Eden I&R
May 2022 E-Newsletter
Executive Director Taking Sabbatical

Eden I&R’s Executive Director, Alison DeJung, will be on sabbatical from June 13 through September 9.

Our various stakeholders will be able to reach the leadership team and interim Executive Director during this time. 
Observing Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the U.S. since 1949.

It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.

Several of our partner organizations support people with mental health challenges, including:
Celebrating Older Americans Month

Each year in May, Older Americans Month is commemorated to encourage and recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. Their time, experience, and talents enrich the lives of those around them. 

The theme this year is Age My Way, focusing on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. 

Several of our partner organizations support older residents, including:
COVID Back on the Rise, Treatments Available

With a new swell of COVID cases and hospitalizations, health officers from Alameda County and 11 other Bay Area counties and cities are stressing the importance of continued masking indoors and vaccinations.

If you just tested positive for COVID:
  • Stay home and follow isolation guidance
  • Inform anyone you may have had close contact with
  • Contact your health care provider or community clinic to learn about treatment options.
Welcome Dushane White to 211

Dushane White recently joined Eden I&R as a 211 Community Resource Specialist. He is proud of his role in connecting individuals to the resources they need to address everyday challenges of living and those that develop during times of community emergencies.
 
Before moving to the U.S, Dushane was a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for eight years. Eden I&R felt like the perfect place to continue his professional journey because it’s a way to support his community and connect people to help.
 
Making communities safer has always been a priority for Dushane who stated, “Helping families and individuals in their time of need reduces a lot of tension and violence in our communities.”
 
Outside of work, Dushane loves photography and designing fashion.
 
We're very happy to have him on our team!
Expanded Medi-Cal Options Coming

Recent changes in eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal will make it possible for more older adults and people living with disabilities to receive Medi-Cal coverage. 

Among the changes, all Alameda County residents who are 50 years of age or older and meet all Medi-Cal eligibility criteria can receive full coverage Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.

Click here for more information.
211 Anthem 'Just One Firefly' Released

Emmy-nominated songwriter and impact artist Alexander Star connected with another 211 chapter a couple years ago and was inspired to create an original song about 211 to raise awareness about our critical services.

With the support of United Way Worldwide, we're sharing the song and concept across the U.S. to raise awareness of 211’scomprehensive crisis helpline that connects struggling residents to community resources.
Caller Stories
A senior in Pleasanton called feeling lonely and isolated. She lives by herself and has no family or friends to talk to. Staff offered her the Institute of Aging’s Friendship Line for emotional support. 

Click here to read more 211 call examples from April.
211 By the Numbers - April 2022
211 Alameda County

7,225 conversations handled

9,013 referrals provided

Demographics

71% female

26% single mothers with minor children

50% living with disabilities
Conversations handled reflects both calls and two-way texts to 211.
Average Call Length

6:03 minutes
Average Wait Time

4:20 minutes
Services Database

37 agency record updates

121 program record updates
Housing Database

43 units added

1,348 records updated
Caller Testimonial
"I had a really good experience with 211 staff. They were very patient and understanding and gave me all the information I needed. Thank you very much!"
AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project)
AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project) offers housing and human services resource referrals to People Living with HIV/AIDS via a designated phone line and through one-on-one, in-person assistance at clinics and AIDS Service Organizations.

Last month, AHIP completed 175 calls, and provided 525 housing referrals and 143 referrals to services. AHIP completed 1 permanent housing placement, 2 site visits and assisted 1 client with Coordinated Entry System navigation and document readiness. Year to date, AHIP has provided assistance to 286 unduplicated clients.
April Outreach
33 community web-based meetings & calls attended

39,249 website page views

11,573 website sessions/visitors
Thank You to Our Partners
Partner Spotlight - Senior Services Coalition

The Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County was formed in 1996, with support from the Area Agency on Aging, to help senior service providers address policy issues together. 

The coalition hosts events to focus policymaker and public attention on senior issues, build relationships with local and state elected officials, creates cooperative advocacy partnerships and coordinates efforts to make sure state and local budget decisions don’t put vulnerable seniors at risk.

Eden I&R has been a member of the Senior Services Coalition for many years and is grateful for all its good work on behalf of older adults.

For more info, visit their website.
Donor Spotlight - Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc.

Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc. has a Community Action Committee in each major office that leads the company's involvement in local communities.
 
Some of this community assistance includes organizing food and toy drives, neighborhood clean-up campaigns and support of shelters, cancer-research fundraising, and other organizations.
 
HTA has given community grants to Eden I&R in support of 211 Alameda County for several years, including 2022. We are most grateful to the committee in the Pleasanton office of HTA for its ongoing support!

To learn more, visit their website.