A recipient of grants ranging from elder abuse prevention to comprehensive statewide data management, Sourcewise has continuously delivered on its mission to provide adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options. In addition, Sourcewise has received recognition at local and state levels for marketing, service delivery, and innovation.

SCC’s senior population has shifted dramatically in the past 35 years, putting pressure on the limited resources available for senior programs. Working on behalf of seniors, Schmoll built a network of service providers for those in need.

“As an aging champion, Steve has developed important initiatives,” stated Derrell Kelch, Executive Director–California Association for Area Agencies on Aging. He added, “His contributions to the aging network have been invaluable and have ensured support for aging programs that serve the most vulnerable seniors.”

Schmoll says Sourcewise would not be where it is without its strong, collaborative partnerships and the talented individuals who lead the delivery and administration to provide the direct services.

The Sourcewise Board of Directors thanks and congratulates Mr. Schmoll on an impeccable career and a well-deserved retirement.

View the Sourcewise history: www.mysourcewise.com/media-center/timeline.

Michal Mendoza is the President for the Sourcewise Board of Directors.

The majority of counseling services for Santa Clara County residents are provided by volunteers. In 2018, Sourcewise HICAP volunteers collectively served 1,180 individual clients. Sourcewise HICAP is currently comprised of 37 California state-registered volunteer counselors whose ages range from 60–86 years old and who actively serve at 33 counseling sites throughout Santa Clara County.

On March 29, 2019, Sourcewise HICAP recognized 14 dedicated volunteers for reaching key milestones in their years of service. Marcelo Espiritu, Sourcewise HICAP Director, presented each volunteer with a service pin and certificate on behalf of the California Department of Aging (CDA) and Sourcewise for their years of service ranging from 5 to over 20 years of service.

Barbara Purdy received special recognition from CDA for 21 years of service, acknowledging her selfless commitment and dedication to the Santa Clara County community.

Each May, the contributions of a growing population of older adults is celebrated. The Administration on Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans month, and this year’s theme focuses on the importance of contributing to the community.

“I get all teary-eyed when I talk about my counselors, because they do such a great job!” says Angelina Vallejo, Sourcewise HICAP’s Volunteer Coordinator, of volunteers she onboarded many years ago. “They are volunteers and yet they go above and beyond–they are special.”

Sourcewise HICAP counseling is free and available to eligible Santa Clara County residents; view our counseling sites at www.mysourcewise.com/appointments. Contact the Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program: (408) 350-3200, option 2.

Established in 1981, the non-partisan California Senior Legislature helps preserve and enhance the quality of life for older Californians and their families (https://4csl.org/).

As an active community member contributing to many SCC-based organizations, Mukoyama advocates for better links and communication/coordination between community services and the hospital as they expand.

“The importance of collaboration among care organizations is crucial for those in need,” Mukoyama says. He adds, “…coordinating services among Behavior Health, Medical Health and the Jail as well as Community-Based Organizations is an enormous task.”

Mukoyama also engages with spiritual and faith-based organizations to obtain grant monies to treat “ethnic minority groups, seniors, and LGBTQ populations who will not normally go to Behavioral Health for help.”

Among the list of eleven different local organizations, Mukoyama dedicates his time and passion to voluntary activities as a contributing member of the California Mental Health Spiritual Initiative; Blue Ribbon Commission on jail reform for SCC; Red Cross Disaster Mental Health; and Volunteer Facilitator for Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service, and Sourcewise Advisory Council, among others.

Mukoyama’s work on the Sourcewise Advisory Council led him to an increased level of advocacy at the State-level as a CSL. In his capacity as a Legislator, Mukoyama says while he has not yet authorized legislation, he seeks to pass legislation that houses dementia and depression under the same treatment plan within mental health services.

At a local level, Sourcewise Advisory Council advises Sourcewise on which Older Americans Act services need attention in the community while also advocating on behalf of seniors and distributing information to the community (www.mysourcewise.com/advisory).

“I spend a lot of time in my apartment alone, and I like to talk to people and enjoy myself,” she said. “I love bowling! And that’s what life is all about!”

Socialization is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy life, especially as we age. “It’s important to act engaged in your environment, be it through learning, be it through social interaction, be it through exercise,” explains Denise Park, Psychologist and Director of the Productive Aging Laboratory at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas, Dallas.

Every Wednesday and Friday morning, the team Swinging Seniors rolls into the Homestead Bowl to compete with other senior leagues. The Homestead Bowl is a bowling center tucked away at the intersection of Homestead Road and Stelling Road in Cupertino, California. To complete one ‘play,’ it usually takes three games which can take two hours for a traditional bowling league.

At this bowling alley, age is just a number for these players. The youngest player on the senior league is 58, and the oldest player is 96 years of age. People of all ages can enjoy and benefit from participating in a bowling league where you can socialize with friends and teammates.

While some bowlers are serious competitors, some others are all about having a good time. Marie Doty, 84, said, “It’s just fun, fun, fun! If you have anything that’s bothering you, you come here and forget about it. It’s kind of your therapy.”

Find recreational activities near you. Contact a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

This article was originally published in http://www.ktvu.com/news/-senior-swingers-rule-on-cupertino-bowling-league-where-the-oldest-player-is-96#.XGMT5lPZV0A.email.

“My mother had thirty-year-old possessions, before moving in. She rarely downsized, and as her health declined she became unsettled at the thought of clearing out her unused belongings,” Lillian stated.

According to The Journals of Gerontology (2014), “Among people over age 70, about 30 percent of people reported they had done nothing over the past year to give away any belongings. And 80 percent in the same age group said they had sold nothing in the past 12 months.”

Downsizing and decluttering can happen at any point throughout the year; however, every person’s unique situation is different. Situations such as moving to a new place or first signs of declining health may spur the need to declutter and downsize.

Downsizing is possible when approached with an alternative solution to organization. An efficient guide to downsizing is using the “Four Pile Sorting Method’’.

To successfully use this method, a cleared space within the home could serve as a designated area for all sorted items.

Start Sorting and Get Organized:

Keep

Furniture, mementos, and other personal belongings when there is a committed receiver.

Sell

Speak with an appraiser or have a yard sell of valuable possessions, such as collectables or overstock; gently used furniture.

Donate

Unwanted items that can be reused such as kitchen appliances, clothes, electronics.

Garbage

Dispose properly of hazardous and beyond repair items.

Local donation and recycling centers are available to assist with downsizing. Contact a Community Resource Specialist of Sourcewise: (408) 350-3200, option 1.