Seamless Success: Transitioning Circles of Care in Hood River
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In 2019, AGE+ launched its Circles of Care reciprocal volunteer program in The Dalles, applying our community development model. We listened closely, learned from the community, and drew inspiration from its strengths. We identified key partners and set our strategy in motion. Years later, its success meant we were ready to replicate the program in other areas.
In some cases, AGE+’s approach is to collaborate with local partners, providing support for a set period before transitioning the program to a community-based organization. As technical advisors and experts in aging and program development, our role is to guide, not to operate long-term. In 2021, when we expanded to Hood River, we partnered with the Hood River Valley Adult Center (HRVAC), an exceptional organization with a strong local presence. Together, we devised a transition plan that included an innovative staffing model: we hired a community liaison, Rita Rathkey, who was familiar with the community and skilled at working with older adults. She would initially work for AGE+ and gradually transition to an HRVAC employee over three years.
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Pictured above are Rita Rathkey and her husband, Scott McKay, who is the AGE+ Circles of Care Community Liaison in The Dalles.
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As this three-year transition comes to a close, the process is nearly complete. The success of this endeavor reflects the commitment of all involved, particularly Amy Mallet, HRVAC’s executive director. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for serving older adults have been pivotal. Amy, along with Rita, has been the driving force behind this seamless transition. Thanks to their efforts, Circles of Care in Hood River continues to thrive without disrupting services for volunteers or members. This successful handoff demonstrates the power of collaboration and the strength of our partners, ensuring continued support for older adults in Hood River for years to come.
Let us help you: AGE+ offers expertise to agencies and organizations seeking to improve services for older adults, their families, and communities. Our consulting portfolio includes asset mapping, conducting interviews and focus groups, community assessments, developing intergenerational programming, creating education and training modules, housing development, and more. Contact Lori Silverman, Chief Programs Officer, for more information at lsilverman@ageplus.org.
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As part of AGE+'s commitment to public health equity, we have developed an hour-long presentation titled "Shared Outlook on Aging: Building Age-Positive Organizations and Communities." This session includes interactive components, such as one-on-one breakouts and question prompts, to spark in-depth discussions that will continue beyond the presentation. It covers key topics such as the aging demographic shift, age bias, creating an age-positive community, and a call to action for change.
This presentation, made possible by Oregon Health Authority funding, is offered as a professional development opportunity. Our goal is to make this resource available to all public health departments and community-based organizations seeking to develop their skills in serving individuals of all ages.
Interested in a presentation? Contact Julia Brown, Community Engagement Manager, at jbrown@ageplus.org. Our presentations can be fully customized to fit your organization's needs and are available in English and Spanish. These presentations offer a great introduction for anyone interested in our Leadership Exchange on Ageism.
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AGE+ is excited to announce that we have successfully purchased property for a second housing project in Talent, marking another step forward in our mission to provide affordable, accessible housing for older adults aged 55+ in housing-challenged communities. This purchase and future development are made possible through funding from OnPoint Community Credit Union, private donors, United Way of Jackson County, the City of Talent, Jackson Care Connect, and Oregon Housing & Community Services. We are pleased to work with Blazer Industries again to construct these modular units.
Spread the word: Our first development in Talent is ready for residents! Rental applications are still being accepted, with priority given to Almeda fire survivors. Click here to apply.
Coming up: The opening celebration for our Madras development is on September 18th at 1:30pm PT. Stay in the loop—follow us on social media for exclusive photos and the livestream! Social media links are at the end of this email!
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We are looking for next year's inspiring older Oregonians and age-friendly businesses! If you know an older adult who has positively impacted their community, consider nominating them for a 2025 Ageless Award by September 30th! Likewise, if your business or organization is committed to providing accessible services to people of all ages, apply for the 2025 Age-Friendly Business Award.
We celebrate these awards to showcase how vital older adults' contributions and engagement are to communities.
Become a 2025 Ageless Awards Sponsor! Contact Stephanie Hooper, President and CEO, at shooper@ageplus.org.
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We recently wrapped up a transformative staff retreat. Our time together began at the Oregon Historical Society (OHS), where we reflected on Oregon’s diverse history—the good and the bad—and its relevance to our mission. By exploring the past, we gained valuable insights to guide our future work, ensuring we continue building a shared future for all Oregonians. Energized by this experience, we are ready to take on new challenges and shape the future of our communities. A special thank you to Kerry Tymchuk for helping make this retreat truly memorable.
In one of its exhibits, OHS asks, "How will you shape the future of Oregon?" AGE+ took this question into a facilitated session where we examined our own DEI lens. We celebrated the strides we’ve made while recognizing that we still have work to do.
As we pursue our mission, we are committed to listening, learning, growing, and being responsive to the needs of all older Oregonians whose diverse experiences inform our work.
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In today’s world, addressing ageism is crucial for organizational success. The Leadership Exchange on Ageism (LEA) can enhance your DEI efforts by tackling this often-overlooked bias and fostering more inclusive workplaces and communities.
The Leadership Exchange on Ageism is designed for leaders in business, policy, research, and community sectors to explore and combat ageism. There are only a few spots left in the November cohort! Don’t miss out—register now and visit our website for details on dates, costs, and topics covered. Contact us to learn more! Scholarships are available.
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