WISE & Healthy Aging Awarded Contract to Run
New Center to Help Address Elder Abuse
As if the timing couldn't be more perfect, this June marks the launch of the new Adult Protective Services (APS) Center of Excellence, where beginning in July, WISE & Healthy Aging will lead a multidisciplinary team of government and community-based organizations in tackling the most egregious abuse cases of older adults and adults with disabilities. The Center will also conduct advanced training to APS staff and multidisciplinary team members.

WISE has partnered with renowned elder abuse authorities Laura Mosqueda, M.D., and Bonnie Olsen, Ph.D., from Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Drs. Mosqueda and Olsen will provide the clinical expertise on how best to address the complex elder abuse cases presented at the Center.

"Elder abuse is more common than many people realize," said Miles McNeeley, LCSW, Vice President, Elder Abuse Prevention at WISE, who will lead the APS Center. "Bringing all the right people to the table through the the Center will enable us to intervene when elder abuse is suspected, as early, effectively, and expeditiously as possible."
Making Communities Aware of Elder Abuse
Miles McNeeley, LCSW, Vice President, Elder Abuse Prevention (center), Long Beach Gray Panthers, event volunteers and walkers at the 'Walk and Roll" event and Resource Fair held at the Long Beach Senior Center on
June 15th.
Rachel Tate, MSW, Vice President, Ombudsman Services was presented with a proclamation by City of Pasadena officials, proclaiming June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in the City of Pasadena.
Miles McNeeley, LCSW, Vice President, Elder Abuse Prevention discussed the future of elder abuse prevention with panelists from USC, and LA County Aging & Disabilities at Bet Tzedek's 7th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event.
We Need Your Support
For over 50 years, WISE & Healthy Aging has been at the forefront of helping older adults live safe and healthy lives. The wide variety of programs we offer reflect the many stages of aging and range from active older adults to those needing extra support, including those who care for them. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to help more than 20,000 individuals each year. Your financial support will enable us to maintain the many programs and services that older adults in our community rely on.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Ken
For Ken Smith, a former Los Angeles City fire fighter, making the decision to volunteer at WISE & Healthy Aging came after his mother passed away. She had lived with him and his wife for the last few years of her life and had inspired Ken with the volunteer work she did with her church. 
 
“I knew I wanted to give back the way my mother did. Then one day I was out walking with a group of friends, and one of them just happened to be volunteering at WISE and told me how much she liked doing it. Right after that, I saw an ad asking for volunteers at WISE, so it just seemed like everything was aligning for what I was meant to do," recalls Ken. 

Ken was recently honored by the County of Los Angeles for his outstanding volunteerism at the 58th Annual Older Americans Recognition Day Awards Ceremony.

Thank you, Ken for your outstanding contributions!
Looking to Get Away?
Looking for a get-away this fall? Check out WISE Adventures upcoming multi-day trips within the U.S. These are great opportunities for older adults and their families and friends to see places not too far from home and to make new friends along the way. For more details and to make reservations, please click the button below:
Central Coast Lighthouses, Redwoods & Rail
September 24-28, 2023
New England Fall Foliage
October 2-8, 2023
Magnolia Trails & Heart of Texas
November 4-8, 2023
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.