, whole person care. The focus is on creating a collaborative, efficient, and equitable system that enhances the quality of life for older adults and persons living with disabilities. The goal is to align and optimize public and private resources across health, public health, and social care sectors."
Participants were divided into four working groups to discuss key priorities: Housing, Community Engagement and Communication, Emergency Preparedness, and Resource and Data Sharing. Each group established goals, identified areas of focus, and set priorities for future work. |
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Later in the meeting, Amy Gotwals, Chief of Public Policy and External Affairs for USAging, joined via Zoom to share insights into federal funding efforts related to the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as work and deliberations taking place at the federal level. |
June Simmons highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying: “It’s very important to see the leaders across so many vital sectors of Los Angeles County—both public and nonprofit—joining forces to build and protect the safety net for all.”
Dr. Laura Trejo reflected on the spirit of teamwork that has defined their friendship as well as the Council: “We collaborate always, as a team, on behalf of the community. It’s been a pleasure working with June and her team, and we’ve seen remarkable engagement from leadership across the region. Together, we will create meaningful change that improves the well-being of those we serve.”
Looking ahead, the Council has agreed to meet again in April to continue its work on setting actionable goals and forming steering committees to guide future initiatives. With strong leadership and wide participation, the Council is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Los Angeles County.
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Following the devastation of the Altadena Senior Center (ASC) by the Eaton Fire, the Los Angeles County Department of Aging & Disabilities (AD) is pleased to announce the opening of a new Satellite Senior Center at Loma Alta Park, scheduled for May 10, 2025. This temporary facility will serve as a critical community hub for Altadena clients who lost their center, offering vital services and programs to support their ongoing health and well-being. |
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Until the Loma Alta Park Satellite Center is ready, the department has partnered with the La Cañada Flintridge Library to provide interim services. Residents are encouraged to visit the library, where a variety of programs continue to be offered, including fitness classes such as yoga, tai chi, and line dancing, along with workshops like tax information sessions and mental health support.
The new Satellite Senior Center at Loma Alta Park will play a key role in supporting the community's recovery, offering a space for older adults and individuals with disabilities to engage in social activities, access essential services, and connect with peers. The park, which is undergoing extensive renovations following the fire, will also feature new amenities, including an early childhood education center, a satellite library, and spaces for community events. These efforts are part of a broader County of Los Angeles initiative to revitalize the area and provide much-needed resources for families, children, and older adults affected by the disaster.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger has been instrumental in securing support for the revitalization of Loma Alta Park, ensuring that it serves as a cornerstone for community recovery. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) has led efforts to transform the park into a hub of services and support for residents, demonstrating the strength of collaboration in the face of adversity. |
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“We are committed to helping the Altadena community heal and rebuild, and the opening of the Satellite Senior Center at Loma Alta Park is an important step in that process,” said Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of the Aging & Disabilities Department. "Our priority has always been to provide a dependable source of community and care. |
Even during this period of transition, we remain focused on delivering the same trusted services and fostering meaningful connections that our clients rely on every day,” added Anna Avdalyan, Assistant Director of AD's Centers Branch.
The launch of Loma Alta as a facility hub marks an exciting milestone in Altadena’s recovery journey, reaffirming the local government’s dedication to restoring critical services and creating a safe, welcoming space for all residents.
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 In a unique collaboration between The Music Center and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AILEY), members of the Altadena Senior Center (ASC) and Willowbrook Senior Center (WSC) were invited to participate in a dance workshop designed to provide an opportunity for expression, movement, and community.
The workshops, led by Ailey Teaching Artists, were held while AILEY is back in Los Angeles for six performances in April (April 2-6) offering older adults and adults with disabilities a chance to experience the movement and artistry of one of the world’s leading dance companies.
The initiative reflects The Music Center’s commitment to engaging diverse communities, who may not always have access to arts programming. These workshops were particularly meaningful for members of the Altadena Senior Center, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire. Both The Music Center and the county sought to offer something special to ASC members, giving them an opportunity to reconnect with their community and explore new forms of expression. The two workshops took place on March 11, 2025, at the Pasadena Senior Center (which graciously hosted ASC members), and on March 13, 2025, at Willowbrook Senior Center, providing participants with a unique and enriching experience.
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Nasha Thomas, National Director of AileyCamp and Spokesperson for Ailey Arts in Education, shared the broader mission of the initiative: “It’s about supporting each other. And as a people, it’s something that Alvin Ailey was interested in—people being good citizens, and that’s what good citizens do. We support and help our fellow men. We’re all in the same boat, and being here gives us a chance to get out of our situation, get out of our home, and come here and have some light.” |
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The 2025 Abilities Expo took place from March 7 to March 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, drawing over 10,000 attendees over the course of the weekend. As the nation’s leading event for the disability community, the Expo provided an array of innovative products, technologies, and services aimed at enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. |
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The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) and the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities (LACCOD) were on hand to connect visitors with valuable programs and services. With adjacent exhibitor booths, AD staff and Commissioners, offered insight into available county resources, guiding attendees toward assistance tailored to their needs.
The event was packed with activities for all ages and abilities, including adaptive sports, dance opportunities, workshops, and an all-inclusive climbing wall. Visitors also had the chance to meet a star from Disney’s Wish and explore a variety of resources—all for free.
Among the attendees was Kurt Nakanishi, who was attending the Abilities Expo for the first time. After enjoying some wheelchair-accessible video games, Kurt shared his hope that he can one day afford a wheelchair-accessible van.
His friend, Amanda, expressed how valuable she found the event, “I discovered really cool services that are out there for people like us, and I’m really surprised and impressed by this Expo.”
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On February 13, 2025, older adults at the Florence-Firestone Community Service Center (FFCSC) gathered to celebrate kindness, love, and friendship at their annual Valentine’s Day Dance. Despite the rain, attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, dancing, and great company.
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The lively entertainment and light refreshments provided by the Human Services Association (HSA) set the tone for a fun-filled afternoon, while L.A. Care’s delicious cupcakes added a sweet touch to the celebration.
Anna Avdalyan, Assistant Director of the Community and Senior Centers Branch, shared, “Love knows no age, and neither does the joy of dancing! The Valentine’s Day Dance celebrates friendship, laughter, and the timeless magic of Valentine’s Day—one step, one smile, and one heartwarming moment at a time.”
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Since the Florence-Firestone Community Service Center reopened in May 2023, HSA has been a valued partner, recognizing the importance of camaraderie and socialization for the community. Together with center staff, HSA has helped create memorable experiences through seasonal dances, with music and light refreshments they provide.
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When reflecting on the event, Glenda Brandon, Senior Services Manager with HSA, shared, “Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.”
In addition to providing meals for the senior lunch program, Ms. Brandon acknowledged the role of the center’s director, Sandra Gonzalez, in making their mission a reality.
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 Above: Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Kidest Babi with APS' Rosa Jasso. Below: Renee Rose, Attorney.
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Connections are key to empowering agencies and providing quality services to the residents of Los Angeles County. The Adult Protective Services (APS) Program, part of the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD), is recognizing the importance of these partnerships in building a stronger workforce.
The APS program has enhanced its Social Worker Trainee (SWT) training through collaboration with various county departments and organizations. These partnerships offer critical resources and knowledge to APS trainees, ultimately improving service delivery and community care.
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