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Elders in Action, a powerful force for seniors, offers opportunities to get involved
BY BECKY WEHRLI
FOR THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
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| Mid-County resident Dorothy Fisher (left) along with East Portland residents Ben Owre and Frances Spak, receive Helping Hands awards for their volunteer work with Elders in Action. |
| SUBMITTED PHOTO |
“I can’t think of another organization that takes such a hands-on approach and makes such a big difference when it comes to advocating for the rights of local seniors,” said Randy Leonard, Portland city commissioner. “Elders in Action has truly become a major source of support and inspiration for local seniors.”
With a small staff and a dedicated team of volunteers, Elders in Action tackles some of the toughest issues facing Portland area seniors and works to make sure that the elderly never become the city’s forgotten citizens. Elders in Action has an active Ombudsman Services program that last year helped more than 1,100 individuals solve problems relating to housing, health care, elder abuse and crime. Its nationally renowned Elder Friendly business certification program has raised awareness among local business for how to best serve the needs of seniors. More than 190 local businesses now boast “Elder Friendly” status.
Elders in Action’s volunteers are constant fixtures at Portland City Hall. Members of Elders in Action’s commission work with officials to implement elder-friendly changes and tackle problems such as local transportation and housing needs. The organization also provides seniors with important information about health issues, including breast cancer awareness and how to cope with diabetes.
“We believe quality of life should never depend on age,” said Becky Wehrli, executive director for Elders in Action. “As Portland’s population grows increasingly older, it’s important to ensure that the rights and the needs of seniors are being addressed.”
More than ever, Elders in Action provides a way for people to get involved and help seniors. Last year, more than 160 volunteers contributed 8,000 hours, serving as personal advocates for frail older adults, giving advice to elected officials and helping businesses learn how to better serve the needs of the elderly. According to Wehrli, this dedicated base of volunteers is essential, because as a nonprofit organization, Elders in Action must rely on grants, private donations and volunteers to operate.
And the need is continuing to grow. As the state and local communities struggle with budget deficits and tight resources, Elders in Action is helping fill gaps and provide necessary services for local seniors. From Beaverton and Gresham, to downtown Portland and Clackamas, Elders in Action responded to a 30 percent increase in calls last year for help from seniors who in many cases had no where else to turn. The organization kept 31 seniors from losing their housing due to eviction or foreclosure and recouped nearly $27,000 in funds lost as a result of scams and fraud. Wehrli says that it’s those individual success stories that have become the motivation behind Elders in Action.
“Our volunteers are great examples of how older adults can contribute a wealth of talent, wisdom and experience to the health and vitality of the community, said Wehrli. “Volunteers contribute the life and professional experiences they’ve developed and they learn new skills or develop new expertise. When you combine our volunteer’s experience with their eagerness to learn, the results are powerful, and the community benefits.”
Opportunities currently exist in each of the organization’s three programs, in the office and on the board of directors, as well as planning fundraisers. An informal orientation to learn about leadership opportunities and training for program volunteers are all planned for October.
“We all deserve to grow old not only gracefully, but safely, securely and happily,” said Wehrli. “For our staff and volunteers, if we can play a role in helping make that a reality for our local elderly citizens, that’s success. That’s what makes the effort worthwhile.”
For more information about Elders in Action or to get involved, contact 503-823-5269 or www.eldersaction.org.
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