Dear Advocates:
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year, KCASI nominated Joyce Stout, long-time advocate and current Past-President board member, to be chosen as Michigan’s Older Adult of the Year. Among her volunteer activities, Joyce has been very involved in helping Syrian and Congolese refuge families assimilate into our community. While she wasn’t chosen, anyone who knows Joyce will agree that we are honored and grateful to benefit from her knowledge and enthusiasm as she lends her time to various projects and boards in the community.
Senior Action Week is always part of the month of May celebrations and this year, it is May 15-19. Advocates from across the state will be letting state legislators know that we expect them to support the platform:
• Support Family and Informal Caregivers
• Support and Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce
• Support and Strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
• Increase Access to Home and Community-Based Services
• Expand Access to the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program
Click here for details about the platform and here for the Older Michiganian’s Day agenda which contains a link to the livestream event starting at ll:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17th.
Hope to see you soon and Happy Spring!
Warmly,
Judy Sivak, President
Sarah Cagney, Secretary
Jan Livesay, Treasurer
Kellie Cody, At-Large
Ros Robbert, At-Large
Frank Cody, Legislative Chair
Joyce Stout, Past President