A group of nine people stand smiling in front of large gold 30000 balloons, celebrating at an indoor event with decorated tables and balloons.

Celebrating 5,000 Walks: A Milestone of Connection, Community, and Care

by with No Comment EventsHome & Community Based ServicesSenior Escort PorgramUncategorized

The Senior Escort Program was launched in 2022 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents targeting older adults. What began as a way to help seniors feel safer while walking in their neighborhoods, grocery shopping, or navigating medical appointments, has grown into a vibrant community built on trust, compassion, and friendship. Today, the program is open to all seniors, creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to build meaningful relationships while promoting safety, independence, and healthy aging.

SEP group photo

Celebrating United Against Hate Week

by with No Comment Home & Community Based ServicesSenior Escort Porgram

This September, ACC’s Senior Escort Program is not only celebrating its second year, it’s also spearheading a community event in honor of United Against Hate Week (UAHW). UAHW is a week-long effort promoting local civic action from various communities to combat hate and promote safety and inclusivity in our neighborhoods, towns, and cities.

This year, UAHW is from September 21-27. Leading up to UAHW, the Senior Escort Program is hosting monthly trainings on important topics such as Bystander Intervention, Situational Awareness, and Cultural Sensitivity. Building a more equitable and safe community begins with educating our communities by giving them tools to face and prevent various forms of hate – physical and emotional.

Over the past two years, ACC has acquired funding from the California Department of Social Services under the Stop the Hate grant to support the Senior Escort Program. To kickoff UAHW, we’re collaborating with other grantees, Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) and Asian American Liberation Network (AALN).

We’ll also be joined by some of our other community partner organizations – highlighting the crucial work we’re all doing to “Stop the Hate.” Together we stand united against hate by creating a safe space for community celebration and understanding. Our hope is that attendees can learn about our communities through cultural performances, food, art, and conversation. 

Hate impacts everyone – regardless of age, gender, race, or culture. Our goal is to reach across generations and cultures, and provide resources and visibility to unite against hate.

If you’re interested in being a part of this movement and joining the effort against hate, we encourage you to take part in one (or all) of our trainings, attend our event, and become a Senior Escort Program Volunteer! More information on these topics can be found on ACC’s website under the Senior Escort Program.

 
sep volunteers tshirt

Senior Escort Program celebrates 1500 Walks!

by with No Comment blogHome & Community Based ServicesSenior Escort PorgramVolunteer

Since its inception in 2022, ACC’s Senior Escort Program celebrates the incredible milestone of completing 1500 walks. In response to anti-Asian hate incidents, the Senior Escort Program was formed as a collaborative effort to protect seniors while out in the community. Over time, the program has evolved from a safety initiative to a source of independence and social connection for seniors – one walk at a time.

The Senior Escort Program matches seniors with friendly volunteers who meet them at their home or a location of choice to take walks around the neighborhood, shop at local grocery stores, or navigate through doctors’ offices for appointments. During walks, participants are able to connect with volunteers one-on-one and boost their physical and mental health. Based on our 2023 survey, 90% of participants feel safer using the Senior Escort Program, and 72% of participants have felt an improvement with their mental health since starting the program.

In addition to daily walks, Senior Escort Program staff schedules multiple shopping trips and group outings for participants and volunteers. These outings not only give participants a variety of opportunities to get out safely, but also provide extra socialization between participants at a similar stage in life. Volunteers have also shared their joy in meeting other volunteers, and connecting on their passion of giving back to the community. “I love meeting such a wide range of individuals, providing a safe feeling outside, and letting seniors know that they are not alone. I enjoy this program so very much, and I am sure I get more out of it than the seniors,” says Senior Escort Program Volunteer, Julie Zumalt.

Another goal of the Senior Escort Program is to combat isolation – physically and emotionally. 83% of participants feel less socially isolated since starting the program. “I feel that having an escort improves my social isolation since I am a widow and cancer survivor. Despite having family members to help, it’s better having a neutral party to talk to,” says Senior Escort Program Participant, Mariko Yamashita .

ACC’s Senior Escort Program has been able to expand, not only in size, but across generations, race/ethnicity, and disabilities. In creating a safe space for seniors and volunteers, we’re able to work towards creating a community of caring and sense of belonging. “I appreciate and love all of the escorts. I always look forward to walking with them. I feel like I can be myself and become more independent,” says Wanda Thomas, a blind participant of ACC’s Senior Escort Program.

Reach out to our Senior Escort Program Coordinator and learn about ways you can become a participant/volunteer, or support our program!

Click here to Learn More about Senior Escort Program