ElderSource 2023 Impact Report

2023

IMPACT REPORT

Celebrating 50 years of serving Northeast Florida

Empowering, supporting, and advocating for older adults, caregivers and persons with disabilities living in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia Counties since 1974.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

This year, ElderSource is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The 50th year is recognized as a golden one and it gives us the occasion to reflect on our changes, our growth over the past five decades, and certainly the opportunities ahead.

Established under the federal Older Americans Act in 1973, ElderSource emerged in 1974 as the Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging. Our mission was to address the concerns and needs of older Americans living in our region. Beginning as a small nonprofit with 16 employees, we have evolved from being the Area Agency on Aging to the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida, now boasting 80 employees. Our programs have expanded to serve our nation’s heroes through the Veteran-Directed Care Program and as the portal for people to access the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program and other state and federally-funded programs. With the assistance of generous donors, we have assisted hundreds of older adults in a financial crisis through the EASE Program, formally known as the Senior to Senior Program. And with the support of funders, we have helped many caregivers and older adults combat isolation and loneliness with our Caring Connections services, and so much more.

One initiative in which we are proud is the creation a culture where everyone feels like they belong. We strive to create an environment where employees, volunteers, partners, and clients feel respected, accepted, supported, heard, and valued. Our efforts have included offering documents in multi-language versions, ensuring our website is ADA compliant and implementing a host of policies and procedures. In this past year, we have added four new languages to translate information on our website and converted two main brochures into Braille and large print.

In looking ahead, ElderSource knows we still have much to do to meet the needs of older adults in our area. Our goal is to work as effectively and as efficiently as possible to help them live and age with dignity and independence.

We look forward to bringing with us all of the lessons learned in the last five decades with a strong determination to tackle the issues of the future. We will strive to maintain the gold standard of care for those who rely on us daily for many more decades to come.

With endless gratitude for your support,

Linda J. Levin, MSG CEO Dr. Sandy Robinson Board Chair

MISSION VISION

ElderSource empowers people to live and age with independence and dignity in their homes and community.

INCLUSION STATEMENT

Older adults and adults with disabilities are valued and have the resources they need to live with dignity and security in an age and ability friendly community.

ElderSource values all people – including, but not limited to, all nationalities, socio-economic backgrounds, abilities, races, genders, religious perspectives, sexual orientation, and gender identities – in everything we do. We welcome the unique perspectives of all persons in our quest to fulfill our mission.

START HERE FOR HELP

INFORMATION IS JUST A CALL AWAY

ElderSource empowers people to live and age with independence and dignity in their homes and community. This mission starts with our Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Helpline. The numbers speak for themselves—much has been accomplished.

46,460 calls were made and received in 2023.

10,173

older adults and adults with disabilities were screened for services.

hours of personal care services were provided.

211,243 home delivered meals were distributed.

37,000 74,673 1,400+

hours of homemaking services were provided.

SHINE – SERVING THE HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDS OF ELDERS

With help from SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselors, Medicare beneficiaries are provided guidance on their health insurance options through free, unbiased, and confidential one-on-one counseling. The program empowers beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their benefits, offers ways in which they might save money, and eases the ability to access benefits. Made up of highly trained volunteers, the SHINE program has an immense impact on the lives of the clients it serves.

SHINING RESULTS IN 2023:

10 new volunteers were welcomed and trained for a total of 50 volunteer counselors SHINE volunteers contacted 3,534 individuals

275,899 congregate meals were served at senior centers.

clients were assisted through the Benefits Enrollment Center to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, LIS (Extra Prescription Help) benefits, the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and Medicaid.

SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS

Every year the ElderSource Emergency Assistance Serving Elders Program (EASE, formerly known as the Senior to Senior Program) helps hundreds of older adults facing unexpected financial crises regain their dignity, independence, and peace of mind by offering them short-term assistance. The assistance has helped resolve housing, utility, transportation, and other crisis situations, enabling them to remain living independently. The EASE Fund is a program supported by the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Senior to Senior Endowment through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Additionally, it receives supplemental funding with a grant from the Jim Moran Family Foundation and funds raised by ElderSource. In 2023, EASE was able to support 298 older adults that faced an unexpected crisis.

MORE THAN A COSMETIC ISSUE

Seventy-six-year-old Louanna Newton had the unfortunate occurrence of breaking her dentures, creating a multitude of problems. She had difficulty eating, causing weight loss and poor nutrition. She was embarrassed about socializing with family and friends. “It’s a lot deeper than cosmetic…not having the dentures is a real burden on your whole entire system,” she said.

While trying to find a replacement, she learned that she would have to get an entire new set of dentures. One dentist quoted $4,000 for the replacement set. “My reaction when I heard $4,000 was, ‘I was going to have to go without dentures for a while. Maybe get a part-time job or something,’” she said.

Louanna’s daughter, Lisa, began to get worried when she noticed her mom was losing weight and stopped coming over for dinner. Lisa had already been in contact with ElderSource for Louanna’s other health needs and asked if there was anything they could do about her dentures.

ElderSource referred Lisa and Louanna to a local dental clinic that completed the work at a significantly reduced cost.

“Thank you ElderSource,” she said. “I appreciate so much the solution that you found for me, for my dentures!”

HELP WITH A NEW HOME

Booker T. Jones was blindsided when he learned that his landlord decided to sell the home he lived in. Booker spent nine years living in a furnished bedroom in a house and he had only 15 days to find a new home.

“It was horrible thinking of being homeless,” he said. Luckily, Booker found a new home. However, he moved with only his clothes, some kitchen items and scant furnishing given to him by a friend.

A staff member at his local senior center recommended he contact ElderSource about the possibility of getting new furniture. After an assessment from an ElderSource Helpline Specialist, Booker was offered assistance through the EASE program. He moved into his new place with a new loveseat and bedding for his home giving him safety, comfort and an “at-home” feeling.

“I had really gotten to the place where I felt that there was someone that cared about what my situation was,” Booker said. “ElderSource came through for me.”

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

“My advice to anyone who is a caregiver, first and foremost, call ElderSource. That’s the first thing you need to do,” Chrysandra Reynolds said. Chrysandra has taken care of her aging mother for the past eight years.

“I had absolutely no experience as a caregiver when I started taking care of my mom. It was a very, very difficult learning process for me,” she recalled. Chrysandra became her mother’s caregiver after her father passed away. Later on, her mother developed dementia and needed more intensive care. Chrysandra found it increasingly difficult to lift and change her mother, and that’s when she first reached out to ElderSource for help.

ElderSource connected Chrysandra with various community resources to support her with her caregiver duties, including respite care.

Chrysandra also signed up for ElderSource’s Tailored Caregiver Assessment Referral Program (TCARE), giving her a care plan to prevent burnout. In 2023, 80 family caregivers received burnout prevention support through ElderSource.

“It took me a long time to get the message: take care of yourself.”

—Chrysandra Reynolds.

In addition to TCARE, Chrysandra participates in the Virtual Caregiver Support Group. “We give each other information that helps us to deal with whatever we’re going through. And I mean all kinds of information that’s just absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s a blessing to have a resource that provides that information to you.” ElderSource’s Virtual Caregiver Support Group gives caregivers a safe space to share information, ask questions and voice personal feelings.

“You’ve got to do something to take care of yourself,” she said. “If there was no ElderSource none of that would have happened.”

The TCARE program has been made possible by a generous grant from the Florida Blue Foundation.

POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVERS

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a self-care educational program for family caregivers that builds the skills caregivers need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others. With funding from the American Recovery Act, Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based program of six classes held once a week that provides participants the tools needed to succeed in their caregiving journey. Thirty-six caregivers benefitted from the Powerful Tools for Caregivers six-week course in 2023.

CAREGIVER COALITION OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Caregiver Coalition of Northeast Florida is a partnership of 25 leading health care, aging and senior service organizations that work together to provide caregivers with resources and support from the agencies who can help them. Managed by ElderSource, the Coalition last year offered both virtual and in-person events. More than 200 people attended and benefited from the workshops with topics ranging from falls prevention to supporting caregiver mental health.

50 YEARS OF IMPACT

1965

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Older Americans Act with the purpose of supporting Americans to live with independence and dignity.

1973

Area Agencies on Aging were established under the Older American’s Act.

1974

The Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging was incorporated as a nonprofit.

2008

J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver established the Senior to Senior Fund through the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida to help older adults facing an unexpected financial crisis. Over the years, hundreds have received critical help from this fund for rent and utility support, wheelchair ramps, dental work, and more.

2013

Moved into new headquarters in Mandarin.

2011

The first A Night with the Stars fundraising event launched the Delores Barr Weaver Elder Advocate Award honoring individuals who go above and beyond to help older adults.

2014

ElderSource other Area on Aging designated to be the portal access to Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term

1978

The Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging officially designated by the state to serve Planning and Services Area 4, which includes seven counties – Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia.

2010

Launched the Veteran Directed Care Program helping Veterans remain in their homes with support from caregivers.

2005

The agency rebranded as ElderSource with its tagline “Start Here for Help”.

2011

ElderSource designated as an Aging and Disability Resource Center refocusing its mission to include support for persons with disabilities age 18+.

2014

Launched Benefits Center with funding National Council on Mobile Resource Center the road to promote and resources.

2017

ElderSource and Mayo Clinic’s Memory Disorder Clinic named by the State to co-lead the Jacksonville chapter of the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative.

ElderSource and Agencies designated portal for Statewide Managed Term Care

2019

Assumed management of the Caregiver Coalition, a cohort of aging industry professionals focused on supporting caregivers.

2021

Launched Tailored Care Assessment and Referral program (TCARE) with funding from Florida Blue designed to address caregiver burnout.

2023

Established the Sharing and Caring Closet providing older adults and caregivers with free consumable medical supplies.

2022

Launched Powerful Tools for Caregivers, giving caregivers support for being the best caregiver they can be.

Benefits Enrollment funding from the on Aging. The Center went on promote programs

2020-2022

Operations successfully maintained throughout pandemic with 12,000 bags of food delivered, 88,000 calls to the Helpline, and 890,000 home delivered meals distributed.

2019

Launched Virtual Caregiver Support Group and the Caring Connections Telephone Reassurance program.

2022

Launched the Foundation to Aging Certificate program, a specialized curriculum developed with UNF Brooks College of Health offering professionals vital information about working with older adults.

2024

Present Day: celebrating 50 years with a staff of 80 handling 6,000 calls a month on the Helpline and managing over $25 million dollars in contracts that bring vital programs for seniors in NE Florida.

2023

Veteran Directed Care program expands coverage into South Georgia and the Orlando metropolitan area. Staff travel to outlying areas in a vehicle supported by a grant from Florida Blue Foundation.

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

ElderSource honored volunteers, advocates, and others at its annual A Night with the Stars event, presented by Florida Community Care, on November 15 at WJCT Studios in downtown Jacksonville. The special evening recognized individuals working and serving in the aging industry who have excelled in their jobs and demonstrated compassion for the older adults and caregivers they serve.

The community submitted nominations for the Luminary Awards. Over 20 individuals were recognized in these categories - Continually Committed, Super Nova Volunteer, Everyday Innovator and Magnificent Millennial.

The highlight of the evening was honoring the winner of the Delores Barr Weaver Elder Advocate award, Lisa Lewis. Lisa, formerly the Vice President of Case Managed Services, retired from the Council on Aging of Volusia County after 40 years of service. The award, now in its 13th year, is named after Northeast Florida philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver who has been a devoted and passionate advocate for older adults.

Proceeds from the event assisted older adults across Northeast Florida experiencing a short-term financial crisis.

2023 LUMINARY WINNERS

Paulette Kozlowski, St. Johns County Council on Aging, Continually Committed

Al Bagocius, Oasis Senior Advisors, Continually Committed

WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, ElderSource hosted a special educational event at the Mandarin Senior Center in Jacksonville titled, “Spotting the Scam: How to Prevent and Report Elder Abuse.” Older adults had the opportunity to hear from AARP, the Consumer Protection Division at the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and Action News Jax anchor Tenikka Hughes.

Carla Furr, Caring Connections, Super Nova Volunteer

Natasha Jackson, JEA, Everyday Innovator

Stephanie Howell, The Clair Winston House, Magnificent Millennial

MEETING AN URGENT NEED

In 2023, ElderSource recognized the rising cost of incontinence supplies. To address this growing need, ElderSource established an inventory of consumable medical supplies offered at no cost to older adults and caregivers, titled the Sharing and Caring Closet.

To kickstart the endeavor, ElderSource held a two-day “Shop and Drop” event to collect donations. The event was a success and ElderSource was able to stock the shelves of the newly established Sharing and Caring Closet which opened in January 2024.

Pictured left to right: ElderSource CEO Linda Levin, 2023 Delores Barr Weaver Elder Advocate Award Winner Lisa Lewis, Lynn Sherman with the City of Jacksonville and Josefina Carbonell with Independent Living Systems.

CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF AGING

Congratulations to the 23 participants who earned the Foundation to Aging Certificate in 2023! The certificate is offered through the ElderSource Institute and created in partnership with the Center for Aging Research at the UNF Brooks College of Health. The Foundation to Aging Certificate Program offers an array of courses preparing professionals to best serve older adults. Topics include, but are not limited to, age sensitivity, caregiving, elder abuse awareness and prevention, nutrition, and mental health.

“WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED” CAMPAIGN

ElderSource was one of dozens of organizations selected from across the country to receive a grant from USAging to provide flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, RSV, and shingles vaccines to older adults in the community. The goal was to provide information and education about the importance of vaccines, as well as offering convenient places in which to be vaccinated. ElderSource worked in conjunction with the Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Flagler Cares, and Walgreens to conduct vaccine clinics throughout Northeast Florida. The results:

44 595 11,000+

community events were held. flu and COVID vaccines were administered. people were reach through outreach efforts.

HURRICANE SEASON AND WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS

Pictured: University of North Florida students volunteered with BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) to hand deliver Amazon Ring cameras to more than 20 older adults.

CAN YOU SEE ME NOW?

ElderSource staff and volunteers, joined by Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, pack buckets with emergency supplies for older adults.

ElderSource staff and volunteers worked together to ensure some of the most vulnerable people in Northeast Florida were prepared for the hurricane season and winter weather. As part of two statewide events initiated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, staff and volunteers packed over 200 buckets for older adults. The buckets were stuffed with relevant emergency essentials such as flashlights, weather radios, first aid supplies, space heaters and so much more. The buckets were hand-delivered to ElderSource clients, who were so appreciative of these supplies.

Thanks to a grant from Amazon, over 100 older adults in Northeast Florida have a new sense of security and increased connectivity to a loved one. Amazon gave each Area Agency on Aging in Florida $10,000, 50 Ring doorbells and 50 Amazon Echo Show devices. The Echo Show devices addressed loneliness and isolation felt by older adults, giving them the ability to video chat with others who own the devices. ElderSource partnered with two local agencies to distribute and install the devices.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT ELDERSOURCE

ENSURING VETERANS GET THE HELP THEY NEED

As people age, most want the choice of aging in place, comfortably in their homes. Veterans are no exception. The ElderSource Veteran Directed Care Program is a partnership with the Veterans Administration to help Veterans remain in their homes and avoid being moved to a nursing home. Beginning with a referral from a VA doctor or social worker, Veterans enrolled in the program have the opportunity of hiring who they choose to assist with their personal care and other activities of daily living and directing their own care.

In 2023, 106 Veterans were enrolled in the Veteran Directed Care Program. The program has been very successful. Person-Centered Counselors on the Veteran Directed Care team travel and meet with Veterans living in our seven-county service area and South Georgia. In 2023, the program received a generous donation from Florida Blue. The gift enabled ElderSource to purchase a SUV and wrap it with military-themed graphics for the Person-Centered Counselors to visit the Veterans with patriotic pride.

CREATING NEW FRIENDSHIPS, ONE PHONE CALL AT A TIME

The Caring Connections Telephone Reassurance program is made up of dedicated and trained volunteers who make weekly phone calls to isolated and often lonely older adults, providing them with the social engagement they need to feel connected to their community. The calls serve as a way to check on the older adult’s well-being while also socializing and exploring new things in common to discuss.

49 56 Telephone Reassurance volunteers called Older adults IN 2023

“The calls have made an impact on my life, because I don’t feel lonely, and I don’t feel fearful.”

—Dolores P. Telephone Reassurance Program recipient

Pictured left to right: Haley Wigley, Jonathan Rosado and Jennifer Martinez celebrate the Veteran-Directed Care Program’s new vehicle.

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED OUR MISSION IN 2023:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Sandy L. Robinson President Walette Stanford Vice President

Reverand Adam Anderson

Patricia Collier

Courtney Connor

Vivile R. Dietrich, Esq.

Cheryl Jefferson, Chair

Bernie Fitzgerald, Vice Chair

Stevie Taylor, Secretary

Pamela Sanders, Immediate Past Chair

Shelley Hirsch Treasurer

Brenda B. Ezell, Esq.

Alan R. Fraser

Stuart Gaines

Melissa Gilreath Secretary Grady Williams At Large Member of Executive Committee

Todd Graham

Barbara Ann Greene

Elizabeth Gunn

Cynthia Griffin At Large Member of Executive Committee

Cheryl Jefferson

Alex Moore

Juliet Williams

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chernice Benjamin Latonja Best

Cynthia Campbell

Frances Chew

Christy Fitzgerald Joanne Hinkel

Ashley Jennings, Ed. D

Ingrid Montgomery

Barbara Solomon

Valerie Thomas

Donna White

Doreen Willett