AgeLinc, Your Link to Aging Well
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AgeLinc Helping to Meet Emergency Needs
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Greetings!
For the past couple of years, life has been especially difficult for many older adults and people with disabilities. We have all experienced loneliness and isolation from our friends and family, and sometimes this has meant needing extra assistance. AgeLinc was fortunate to receive short-term grant funding from multiple sources (IDOA, the Community Foundation and United Way, the King’s Daughter’s Organization, and others) to help assist people who had emergency needs.
In the past year and a half, we have assisted with groceries, rent, utilities, home repairs, glasses, hearing aids, medications, and other items for people who could not afford these things due to hardship. In total, we spent over $90,000 on these needs for individuals in our 12-county service area. Unfortunately, those funds are expended, but the needs don’t go away.
AgeLinc has decided to try to do something about that. We have started fundraising for the first time since our inception in 1974. We have a vision to create a fund for emergency needs for our older adults, and to be able to offer help to those who need it and have nowhere else to turn. Fortunately, we are in a unique position to be able to dedicate the funds raise to emergency needs, and not use them for administrative costs, which is a rare thing to be able to do.
As we head into 2022, we will strive to serve not only those who meet Federal poverty guidelines as laid out by grant funding, but also those who fall into the gap of being over the guidelines but still not able to save for an emergency.
On February 26, 2022, we will hold our first annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala at the Crowne Plaza. If you are interested in being a sponsor, buying tickets, or simply want to make a donation to further our goal of raising funds to help our older adults and people with disabilities with emergency needs, please visit our website at: www.agelinc.org.
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Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala
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Reserve your tickets to AgeLinc's first annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala! The event will take place on Saturday, February 26th from 6:00 - 10:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Tickets are $50 per person.
There will be a silent auction, wine pull, masque contest and a contest for the most festive dressed. Enjoy a seated Cajun dinner and live entertainment by Sojourn Rocs.
Attire: Masquerade and Cocktail/Black tie optional. Best dressed will be crowned King & Queen!
Seating is limited. Covid restrictions apply.
Call 217.787.9234 for Sponsorship and Event Program Ad information. There are still masques available for the Masque Contest. Deadline for submission is February 1.
Proceeds from the event will be used to help older adults with one-time emergency needs such as housing, utilities, prescriptions and groceries.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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Platinum Sponsor
To learn more, visit
https://iltech.org/
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Platinum Sponsor
To learn more, visit
https://huma.na/3qOrQBM
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IATP's mission is to provide Illinoisans of all ages with disabilities and health conditions greater access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services, so that they may enhance their independence and participation in all aspects of life. They offer numerous assistive technology programs and services to learn about and try AT devices, financial loans to purchase AT, training, technical assistance, and a variety of contracted services including professional AT evaluations. Willie Gunther, Executive Director of IATP (Illinois Assistive Technology Program), has been with the agency since 1992 and leads a staff of 34 individuals.
IATP is bringing IPads and Tablets to eligible individuals who have been socially isolated. Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) received $1.7
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million through the CARES Act to provide services to older adults and persons with disabilities who are socially isolated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois Care Connections will provide technology devices and will partner with IATP to provide IPads or Tablets to help facilitate social connections with family and friends. To find out more information and eligibility, go to About ICC-Aging. To learn more about Willie and IATP, read more.
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Community Education Program
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Every second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm, we host a Community Education Program for the general public.
January 11th*:
Healthy Aging
Presented by Derek Brawner,
Health Alliance
An estimated 92 percent of aging adults have at least one chronic disease, and it's estimated that 75 percent of all money spent on health care each year goes toward treating chronic disease. How can all of us keep our minds and bodies active, cut down our risk for chronic disease, save money and live longer, fuller lives?
Join AgeLinc as Derek discusses these topics and find out how you can make 2022 your best year yet!
*This month's presentation will be held virtually only.
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Every Third Wednesday of the month at noon, we host a Lunch & Learn open to all past, present and future caregivers.
January 19th:
Your Way! How to Find Dignity and Choice in a Nursing Home: Where to Begin
Presented by Mark Schwartz, ICARE
During this session, participants will learn about the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, options and alternatives to nursing home placement, how to consider the needs and preferences of consumers, and how to prepare for when a decision about long-term care needs to be made.
* For the safety of participants during the current surge in COVID-19 cases, the Lunch & Learn Program will only be offered virtually for the month of January. Technical assistance is available if needed in order to participate. Please contact AgeLinc for more information.
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Agelinc.org is your "go to" place for the latest information on services and support. Visit uour website often to see changes and additions to the site. As always, you will be able to find information on upcoming programs.
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Martin Luther King Day
January 17
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Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, Inc. (AgeLinc)
217-787-9234 or 1-800-252-2918 (Toll Free)
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