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WISE Vice President, Nikki Davis, Completes American Society on Aging's Rise Fellowship

We are pleased to announce that Nikki Davis, MBA, Vice President of Program Administration at WISE just completed the American Society on Aging’s (ASA) Rise Fellowship, a 20-week leadership and social justice program for leaders of color in aging.


As part of her RISE Fellowship project, Nikki partnered with fellow co-members Tae Oh, (Philadelphia Corporation for Aging); Zeena Regis (Compassion and Choices); and Shivanti Kariyawasam (Rebuilding Together) to address inaccurate representations of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) older adults in the mainstream media.


“We all know that aging is constant,” Nikki says. “It is one universal aspect of human existence that is consistent, and we all experience it, but structural society and mainstream media often fail to recognize the power in aging, which creates dated stereotypes. When we then shine the equity light on the aging of BIPOC older adults, we see that we're missing the representation of millions that allow younger generations to see themselves in aging."

 

Nikki's team project identified methods that industry advocates and allies can use to raise awareness and elevate the value of BIPOC aging. These include narratives and visuals that amplify the voice and work of artists and story tellers to challenge stereotypes and positively portray aging in BIPOC communities. 

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Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs to Receive Additional Funding

Thanks to the collective leadership and advocacy of many organizations including Wise & Healthy Aging, the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association (CLTCOA) was able to secure $5.25 million in additional one-time funding for local Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs to be spent over the next two years. We are very excited that WISE will receive approximately $1.8 million of the funds.


This additional funding will help Ombudsman programs to continue their work to ensure the health, safety, and quality of life of residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities.


WISE oversees ombudsman services in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Our ombudsman teams advocate for residents by listening to concerns, providing information and assistance, and investigating and helping to resolve complaints related to care or personal rights.


Thanks to Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes of the 50th District for carrying the budget request to the legislature! A big shout out also goes to Rachel Tate, MSW, Vice President, Ombudsman Services (LA County), Tabatha Sabastian, MA, Psy, Director of Ombudsman Services (San Bernardino County); and CLTCOA for their leadership in enlisting so much support for our local Ombudsman programs.

WISE is Starting a Spanish Caregivers Support Group

The Peer Counseling Program at WISE will be starting an in-person Spanish Caregiver Support Group. If you or someone you know is looking for a safe, confidential space to share the ups and downs of caregiving for their loved one and to get support from fellow caregivers in Spanish, this Caregiver Support Group is just for you!


For more information on how you can join and/or sign up, call: (310) 394-9871, ext. 151.

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WISE Happenings!

WISE held our first Painting Collective in July and a wonderful time was had by all who attended! Thanks to Darlene Kamberg, Club member and Resident Artist for facilitating these sessions!

As part of our efforts to foster intergenerational activities, our Adult Day Center clients enjoyed a visit from the Santa Monica High School Barbershop Quartet! 

Club members in Baldwin Hills enjoyed "Salon and Tea", a collaboration with SAGE, to explore the ways that Black women navigate the hopes, trials and tribulations of the aging journey.

WISE President Molly Davies and Kimberly Moon, Deputy Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse at USC presented "Preventing and Addressing Abuse Later in Life" at the Los Angeles Alliance for Community Health & Aging's Membership Meeting.

Dr. Miriam Caiden held "Maintain Your Brain", a class exploring what may and may not be part of normal aging and how healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce risk for memory loss.

Our WISE Minds clients took a break at the Promenade as part of a combination culinary and walking activity to get ice cream at McConnel's on a beautiful summer day in July.

Adventures Not Far From Home

If you are thinking about traveling, but would like to explore places a little closer to home, WISE has a number of trips to choose from right here in the U.S. Here are a couple that you might want to consider as you peruse Wise & Healthy Aging's upcoming Adventures! There's always some place new to explore! Check out these and more!

Oregon's Coast, Lakes & Lodges

Sept. 28 - October 4, 2024

(7-days)

Smoky Mountains & Pigeon Forge Holiday

Dec. 8 - 12, 2024 (5 days)

U.S. Based Tours
Wise & Healthy Aging, a non-profit, community-based social service organization, advances the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services.
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