For over fifty years, Ellen Rollins has been devoted to helping people as a nurse and health care provider.

Ellen has served on several public boards and commissions in Santa Clara County (SCC), including eight years on the Sourcewise Advisory Board back when it was formerly known as the Council on Aging Silicon Valley.

When volunteering for the African American Community Services Agency (AACSA), Ellen focused on fundraising for the annual Juneteenth celebration. With Ellen’s perseverance in fundraising, the AACSA became fully funded with a line item now in SCC’s budget. Ellen’s current focus is on making Juneteenth a state holiday then taking it to the international level. Earlier this year, Ellen was nominated into the Black Legends Hall of Fame Silicon Valley 2023 and was presented the Joyner-Stroughter Community Service Award on February 18, 2023, for her dedicated work “to provide essential services to enhance the quality of life for people in the Black community.” Ellen’s contributions and dedication to Silicon Valley’s African American community also reflects a great commitment to her family and herself. On March 13, 2023, Ellen was recognized and commended by the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors for her life-long dedication to bettering the lives of children, seniors, and veterans, and for supporting the labor movement and the African American community in SCC.

“I am proud of Santa Clara County. This county cares about its residents and has the intent to care about everyone”, Ellen states. Currently serving her second term, Ellen is a proud member of the Sourcewise Advisory Council. She has always felt that she could lend a voice to the Council and the community.

If you are interested in learning more about the Advisory Council and openings for new members, contact Shirley Loffer (shirleyloffer@aol.com) or Tom Picraux (stpicraux@gmail.com) Membership Co-Chairs.

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley (RTSV) is an independent affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together organization. RTSV is one of the only organizations in Santa Clara County that provides critical repairs at no cost to low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities by leveraging volunteer labor. Since their establishment in 1991, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley has renovated nearly 3,000 homes and community facilities.

RTSV serves homeowners who cannot afford to make repairs and/or modifications to their homes and whose independence and safety are jeopardized by the condition of their home. RTSV’s work preserves affordable housing by transforming homes and lives through critical repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners and community centers, at no cost to the service recipient. Majority of the low-income homeowners they serve are seniors and/or people with disabilities, who are physically and financially unable to maintain safe and warm living conditions for themselves and their families. RTSV’s impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods in our community.

RTSV is able to provide all services, at no cost to the recipient, by utilizing volunteer labor and donated and reduced cost supplies and materials. They could not provide life-changing repairs for their low-income neighbors without the generous support of their sponsors. Most of the work is also completed by community volunteers who generously donate their time and talents to help out.  Without donors, RTSV cannot fund their projects. Without volunteers, they cannot perform their work, and without clients, they cannot serve our community.

To learn more on how to get involved in RTSV’s life-changing work by offering support, volunteering your time, or applying for repairs, email info@rtsv.org for more information.

For any family caregiver, effective communication with your loved one is important to have. Good communication skills can help to build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and improve overall well-being. 

Keep several of these basic communication principles in mind when caring for your loved one: 

• Listen actively: Listening actively is an important skill that can help you better understand your loved one’s needs and concerns. When you listen actively, you pay attention to what the person is saying by using body language to show interest and asking clarifying questions.
• Speak clearly and calmly: When speaking to your loved one, it is important to speak clearly and calmly. Avoid speaking too fast or too loudly, as it can be confusing or upsetting.
• Use non-verbal communication: Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Using appropriate non-verbal communication can help you convey your feelings, show empathy, and help your loved one understand your intentions.
• Use open-ended questions: Open-ended questions encourage conversation and can help you deepen your understanding of your loved one’s needs. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
• Be patient: Caregiving can be challenging, and your loved one may become frustrated or confused. Be patient and try to understand their perspective.

Effective communication can be an essential part of caregiving. By practicing these communication skills, you can build strong relationships with your loved one, healthcare providers, and other caregivers to work together to provide the best possible care. 

To learn more about effective communication tools and resources, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1. 

It could eventually be easy to forget to take care of yourself when you are surrounded by people who need you the most. However, it is essential to remember the one thing that needs you the most is yourself – mind, body, and spirit.

There are many contributing factors that go into maintaining your health, such as eating healthy, making sleep a priority, focusing on your strengths, and making sure you are staying active.

Eating healthy may be difficult to maintain but one of the most important things you can do for yourself is consume foods that will benefit you. Incorporating healthy eating habits can help you when it comes to preventing diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. As you form new healthy eating habits, you may notice an increase in energy, a boost in your immunity, and numerous other benefits.

Healthy aging not only means adopting a balanced diet, but it could also mean staying active. Staying active can have a variety of meanings. It can be as easy as walking around your block two or three times a day, starting a garden, or completing a few simple stretches. All of this and more can be super helpful in the long run.

Staying active is not only beneficial when it comes to maintaining your physical health, but it can be beneficial to your mental health as well. According to the National Institute on Aging, you will likely notice reduced anxiety levels, enhanced sleep, and decreased doctor visits. It is never too late to start healthy behavior changes to be able to live more independently.

To learn more about healthy aging tips, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.

Every year, May is recognized as Older Americans Month in the United States which is led by the Federal Administration for Community Living. This is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of older adults in our communities. According to the Administration for Community Living, this year’s theme is “Aging Unbound,” which highlights the limitless possibilities of aging and the potential for continued growth, exploration, and creativity.

Older adults have faced many challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, and economic instability. However, they have also shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. They have adapted to new technologies and methods of communication, found creative solutions to problems, and remained engaged and active in the community.

During Older Americans Month, we recognize and honor the many ways that older adults contribute to society. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom that can benefit people of all ages. Many continue to work, volunteer, and engage in civic activities, making a positive impact in their communities.

This May, we encourage everyone to get involved and show support for older adults. We can reach out to older adults in our communities and offer assistance or companionship. We can volunteer with organizations that support older adults, donate to causes that benefit them, or advocate for policies that address their unique needs.

With the theme of “Aging Unbound,” we recognize the resilience and potential of older adults and work to ensure that they are supported and empowered in our communities.

To learn more about ways to acknowledge Older Americans Month, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.