HOLIDAY CHEER EVENT
VOYCE
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet, for many, the holiday season can be a time of loneliness for nursing home residents. This year, you can help make sure that everyone is included in the holiday cheer. Project Holiday Cheer is all about kindness and community and it couldn’t be easier to take part. With your help, we will make sure that every resident in long-term care in St. Louis receives a holiday card this December. Together we will celebrate kindness and community and show the residents that the community of St. Louis remembers and cares about them. As a Holiday Cheer project partner, you will be matched with a long-term care facility in the St. Louis area. Cards for each resident can be made or purchased by your group. Once all the cards have messages and are signed, you’ll deliver the cards, making a resident’s day. Join the holiday cheer and let's share some festive joy and kindness this holiday season. Contact Jamie McGeechan, Events Coordinator at VOYCE for more information. [email protected] or call 314-919-2410 www.voycestl.org/ways-give/events/projectholidaycheer
Jamie McGeechan, [email protected], VOYCE, 314-919-2410, www.voycestl.org
REDUCTION OF ENERGY BURDEN
Energy Care
EnergyCare is helping low-income seniors in the city reduce their energy burden with free home energy audits (HES) and low-cost energy efficiency techniques. Eligible seniors will receive the following services: • conduct a U.S. Department of Energy certified HES home energy audit, • weatherize windows and doors with clear 4 mil vinyl sheeting • install compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, • install a low-flow showerhead, • install Energy Star qualified programmable thermostats, where a non-rated thermostat exists, caulk around doors and windows, • install weather stripping and window coverings.
Tim O'Dea, [email protected], EnergyCare, 314-773-5900, www.energycare.org
BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANT SERVICES
Bilingual International Assistant Services has been funded to enroll Missouri Residents into the new Medicaid Expansion and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Programs. We are seeking events and opportunities to provide literature and direct assistance to eligible individuals, particularly persons of color, 19–35-year-olds, singles, LGBTQIA+, and others who now qualify through new legislation. We also offer direct service assistance to individuals. For more information, please contact Linda Nguyen: 314-497-8680; [email protected]
Ellen Sherman, [email protected], Bilingual International Assistant Services, 314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
I’M ALIVE, LET ME SURVIVE CAMPAIGN
Grace Chapel Ministries
Support the "I'M ALIVE, LET ME SURVIVE Campaign. Help stop the Killings. www.gracechapelministries.org or call 314-995-5013
Rev Larry Brown, [email protected], Grace Chapel Ministries,
314-409-0965, www.gracechapelministries.org
ST. LOUIS PRESS CLUB CONTINUED SUPPORT
St. Louis Press Club
2021 has been a year of many successes and challenges for Press Club. However, the one constant has been your ongoing support which has been essential to raising awareness and vital funding for the sixteen journalism student scholarships we awarded this year, as well as enterprise grants for working journalists to spotlight marginalized issues in our region. As we head towards the end of this year and look forward to 2022, I am happy to report that we have continued to provide meaningful Zoom programming through the "Our IN THE NOW" interview series with 40 media professionals from our region and nationally with CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, Major Garrett -- each sharing their insights during these difficult times. It is available for viewing at www.stlpressclub.org I hope we can count on your ongoing commitment to our program of work to ensure the future of quality media. Together we can inspire young students to enter the field of journalism and support those independent journalists struggling to share under-reported stories that need to be told. Please help us continue with our plans by considering a year-end, tax-deductible contribution to Press Club. By making a donation by December 31, you can ensure your gift is counted for 2021. You can either mail your check to Press Club at P.O. Box 410522, St. Louis, MO 63141 or make an online tax-deductible at gift https://stlpressclub.org/donate_payment.html
Again, many thanks for your support.
St. Louis Press Club, Joan Lee Berkman, President, St. Louis President
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHURCH WORKERS AND MISSIONARIES
Lutheran Senior Services
Financial Assistance for Church Workers and Missionaries Lutheran Senior Services helps older adults live life to the fullest by responding to their physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs. Those who have dedicated their lives to church or mission work from all denominations may be eligible for financial assistance with senior related services through the Eliezer Fund. Award amounts vary depending on the types of services needed. If you or someone you know is a church or mission worker, both active or retired, please take a moment to learn more about the Eliezer Fund by calling Aging Answers at 314-446-2475.
Gina Timme, [email protected], Lutheran Senior Services, 314-373-4094,
www.lssliving.org
SMARTCOMPANION VOICE TECHNOLOGY
Veterans Home Care
Veterans Home Care® (VHC) announces the launch of SmartCompanion®, an Echo® Alexa® device specially preprogrammed with new voice technology for seniors to reduce isolation and loneliness and replaces push-button medical alert systems. The launch was stepped up to meet the needs of seniors during the pandemic. Veterans or their surviving spouses eligible for VA benefits can receive the service as part of their flagship VetAssist® Program. The SmartCompanion delivers security and peace of mind 24/7. Seniors can make and receive voice-activated phone calls, including emergency calls, by just asking Alexa for help. Seniors enjoy Alexa's news and entertainment. A military grade security network makes it private and secured. Veterans Home Care helps wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who qualify and apply for a non-service-related disability pension from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which pays for help with activities of daily living. VHC utilizes a national network of 3,800+ home care providers. Veterans Home Care is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the VA. Alexa and Echo are trademarks of Amazon Inc. or its affiliates.
Janet Jennewein, [email protected], Veterans Home Care,
314-520-0668, www.veteranshomecare.com
DEMENTIA CAREGIVER ONLINE SURVEY ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
St. Louis University
This is an opportunity for family or professional caregivers to participate in a survey study. If participants agree to take part in the study (which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete), they will complete an online survey on background information and characteristics of their caregiving experience. Additional questions will address the caregiver’s mental health, medical issues, family relationships and attitudes around caregiving. A random drawing will be done for participants who complete the survey for a chance at winning one of two $25 Amazon gift cards. This study is completely voluntary, and participants can choose to withdraw participation at any time. If any participants want to take part in this study, please click on the link below to start the survey. If you or any participants have any questions, you can contact the PI (Max Zubatsky) and 314-977-2496 or [email protected] Thank you. Survey: https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9
Max Zubatsky, [email protected], Saint Louis University, 314-977-2496,
https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4OvD1rZgZjwcpA9
TOOLS FOR SENIORS AT NO COST
Generations On Line
Generations on Line now offers no-cost tools for seniors to help develop technology skills. As the COVID pandemic has increased isolation and reliance on online communication, a national nonprofit devoted to digital literacy for seniors announces a series of easy, fast, and free tools to help more than a quarter of America’s 54 million older adults who struggle with the Internet. After training 116,000 seniors to overcome their fear of the Internet, Generations on Line (GoL) has created, tested and now launches the following remote-use COVID support tools:
2020 Census:www.EasyCensusHelp.org provides a safe preview and practice to give seniors the skills they will need to enter their information with confidence, said founder and CEO Tobey Dichter. The interactive website, developed with help from the regional Census office, includes quick training on filling in forms, previews of actual questions, and tips for Internet safety – all in a cheerful, age-respectful website, that adapts to smartphones, tablets, laptop and desktop computers.
Internet and More - “Easy Tablet Help for Seniors” is an app suited to Apple, Android or Amazon Fire devices to guide a novice through the basics with friendly, simple, large type, onscreen directions for using these portable devices, email and texting, searching, photos, apps, and online safety. GoL has just launched it for smartphones, as well as any tablet computer. “Many low and moderate income elders won’t have Wi-Fi and now can’t have anyone coming into their home to help them set it up, so we optimized our training and added information about data plans,” Ms. Dichter said. There is also a web version for those less comfortable with or unable to download an app www.generationsonline.org/apps.
Family Help - www.generationsonline.org/family will help families and caregivers support their older friends and relatives, with simple instructions, in short forms for printing, for everything from what to consider in choosing a device to coaching them through using the self-paced training.
Video Chat - Generations on Line has also added ZOOM to its suite of video chat training, as that has become popular for family gatherings. GoL is developing additional tools to help seniors join the virtual world during, and likely after, the pandemic of 2020. All programs are free. The organization is supported solely by charitable contributions. Pew Research 2019, www.generationsonline.org,Tobey Dichter, [email protected], 215-922-3244
CRAFT ALLIANCE PARTNERS WITH ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL
Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists
Now thru February 15
Craft Alliance, one of the premier craft organizations in the country, is proud to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to present Artists as Educators: Craft Alliance’s Teaching Artists. The exhibition highlights the talented Craft Alliance faculty who inspire and elevate creativity in its studios. The exhibition runs mow thru February 15, 2021 in the Saint Louis Lambert International Airport Gallery East.
“Craft Alliance has a rich history of artists teaching in our studios,” says Stefanie Kirkland, Director of Galleries + Artists-in-Residence at Craft Alliance. “Our faculty is made up of exceptionally skilled practicing artists who teach classes for adults, as well as for children. Our teachers are hardworking artists and the driving force of leadership and passion that is present in our studio classrooms and in the community. We are excited to partner with Saint Louis Lambert International Airport to bring their inspiring work to a broader audience.”
Jessica Goodhart, [email protected]
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS ASSISTANCE
Charis Disability Advocates
If you or a loved one are not yet of retirement age, but have health problems that would put you at high risk for return to work (considering the potential exposure to COVID-19), you or the loved one may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income. Some examples of medical impairments that would place a person at higher risk include chronic kidney or liver disease, pulmonary disease (emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, etc.), heart conditions, compromised immune system, HIV+ or AIDS, sickle cell disease, or diabetes mellitus.
Karen Fick, [email protected], Charis Disability Advocates, 314-236-0119,
www.charisdisability.com
VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Research Department at the St. Louis Veterans Administration
The St. Louis VA has received full approval to begin enrolling and treating patients in the study “Expanded Access to Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19”. Dr. Jay McDonald will be the St. Louis VA’s Principal Investigator for this study. This study will be using Plasma transfusions from recovered COVID-19 patients to current COVID-19 patients. This study is headquartered at the Mayo Clinic and provides our patients with access to convalescent plasma as a therapeutic for COVID-19. We are the first VA in the nation to bring this Plasma treatment to our Veterans! This cutting-edge research is going to help save the lives of many.
For specific information regarding the study please contact the
Principal Investigator, Dr. Jay McDonald, Phone: 314-652-4100, ext. 54862 or email: [email protected], or The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) of Research and Development at the St. Louis VA: Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly Phone: 314-814-3231 or email: [email protected].
Rebecca Kammer, [email protected]
MEDICAL MARAJUANA
MMJ Concierge
By the end of 2020, medical cannabis will be available to residents of the state of Missouri. Interested? What can medical marijuana do for my chronic pain? How do I get it? How do I get a license? Do I need a doctor referral? What are Missouri’s Qualifying Conditions? How much does it cost? Can I quit other pharmaceuticals? Do I smoke it? How do I know what to buy? As a previous investor in the industry, Ruthie Jayne, the MMJ Concierge, will lead seminars at your location with a lively power point or will provide private home visits, sharing with you the facts of MMJ. Ruthie Jayne-[LIFE] Moves with Care by Ruthie 314-277-7284 [email protected] Find me on Google: https://www.mmjconcierge.net/ Facebook-stl mmj concierege
Ruthie Jayne, [email protected], MMJ Concierge, 314-277-7284,
www.mmjconcierge.net
TUTORING SERVICES
BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Bilingual International Assistant Services' customized US Citizenship Program for Elderly Legal Permanent Resident is actively enrolling clients. Eligible individuals must be 60 or older and a legal permanent Missouri resident for at least 5 years. Our services include: One -on-one tutoring in clients’ home Preparation in the native language (if eligible) Language support for document translation and in-person interview (if eligible) Study materials and practice USCIS interviews Basic case management & client advocacy: education about voter registration; Medicare counseling and enrollment; government records status updates Representation at USCIS interview Assistance with exemptions and medical waivers. Our Department of Justice Accredited Representatives are very knowledgeable and experienced in the naturalization process. For information, please call 314-645-7900, ext. 203
Ellen Sherman, [email protected], Bilingual International Assistance Services, 314-645-7800, www.bilingualstl.org
2020 MONTHLY CAREGIVER CLASSES
Barnes Jewish West County Hospital
Second Tuesday of the month – 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
All classes will be held in the East conference room off the main lobby. To register, call: 314-542-9378
November 10 Legal Matters and Goals of Care
An attorney will present information on important legal matters to address with your loved ones. A palliative social worker will share ways to discuss goals of care and long-term planning. Advance Directives will be discussed.
December 8 Alternate Therapies
There are many ways to cope with stress and different therapies will be discussed, such as music therapy, massage therapy, pet therapy, and more. This will be an experiential class, with enough room for personal questions and needs.
Heather Bell, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, Social Worker, BJC Hospice and Palliative Home Care, 1935 Belt Way Dr., St. Louis, MO 63114, 314-872-5050.
OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY
University City Outpatient Clinic
Did You Know? Medicaid Beneficiaries Can Now Get Outpatient Physical Therapy. That’s right! Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) now pays for outpatient physical therapy, called Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy. To qualify, you must not be homebound and: Be 21 years of age or older Be MO HealthNet eligible Have a chronic neck or back pain diagnosis Have a chronic pain post traumatic injury diagnosis AW Health Care Outpatient Physical Therapy Services Therapy services can help patients get pain relief without the use of addictive medicines. We are now seeing patients at our University City Outpatient Clinic located at: AW Health Care 7308 Balson Avenue University City, MO 63130 If you would like to find out more about if Medicaid Alternative Pain Management Physical Therapy can help you, contact: AW Health Care 314-726-5600 extension 470 or 471.
Rebecca Boerner, [email protected], AW Health Care, 314-726-5600,
www.awhealthcare.com
DIMENTIA COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Aging Ahead
Aging Ahead, along with other AAA's in Missouri have partnered with Dementia Friendly America and the Dementia Friends USA initiative by joining the global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Our Community Options Specialists and Senior Center Administrators finished their training course and are now certified Dementia Friends Champion volunteers. They will have the opportunity to be in the community increasing awareness about dementia, how it affects people and the ways we all can help. We want to recognize our staff and their passion for making Aging Ahead apart of this great program. For more information you can visit www.dementiafriendsusa.org.
Stephanie Patrick, [email protected], Aging Ahead, 636-207-0847,
https://www.agingahead.org/who-we-are/careers/
DRIVING WITH DIGNITY PROGRAM
Keeping Us Safe, LLC
Erin Dwyer, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), is now a Beyond Driving with Dignity professional through Keeping Us Safe, LLC. She helps families determine if their loved one should retire from driving in the privacy of their own car and home. The program involves cognitive assessments, learning conversations, and a driving exercise. Workbooks are also available to families who wish to do this on their own. Please call or email for more information, Erin Dwyer, [email protected], 314-451-2255.
Erin Dwyer, Senior Care Authority, 314-451-2255, www.seniorcare-stlouis.com