Tag Archives: Ombudsman Services

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda Announces Organization Identity Change to Empowered Aging

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Today, Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families, announced an official rebrand to Empowered Aging.

For over 50 years, the Ombudsman Services program provided fierce, high-quality advocacy on behalf of residents and their families in long-term care. Since then, the organization has expanded its services and scope of work, leading a movement of vulnerable older and disabled adults across the nation.

"Changing our name to Empowered Aging allows us to embrace a number of our other programs like Friendly Visiting and Telephone Reassurance, Healthcare Career Pathway, and elder abuse prevention, among others," said Nicole Howell, Executive Director of Empowered Aging. "Empowered Aging enables us to connect with a wider audience as we continue to expand our reach and services even further."

Empowered Aging is an uplifting, inclusive name that reflects the organization's true purpose: to empower older adults and adults with disabilities to advocate for themselves, living their journey in aging with dignity, respect, and independence.

"If we've learned something positive from the past year, it is that we are strongest when we take care of our most vulnerable citizens," said California State Senator Steve Glazer. "Ombudsman Services does just that. They have worked tirelessly to expand their scope beyond long-term care and into a broad range of programs for seniors and families. They have adapted to meet changing needs, and now more than ever, they are a critical partner and an invaluable resource. Appropriately, Ombudsman Services is changing its name to Empowered Aging. This new name reflects the agency's growing focus on awareness, prevention, and innovation. I value their vital support services and congratulate them on the new identity."

As the organization rolls out this new brand identity, all services will continue uninterrupted and remain free of charge to all who seek support.

About Empowered Aging:

Empowered Aging, previously known as Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, started in Contra Costa County with just a few government grants, a single staff person, and a lot of determination. Over 50 years later, we have evolved, expanding our reach to meet the needs of our time, which are impacting a vulnerable and vastly diverse senior community.

Today, Empowered Aging is uniting individuals, organizations, and communities together around a common mission, a shared vision, and a path forward to a stronger, more equitable journey in aging through a variety of programs and collaborations. For many older and disabled adults, we're the only connection and the only engagement lifting their voices, enabling self-sufficiency, and fighting for their just place in society. As an independent nonprofit, we rely on government, foundations, grateful families, and concerned citizens to fuel our work - with the true measure of success being lives changed.

Learn more at: https://empoweredaging.org/

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/mrNMzs5T0ww

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Susie Hays
760-458-9201
Susie@Q2Mark.com

News from Empowered Aging

Today, Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families, announced an official rebrand to Empowered Aging.

Related link: https://empoweredaging.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Ombudsman Services Executive Director Named Woman of the Year by Congressman Garamendi

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda is pleased to announce that Executive Director Nicole Howell has been selected as a 2020 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi.

In an effort to recognize outstanding women serving in California's Third Congressional District, the Congressman annually invites individuals and organizations to submit nominations of those who have shown a commitment to improving quality of life through leadership and public service.

"This is a tremendous honor," Nicole said during the awards ceremony.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole and the Ombudsman team took to the front lines to distribute personal protective equipment to over 15,000 residents in long-term care. She also participated in efforts for residents' rights by collaborating with local media and testifying on behalf of a movement of residents and their families at the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing "Examining the COVID-19 Nursing Home Crisis" on June 25. During the height of COVID-19, OSCCSA completed nearly 300 facility consultations and close to 200 individual consultations, providing vital information and resources throughout Alameda County.

"I want to accept this award on behalf of all those people who are fighting the fight for seniors right now, particularly those in long-term care," Nicole said. "Thank you so much. This is beyond what I could have dreamed."

As the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda (OSCCSA), Nicole is responsible for ensuring that the nearly 29,000 long-term care residents and their families have access to the highest level of care and respect and, above all, can live free of abuse and neglect.

Since becoming Executive Director, Nicole has grown OSCCSA's budget by nearly 600%, lowered the use of anti-psychotics in Contra Costa County by 10%, and increased facility coverage by unearthing the problems and issues that are being overlooked. She has helped spearhead many new programs in Ombudsman Services and beyond, including the Elder Justice Program Solano, Telephone Reassurance, and Friendly Visiting in Solano County, as well as Healthcare Career Pathways and Residents' Rights in Contra Costa.

About Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda:

Ombudsman Services is the only organization mandated by law to make unannounced visits to long-term care facilities to ensure that residents are free from abuse and are receiving quality care. We have been aiding the community for more than 40 years, and all services are free of charge. We serve Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties with our team of highly trained Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit https://www.ccsombudsman.org/.

MEDIA-ONLY CONTACT:
Susie Hays
Susie@Q2Mark.com
760-458-9201

News from Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda

Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda is pleased to announce that Executive Director Nicole Howell has been selected as a 2020 Woman of the Year by Congressman John Garamendi.

Related link: https://www.ccsombudsman.org/

This version of news story was published on ScoopCloud™ (ScoopCloud.com) - part of and © the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.