Two organizations receive $20,000 grants to help serve residents
GAF
The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) recently awarded $20,000 grants to Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) and the Council On Aging Orange County (COAOC) to help residents in need.
Many people living in Leisure World are impacted by memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. Some of these individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease or a relatedformofdementia. These chronic conditions often result in social, emotional and financial challenges that impact individuals, family, neighbors, and communities. With a $20,000 grant from the GAF, Alzheimer’s Orange County can bring more services to LW this fall.
Making a Difference for 40 Years In 1982, a small group of women that knew the challenges of dementia required special help. Unified by their shared experiences of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and a common goal to bring relief and support to others like them, they founded the nonprofit that would become AlzOC.
AlzOC is an experienced partner that walks hand in hand with Orange County residents to help navigate the journey of memory loss and cognitive decline. Its helpline is staffed by dementia care specialists who provide personal guidance and assistance suited to each person’s needs. Their support groups bring people together to connect, share and find solutions. AlzOC offers free classes that empower and provide support for caregivers from the early stages all the way through to bereavement.
The $20,000 grant from GAF enables AlzOC to begin offering in-person care consultation, community education and support groups this fall. Its newest initiative, pioneering a community-based dementia care navigation service in LW, is funded primarily by a federal grant. The implementation of this novel, evidence-based program is projected to begin in early 2023. These services along with many others have transformed AlzOC into a multifaceted, independent nonprofit that supports over 30,000 people in Orange County annually.
Reducing Risk
Anyone can work on reducing their risk of cognitive decline. Getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically and socially active are a few important ways to keep your mind fit.
Action is Crucial
AlzOC’s life-changing services go beyond just Alzheimer’s. Its expertise and services support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, promote brain health for all and are aimed at cultivating healthy aging. The earlier a person seeks support, the sooner AlzOC can help. For more information, call (844) 373-4400 to speak to a dementia care specialist or visit www. alzoc.org.
The GAF has served the community for over 49 years as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The organization provides free services to residents. It also sponsors other nonprofit organizations, including AlzOC and COAOC.
In order to continue to support the community, the GAF relys on donations from individual shareholders, groups and organizations. Those who want to help support its programs via donation can send a check to: Golden Age Foundation P.O. Box 2369 Seal Beach, California 90740. The tax ID is 23-7273105.
For more information about the GAF, call (562) 431-9589. or visit the website at www. GoldenAgefdn.org – Mark Odom
The Golden Age Foundation awarded two $20,000 grants to Alzheimer's Orange County and the Council on Aging Or ange County .
