Milestones 2
FEBRUARY 2022
Honoring Black history, advocating for social justice WHAT IS PCA?
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, PCA president & CEO
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities. PCA publishes Milestones and offers: • Care in the home • Home-delivered meals • Home repairs and modifications • Protective services • Senior centers • Caregiver support • Employment and volunteer programs • Legal services • Transportation • Ombudsman services
• Health education • Information and referral For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2021-22 Satya B. Verma, O.D., Vice Chair Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary Glenn D. Bryan, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Louis G. Colbert Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P. Lynn Fields Harris Paul Nathanson Sandra McNally Eloise N. Young Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D. Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org
Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties. Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones Editor: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Advertising: Teresa Heavens 215-765-9000, ext. 5053 Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org Subscriptions & Distributions: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Home delivery: $12/year
The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2021 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.
Originally established in the early 1900s as a week-long celebration recognizing the accomplishments of African Americans in the United States, Black History Month officially received its month-long designation by President Gerald Ford in 1976. While Black History Month is designated nationally in the month of February, it is important to honor and celebrate Black history and culture year-round. We are frequently reminded that the fight for social justice must never stop. Freedom, civil rights, and the fight for equality have no season and should always be a part of the larger narrative. Widespread, systemic change beginning with actions taken by many is part of an effective approach to social justice. Racism, discrimination and prejudice have adversely affected our nation for far too long. Ways to combat them include embracing opportunities to share our commonalities as well as our rich cultural customs that make us unique. Embracing our nation’s diversity not only recognizes the tremendous contributions that all people have made to help shape our country, but also creates greater awareness and understanding of our ongoing efforts for true equality.
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We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools. ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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In our work to eliminate systemic racism and create a just and equitable society, using our individual and collective voices matter. Our society must continue its progress toward this goal, and we must continue to combat the wrongs that prevent all of
our citizens from experiencing their greatest opportunities at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Celebrations and opportunities to support Black history and culture are taking place throughout the City of Philadelphia during the month of February. I encourage you to use this month and to take opportunities throughout the year to learn about and participate in the many activities surrounding Black history in the city. (See the calendar, pages 8-9, for learning opportunities and activities in the city taking place in observance of Black History Month.)
National Caregivers Day: February 18 Caregivers deliver a variety of duties from personal care to medical services with compassion. Their days are often long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most. National Caregivers Day, held on the third Friday in February, honors those who provide quality, compassionate long-term and hospice care. These dedicated caregivers provide vital services, allowing older adults to remain independent for as long as possible.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one and need help, reach out to PCA’s Caregiver Support Program by calling the PCA Helpline at 215765-9040 or going to our website (pcaCares.org/caregivers) for more information. Funded by PCA
Join our Team!
Visit pcaCares.org/careers for a list of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s current job openings.