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Issue 6 / Volume 9                         September 2018

WWW.MOWDIABLOREGION.ORG

 *Header photo taken by photographer Brian Bullock
Hooray! Congress agreed to continue funding key programs in the Older Americans Act. This is great news. But why should we worry every year about funding priorities?
 
Food is not a luxury. Everyone deserves to eat and a place to live. Now is the time to be proactive. Let your voice be heard. Use the election season to tell local officials at the city, county, state, and federal levels that seniors are important and deserve their attention. Call, write, vote for change, and advocate. Seniors matter and every one of us can speak up and make a difference.
 
To find your local elected officials, click here. For more ways to get involved, visit www.nanasp.org/advocacy. 


 

Fall in to Fall Prevention
Every year during the first week of fall we celebrate Fall Prevention Awareness Week. In Contra Costa County, falls are the leading cause of accidental injuries for residents age 65 and older. 
 
During this nationally recognized week, we raise awareness about the seriousness of falls and ways to reduce fall risk. Along with our partners and the 70-member Contra Costa County Fall Prevention Coalition, MOWDR is making a difference, reducing emergency calls, and helping seniors stay safer in their homes. The Fall Prevention Program offers
A Matter of Balance Classes and home modifications. 

This year we are hosting our 2nd Annual Poker Tournament Fundraiser to benefit our Fall Prevention Program. The waiting list for home safety modifications and exercise programs is growing, and we simply do not have the ability to take care of everyone who needs our assistance. With your financial support we can help more local seniors feel safe and secure in their own homes.

Habit of Giving
Poets and writers have historically waxed eloquent about turning 60.   
 
Without a doubt, it is a landmark year. All kinds of special discounts are available,
from dinners to movies. You have a lot of life ahead of you to be grateful for. But
not everyone wants to celebrate in the traditional manner. Learn how Mary celebrated this special occasion with MOWDR here.

HOPE: Homeownership Protection for Elders
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services is offering a new program called Homeownership Protection for Elders (HOPE) to educate seniors about important protections available to homeowners, such as the Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Postponement Program. Information about safe estate planning practices and the pros and cons of reverse mortgages can also be provided.  Learn more about the HOPE program here.

Malnutrition Awareness Week
Malnutrition has a negative impact on patient outcomes for older adults causing higher infection rates, poor wound healing, longer lengths of stay, higher readmissions, and increased healthcare costs. Join MOWDR as we help bring awareness to malnutrition in our community during Malnutrition Awareness Week on September 24-28. Learn about the effects of malnutrition on older adults and how you can bring awareness to this issue here. 
 

Volunteers: Save the Date!
Volunteers mean the world to us, so we are excited to announce our annual Volunteer Appreciation Event! This year's celebration will be a harvest festival complete with seasonal bites, drinks, and fun at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, November 1, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. Invitations and RSVP information will be mailed soon. We can't wait to celebrate our amazing volunteers!

 

 Tickets now on sale — click here to purchase!
Thank you to our generous early sponsors: Tampico Terrace, PG&E, Chrysler, Les Schwab Tire Center - Martinez, Mobile Notary, Safe at Home Grab Bars, Five Point, and 24Hr Homecare. Sponsorship opportunities are still available! For more information about sponsorships, please contact Susannah Meyer, Community Engagement Director, at smeyer@mowdr.org or 925.239.2487.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is Hiring!
We're looking for a Meal Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and 
Outreach Associate. Click here for more information!
 

See what Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been up to this past month in our new gallery! Click here to enjoy our photos, including a  tribute to one of our C.C. Café members.

Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region family of volunteers! Click here to see the list of our newest volunteers.

Check out upcoming Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and other community events coming near you! Click here to learn more.

Special thank you to our generous donors who have given in tribute or in memory of their loved ones. Click here to see the list.

Read recent articles featuring Meals on Wheels Diablo Region in the Brentwood Press and Rossmoor News!

Discover alternative ways to stay active, healthy, and happy in our new "Artful Aging" blog. Click here to read 10 reasons why you should include more fruit and veggies in your diet!