Program areas at Heart of Ida
Stay Connected, a local initiative to stabilize and build long term resilience of older adults living in their residences, uses multiple opportunities to connect seniors to their community. Stay Connected includes:AgeWell Resource Guide - A published resource guide distributed to older adults, their families and caregivers with up-to date listings of local community organizations and agencies providing essential programs and services including food assistance, housing, health care, fraud prevention and more. Telephone messaging - Utilizing Dial-My-Calls messaging, registered seniors receive both alerts and twice-monthly calls featuring a friendly, reassuring voice along with timely, factual information related to public health, safety, nutrition, housing, and social, cultural and enrichment opportunities. Telephonic messaging is simple for older adult participation and does not require online access or computer savvy. Live Friendly Caller - Our most isolated older adults who need a more personal connection receive a weekly one-on-one phone call from staff or volunteer. Personal Cards cheerful and uplifting homemade cards are mailed to clients in need. Idas Walkers Pet assistance for low income seniors. Essential Needs Heart of Ida maintains an essential needs pantry to offer donated items such as personal care/hygiene products, blankets, warm socks and winter hats/gloves, PPE, rapid Covid tests and pet food. For older adults in crisis, grocery gift cards are made available and volunteers assist with shopping when necessary. Digital Inclusion One-on-one technology support is provided by volunteers to help seniors get set-up on the devices and learn how to utilize features such as email, internet access and online health, wellness and enrichment programming.
Long Beach Aging Services Collaborative Heart of Ida is the administrative organization for the Collaborative. We coordinate all members, meetings, and events.
Promotoras - Community Health Workers/Promotoras promote education and wellness opportunities across Long Beach.