SILVER Cycle of Giving: Fueled by Love
STREAK
Mobility Club News 2013
A t the heart of JFFS Silver Streak are our inspiring
riders and volunteer drivers, all of whom play a part in an ongoing cycle of giving that has brought over 2,400 seniors increased freedom, unexpected friendships and caring companionship during difficult times. Almost universally, our drivers feel as if they are “paying it forward,” to a time when they themselves may need help getting around. And the riders who are the recipients of services are often transported to destinations where, instead of being the recipient, they are the providers of services that benefit others in their community. From you to others and then back to you. The cycle of giving. One such rider is Linda Becker, who is dedicated to helping others adjust to vision loss. You will never find Linda sitting idle. She leads a low-vision support group, teaches classes at Braille Institute, works for Guide Dogs for the Blind and has personally mentored countless individuals who have lost their vision. “I’m blessed to be able to give back,” says Linda, “I get to pay it forward – from Silver Streak to me to others. Understanding our place in our human support system helps us see that just as there are people who support us, we are a supporter to many people.” Sometimes, a driver gets the privilege of witnessing a triumphant moment that they will never forget. Silver Streak volunteer Carla Ross tells of a Carla Ross legally blind rider she drove to
Linda Becker and her guide-dog, Anchorage. Photo by Carla Ross
Villa Nova Italian Restaurant to sing opera at open mike night. “She was amazing ,” Carla tells us, “That was something I would have been too shy to do. But she was so brave to get up there and do what she loves. The great thing was – she gave a really wonderful performance. I was so happy I got to witness her triumph!” “Someday,” Carla says, “I may need a Silver Winner of the 2013 Streak volunteer Star Award for driver. I’m happy knowing Excellence in Senior that I’m doing my part in Transportation keeping the cycle going.”
Volunteer Driver
Silver Streak is a program of the Family Services division of Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
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A Message from JFFS Silver Streak Coordinator, Sandy Baren 2013 marks the fifth year of JFFS Silver Streak. In 2009, Silver Streak was launched to help seniors maintain an active life despite not being able to drive. Our goal was to create a friendly, easy-to-use service without a lot of confusing barriers. What has emerged over the last 4 years has surpassed our expectations in every way – not only in the number of people we have helped, but in how Silver Streak has affected the quality of life for so many of our riders. This morning, I was greeted by a message from a rider who said “thank you for everything Silver Streak does to allow me to age gracefully. Not only do you take me where I need to go, but provide wonderful, caring and interesting people to drive me. That made my day.” Today, JFFS Silver Steak is the lifeline for hundreds of people every month doing an astounding variety of things. In 2012, Silver Streak provided over 1,500 trips
Silver Streak Staff
to legally blind riders so that they could participate in every kind of activity you can imagine – sensory training at the John Wayne airport, running guide-dogs at the dog park, delivering a gourmet cooking demonstration, singing opera at open mike night. In 2012, we partnered with a local domestic abuse shelter to transport women to night-shift jobs. Because there was no safe and reliable transportation at that hour, Silver Streak made it possible for them to work. Many of our riders are undergoing cancer treatment and other difficult therapies. We know that transportation is the number one reason that patients miss or don’t schedule needed appointments, so we provide rides for the duration of treatment regimens, through a partnership with Hoag Hospital. Usually, the rider is paired with the same volunteer who is able to provide support and friendship during a difficult time. We are proud to report that Silver Streak has grown sevenfold over the last four years, from 2,225 trips in our first year to 15,417 in 2012. In 2013, we project that we will provide 18,000 trips. We put this statistic at the end because although it tells the story of how we have grown, it doesn’t tell the real story of Silver Streak, which can only be told by the riders and drivers whose lives have been made a little easier, a lot more interesting, and sometimes more fulfilling.
Sandy Baren, Coordinator (pictured above)
Thank you to Orange County Transportation Authority, Edwin Posin and other generous donors for your support of Silver Streak Transportation.
Mike Miller
Allison Johnson, LMFT
Sharon Iacofano
Charlie Stockton
Raj Patel
Mobility Manager Driver
Mobility Manager Trainer
Driver
Driver
Driver
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
s n o i s r Excu
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Exploring OC with JFFS Silver Streak Whale Watching Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sawdust Festival Rose Auditorium in Westminster Greek Restaurant in Tustin Polly’s Pies Chicken Soup Conference Plummer Auditorium Laguna Playhouse Sam Woos Restaurant Sherman Gardens The Crab Cooker Casa Romantica Huntington Beach Boat Parade Newport Beach Boat Parade South Coast Repertory Theater Bowers Faberge Egg Exhibit Bowers Chinese Art Exhibit Irvine Art Museum Knott’s Berry Farm Barclay Theatre at UCI Jewish Community Center Chapman Holocaust Remembrance Yiddish Festival 99 Cent Store / Wholesome Choice Trader Joes / Ansar Int’l Market Israel EXPO Café Europa Orange County Zoo Mission San Juan Capistrano Fullerton Arboretum Circus Vargas Irvine Global Village Festival The Great Park Concerts
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
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Cycle of Giving: Volunteers Give Back Talk about good fortune! Eight Silver Streak volunteers and staff were gathered around a table at Mimi’s in Irvine sharing their stories of the incredible Silver Streak riders that had inspired them. In the middle of a story, Silver Streak Coordinator, Sandy Baren, spotted the wife of one of one of our favorite Silver Streak riders, Ruth Shulman at the next table. Ruth told us how grateful she was for the loving care her late husband always received from Silver Streak drivers. Like many of our riders, Ruth said she wanted to “give back.” On the spot, she signed up as a volunteer reservationist. After our chance meeting, Ruth wrote to us “If that wasn’t b’shert yesterday, I don’t know what b’shert is. I couldn’t think of a better place to volunteer than for you and Silver Streak!”
Two Dedicated Volunteers Lew Atlas:
Many of our riders request Lew because of his easy manner and the obvious joy he gets out of being with people. When you hear Lew talk about his riders, you can tell how much fun he has finding out about the incredible lives of his riders. Lew has a beautiful prize-winning Bichon-Frise showdog named Teller (Teller I Love Her). Many riders like to share their pet stories with Lew because they know they have a receptive audience. Lew says that his favorite thing about driving is the incredible people he has met.
Josh Singer: Formerly on
the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Silver Streak volunteer Josh Singer loves being able to give something back to the community. He relays how much fun it has been to drive a wonderful senior from Kenya to the Indian grocery store and other interesting places he wouldn’t otherwise know existed. The highlight was an Indian cooking lesson he got from his rider, who also is a wonderful cook.
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
What Can Silver
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Streak Do for Me? Taxi Gelt:
Our volunteer drivers can provide rides anywhere in Orange County with a one-week notice. You buy books of 10 vouchers for $20 ($2.00 per ticket). Each ride up to 12 miles requires one voucher.
Taxi Gelt is only available for those enrolled in the Volunteer Driver program. Taxi Gelt costs $15.00 per book and provides $50.00 worth of rides.
TIPS
If you are traveling more than 12 miles, it requires 2 vouchers. It might be easier to use doctors, hairdressers or other professionals who are closer to home. Even if you use a volunteer who is willing to wait, it is asking a lot to wait more than an hour at your destination. Think about when you are scheduling things. If you need a volunteer driver, try not to schedule your appointments too early in the morning or during rush hour.
TIPS
Volunteer Driver Program:
You always have to call 24 hours in advance. If you don’t – you might get a taxi driver who doesn’t work for our program and won’t accept your gelt! Coupons are not transferable. You can’t give them to your husband, your wife, your cousin, your friend or your daughter!
Shuttles: You can arrange a shuttle to take groups of people to the same destination (and back) on a regular schedule. A round trip on a customized shuttle is $7.00.
Group Excursions: You can book group trips to any destination in Orange County by calling Sandy at (949) 435-3460. Group trips are $7.00 per round trip.
JARC TO WORK! The JARC to Work program offers rides to work or any work-related activity for individuals or groups of people. We will work with schools, workplaces, and community organizations to make specialized arrangements for individuals or groups of students, trainees or employees. Rides are $2.00 each way. For more information, contact Sandy Baren at (949) 435-3460.
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
Notification of Title VI Protection Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County is committed to providing non-discriminatory service and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin. To notify us of any perceived discrimination in accessing or benefiting from the Silver Streak Transportation program, please contact Denise Mailman at (949) 435-3460.
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
Page 6 Orange County
Cross Train Your Brain with Neurobics
Vital Brain Aging Program Take steps now to promote healthy brain aging for years to come. Adopting strategies to reduce your risk for multiple medical conditions will help you maintain your brain health as you age. If you are age 45 or over, the Orange County Vital Brain Aging Program recommends a three-step process:
A novel form of brain exercises called “neurobics” has been developed by Lawrence C. Katz, PhD. Professor of Neurobiology at Duke University, and Ruben Manning. These brain exercises are designed to generate new neural pathways by presenting our brain with an unexpected sensory and emotional experience. Some examples are:
Take three online self-assessments at www.OCBrain.org: • Memory self-assessment • Depression self-assessment
• Risk factor identification and management
Call 949-764-6288 for an in-person memory assessment
1.
If you are right-handed, use your left hand to shave, brush your hair and teeth, etc.
Repeat each year to monitor changes Through this three-step process you will begin a path to recognize your risk factors and understand how they can impact your memory.
2.
Try shopping at a different supermarket or eating in a different ethnic restaurant.
In-person memory assessments are available for a fee of $45*. For more information, or to schedule a personalized confidential memory assessment, please visit www.OCBrain.org or call 949-764-6288. *
3.
When you wake up in the morning, try smelling something new – like peppermint or vanilla or various herbs instead of the usual coffee.
4.
If you frequently use an elevator, learn the Braille numbers for the various floors.
Once you get the idea, you can easily come up with your own neurobic activities. More information is available in the book: KEEP YOUR BRAIN ALIVE by Lawrence C. Katz Ph.D. & Manning Rubin.
The screenings are generously subsidized by Hoag Neurosciences Institute and offered at a cost of $45.
www.OCBrain.org
Interested in a Memory Assessment? The OC Vital Aging Project Can Help The Hoag Neurosciences Institute’s Orange County Vital Aging Project is dedicated to helping OC residents maintain a healthy brain. You can go to their website and take an online assessment in the privacy of your home. Or you can schedule an in-person memory assessment. 75% of people who take the in-person memory assessment have normal test results, but preventive education, as well as a yearly assessment, is helpful for everyone.
Online Memory Self-Assessment: www.ocvitalaging.org
In-Person Memory Assessment: Call 949-764-6288
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
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Resources for Family Conversations about Dangerous Driving Having a conversation with a spouse, parent or grandparent about dangerous driving is very difficult. Most people are afraid to confront the subject with loved ones because of strong emotions attached to the subject. They don’t even know where to start. Fortunately, there are some great resources on how to have a conversation about this difficult subject. Here is where to look:
1. “We Need to Talk”, A Free Online Seminar Go to: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/ transportation/we_need_to_talk/
AARP offers a free online seminar called, “We Need to Talk”, that will help you determine how to assess your loved ones’ driving skills and provide tools to help you have this important conversation. And since it’s online, you can set your own pace.
2. Family Conversation Videos
Go to: www.alz.org/safetycenter/we_can_help_safety_ driving.asp
3. Driver Longevity Website
Seniordriving.aaa.com You will find a plethora of resources on the AAA senior driving website including a self-rating assessment, online interactive driving evaluation, crash risk assessment, driving tips, information about DriveSharp Brain Fitness Software, designed to improve your reaction time, expand field of view and other brain-related skills that impact driving.
4. Roadwise Review Online Driving Evaluation
Seniordriving.aaa.com/evaluate-your-driving-ability/ interactive-driving-evaluation The AAA Roadwise Review found on the AAA website is a confidential self-screening program featuring a series of computer-based exercises that can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes and help you identify steps to reduce risk in eight key areas.
Alzheimers Association has four great online videos showing sample driving conversations with family members who have dementia.
SCAN Health Plan®—
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1-855-471-7226
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8 a.m.– 8 p.m., seven days a week TTY Users: 711 www.scanhealthplan.com SCAN Health Plan (HMO) is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SCAN Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Contact SCAN Health Plan for more information. Y0057_SCAN_8103_2013F File & Use Approved 08122013
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
Accreditation for Quality Awarded by The Joint Commission
For more information, call1-888-725-8742 www.salushomecare.com
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
Page 8
The Regular OCTA Bus Can Be
Liberating! IF YOU ARE ABLE, THE FIXED ROUTE BUS IS A GREAT WAY TO TRAVEL Many seniors find it liberating to ride a regular OCTA bus because you don’t have to pre-schedule or tell anyone your business! Thanks to Measure M, senior fares are 75 cents, $1.25 less than the regular fare. Check out the savings below:
See How You Can Save A Bundle When You Pay On Board
Cost for Seniors
Your Savings
One-Time Fare
75 cents exact change (no pennies)
Save $1.25 over regular fare
One-Day Pass
$1.50
Save $3.50 over regular fare!
When You Get a Pre-Paid Pass
Available at Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions and Northgate Markets Also available at octa.net/buyapass or by calling (714) 560-5932
Cost for Seniors
Your Savings
1-Day Prepaid
$1.35
Save $3.15 over regular fare
7-Day Pass
$8.25
Save $16.75 over regular fare
30 Day Pass
$22.25
Save $46.75 over regular fare
Do You Need Help Figuring Out Which Bus to Take? There is help a phone call away. Central and North (714) 636-RIDE (7433) South Orange County (949) 636-RIDE Riverside/Corona (800) 636-RIDE TDD Phone for Hearing Impaired (714) 636-HEAR (4327)
Online help available at www.octa.net/tripplanner OCTA has a wonderful online trip planning tool. You just enter your starting point, destination, and day and time of your trip. It tells you what buses to take, where to transfer, how long it will take and other information you will need. You can also create your own personalized bus and train schedules. Just print it and take it with you – it’s that simple! Go to: www.octa.net/ebusbook
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
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OCTA Same-Day Taxi Service
OCTA ACCESS To request an application, call (714) 560-5956. ACCESS is OCTA’s service for Orange County residents who are not able to ride the fixed route bus because of a disability. To qualify, you need to have documentation from your doctor and go to an initial interview. They’ll take you most places in OC (as long as it is within a ¾ mile radius of a fixed route bus route) with 24 hour notice. It’s $3.60 each way unless you need help to your door. That costs an extra $5.00 each time. These are total amounts for a ONE-WAY ride. If you book a round trip, remember to calculate the amount for both ways.
Tips on Hassle-Free OCTA Bus Rides
u Check your bus schedule to find your
u Look for the right bus number on the
u Be at your stop 10 minutes early.
u Have exact fare ready.
u If you have a pass, have it in your hand as
u Have your reduced fare ID verification
OCTA offers a same-day taxi service for customers with current ACCESS eligibility. These trips are not reserved in advance and are scheduled the same day a customer wishes to travel at the time they wish to travel. The fare is $3.60 upon boarding the taxi — the same fare as a regular ACCESS trip. At the end of the trip, any amount left on the taxi meter over $10.00 will be paid by the customer. Customers wishing to use the same-day taxi service can call the ACCESS reservation number at (714) 560-5888, (949) 857-7188 or (877) 628-2232. For TDD, call (800) 564-4232 during ACCESS reservation hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
stop.
front of the bus.
Try to use quarters instead of small coins. you board the bus. Swipe it just like a credit card!
ready to show the driver when you get on the bus.
u Always board through the front door.
OCTA buses are accessible to persons with disabilities.
All
u When the bus approaches your stop, pull
the signal cord or ring the bus chime to notify the driver. When the bus comes to a complete stop, exit through the REAR door.
Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
Page 10
Compassionate end-of-life care is a Jewish value. Let VITAS Innovative Hospice Care help you care for your loved ones in accordance with values you hold dear. • VITAS is accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice. • Our staff is specially trained to offer care that is consistent with the varied beliefs and traditions of Judaism.
For information, call 1.800.486.6157 For patient referrals, call 1.800.93.VITAS (1.800.938.4827) VITAS.com/California • twitter.com/VITASHospice
What Else Can JFFS Do For You?
The Leading Provider of 24/7 Live-in Services stacked logo cmyk
u Senior Care Management and Counseling
u Bereavement and Family Caregiver Support Groups
Not All Home Care is Alike
u Memory in Motion Couples Dementia Support Groups
Call today to learn about the Home Care Assistance Difference, which includes our new Kosher Kare caregiver training for those that maintain a Kosher lifestyle!
u TrueNeighbors Village, neighbor-toneighbor program in Irvine Need More Information? Call Marcia at (949) 435-3460 Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
We Do Home Care Differently
949-200-3939
949-373-4793
333 Old Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA
32880 Pacific Coast Hwy Monarch Beach, CA
www.HomeCareAssistance.com
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
Page 11
f o e l c y C e h T iving G
5. Leave a Legacy Through a bequest or other planned gift to the Jewish Federation & Family Services Silver Streak program. Ensure that the help you received is provided to others for years to come.
“I just want to give back”
-- The number #1 reason our volunteer drivers do what they do
If you want to be part of the grand cycle of giving, please consider making a gift today to help others who no longer drive.
1.
Six Ways to Give Donate today to JFFS/Silver Streak so that the program will be here for others.
2. Help us recruit new volunteer drivers among your neighbors, temple members or friends.
3. 4.
Ask your children or friends to make a gift to JFFS/ Silver Streak rather than buying holiday or birthday gifts. Make a gift to JFFS/Silver Streak in honor of a senior you know who has a zest for life that can’t be squelched.
6. IRA Rollover If you own an IRA and are 70 ½ or older, you are required to take a distribution from your IRA and pay the income tax. But, under the IRA Charitable Rollover, you can make a tax-free distribution from your IRA to a tax-exempt charity, such as Jewish Federation & Family Services / Silver Streak program, up until December 31, 2013. To learn more, contact Chelle Friedman at 949-435-3484 or chelle@jffs.org.
Use the enclosed envelope to send your donation to JFFS Silver Streak, 1 Federation Way, Suite 220 Irvine, CA 92603 You can also give online at www.FamilyServicesOC.org or call Lori Axton at (949) 435-3460. Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County
www.FamilyServicesOC.org
Silver Streak Mobility Club News
Fall 2013
In this issue: u Cycle of Giving: Fueled by Love u Exploring Orange County with Silver Streak u Cycle of Giving: Volunteers Give Back u What Can Silver Streak Do For Me? u Cross Train Your Brain with Neurobics u Family Conversations about Dangerous Driving u The Latest Info on OCTA Bus Services u Cycle of Giving: Six Ways to Give Silver Steak is a program of the Family Services division of Jewish Federation & Family Services Orange County.
www.FamilyServicesOC.org (949) 435-3460 JFFS Silver Streak 1 Federation Way, Suite 220 Irvine, CA 92603