May 2013 Volume 3, Issue 4 DHS State of Georgia Division of Aging Services National Older American's Month DAS Mission: The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services supports the larger goals of DHS by assisting older individuals, at-risk adults, persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers to achieve safe, healthy, independent and self-reliant lives. May is Older American's Month. Show your support for Older Americans Month by unleashing the power of age in your community. Every year since 1963, May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions and achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation's commitment to honor the value that elders continue to contribute to our communities. This year's Older Americans Month Theme--"Unleash the Power of Age!"- emphasizes the important role of older adults. This May, Communities across the nation will recognize older American's as productive, active and influential members of society. DAS encourages you to take part in the celebrations by sharing your Older Americans Month resolutions with the U.S. Administration on Aging. Post what you will do this May to unleash the power of age on the AOA Facebook Page. Follow up by sharing a picture or story about the experience later in the year. While DAS provides services, support and resources to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation! We will continue to provide opportunities for elders to come together and share their experiences with one another, as well as with individuals of other generations. Inside this issue: National Older American's 1 Month Healthy Aging Summit 1 Governors Older Americans 2 Month Proclamation State Triad of Georgia Offers 3 Assistance to Start Local Triads FSIU Training Pays Off 3 DAS on GPB 3 Employee Spotlight--Carline 4 Robertson From the Director's Office 4 Healthy Aging Summit--2013 EPPICard Debit MasterCard 5 for public assistance customers Mark your calendar now! The Georgia Department of Human Services/Division of Aging Services is planning a three day Healthy Aging Summit and Nutrition Conference entitled "Expanding Our View of Healthy Communities" June 4th through June 6th, 2013, at the Marriott City Center in Macon, Georgia. The conference is designed for Dietitians, Social Workers, Area Agency Directors, Home Health Agencies, Case Managers, Alzheimer's' Caregivers, Certified Health Educators and other professionals involved in providing care for older adults. The conference registration fee is $220.00 for Dietitians, Social Workers and Certified Health Educators and $200.00 for all other professions. ADA approved continuing education credits will be available for Dietitians attending the meeting. For more information as pre-registration is required, contact Angela Johnson 404-657-5323 Page 3 State Triad of Georgia Offers Assistance to Start Local Triads The State Triad of Georgia is a collaboration between public safety, the criminal justice system, and the senior community and affiliated organizations. The purpose of Triad is to develop and implement crime prevention and education programs for older individuals. Triad is a commitment shared by organizations working together to address crime by identifying misconceptions, educating seniors on criminal activity that affects them and creating programs to reduce elder crime. S.A.L.T. stands for Seniors and Law Enforcement Together. A S.A.L.T. council is the working arm of a Triad. The State Triad of Georgia is committed to assisting in the development of local Triads and S.A.L.T. councils and providing effective support to local Triads and S.A.L.T. councils to create a safer Georgia for seniors. The first step in beginning a Triad in your community is to contact local law enforcement. Once local law enforcement is on board, a meeting should be scheduled to invite all organizations with an interest in crime safety for older adults. The State Triad of Georgia provides technical assistance to individuals interested in starting a Triad including how to present the concept to law enforcement, which community organizations to include and what steps to take to get your Triad off the ground. If you are interested in starting a Triad, joining the State Triad of Georgia or getting more information, contact: Kerry DeFoe 770-881-0171 kdefoe@nwgrc.org Erika Lawrence 404-657-5347 edlawrence@dhr.state.ga.us Amanda Carter 404-895-1476 amcarter@dhr.state.ga.us FSIU Training Pays Off-- Housekeeper Charged in Theft of Elderly Woman's Jewelry On March 12, 2013, the Forensics Special Investigations Unit (FSIU) conducted a financial exploitation of at-risk adults training for the Snellville Police Working Intelligence network (WIN). Snellville Police and local retail and banks share crime related information on a monthly basis in WIN meetings. A detective who attended the training contacted FSIU for assistance with a financial exploitation investigation. The detective was able to arrest and charge the suspect with O.C.G.A. 30-5-8 using information learned during the training. A goal in 2013 for FSIU is to start a financial crime work group with financial institutions to improve cooperation in addressing financial crimes involving at-risk adults. Read about the story here: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/ local/housekeeper-charged-stealing-jewelry-elderly-snell/ nW46T/ The Division of Aging Services will have a live, onehour program, produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting to educate the public about abuse, neglect and exploitation of At-risk adults. The program will be aired on May 20, 2013 from 7:00pm--8:00pm and will include video segments, in -studio conversation and expert panels to discuss the issues of ANE in Georgia. There will even be a phone bank in operation to answer calls throughout the program. Page 4 Volume 3, Issue 4 Employee Spotlight--Carline Robertson Welcome aboard Carline Robertson What do you do? I'm an Operations Analyst for the MFP (Money Follows the Person) program in the Access to Services Section. Where are you from? I'm from Franklinton, LA. What college(s) did you attend? I attended the University of New Orleans and Clark Atlanta University. Family? I am married with a five year old son. Hobbies? Home improvement is my hobby at the moment. It's amazing what fresh paint, new drapes, and a change in accessories can do for a home. Fun Fact About You? I'm afraid of heights, but I want to go skydiving. How ironic!! From the Director's Office The Division of Aging Services formed a "Relay For Life Team" this year to support the American Cancer Society as well as our staff and family members who have and are battling cancer. The event was very successful. The DAS Cares Team goal was to raise $1500 and we doubled that amount through the support of DAS staff and family walkers and donors. DAS Cares won the plaque for the highest fund-raising team and for the highest fund-raising individual, Cheryl Harris. Team members raised additional dollars by selling baked good, snacks and chair massage for weary relay participants. Page 5 New Debit Card Coming Soon DHS State of Georgia Division of Aging Services Two Peachtree Street 33rd Floor Atlanta, GA 30303 1-866-55-AGING