erry has been at the heart of this growth. His presence, encouragement, and ability to make everyone feel welcome have helped shape the program into what it is today—a place where men can relax, laugh, share stories, and build friendships that extend far beyond the card table.
Have you been out to see ACC’s garden yet? Many people still don’t know that ACC has a community garden tucked behind our building at the far end of the field. This year, 45 seniors are gardening in nearly 30 plots, and there’s something new to discover every time you visit. You’ll find everything: corn and tomatoes to flowers, herbs, and even melons growing throughout the garden.
One of the best things about the garden is seeing how each person makes their plot their own. Every gardener has a unique way of growing and caring for their plants. At the front of the garden, you’ll also notice eight raised dark-green planters that are built at a comfortable height, making it easier for seniors to garden without bending over. These planters help keep the program accessible for people with mobility challenges and physical limitations.
Our gardeners are a diverse and inspiring group. Two participants are over 90 years old, and six gardeners are blind or have low vision. Several volunteers help support these gardeners by assisting with tasks like digging holes, planting, and watering when needed.
Sharon, who has her own plot, recently helped her mom, Peggy, get started with a garden plot of her own. Peggy is 94 years old. “I’m so glad to get my mom out here,” Sharon said. “At home she was sitting too much. She loves getting out in the sunshine and seeing how each plant is progressing.”
For many participants, the garden offers much more than a place to grow vegetables. It provides a reason to get outside, stay active, and connect with others. Laverne, who has been partially blind for about three years, calls her gardening experience “vision without sight.” With the help of a volunteer, she planted tomatoes and enjoys checking on them by touch. She says gardening makes her feel happy and encouraged because it reminds her that she can still do something she loves, even without full sight. Another blind gardener was thrilled last year when she got to feel a fully grown ear of corn on the stalk.
The garden has become a place where seniors can stay active, enjoy nature, learn from one another, and build friendships. While each gardener takes care of their own plot, many look forward to sharing some of their harvest with ACC social groups and fellow participants.
If you’re interested in joining the garden this fall, please reach out to program staff for more information.
“Today’s lunch is a small token of our deep appreciation for all you contribute. Your commitment, hard work, and generosity are the backbone of ACC Senior Services. Every hour you volunteer and every task you complete makes a meaningful difference. Over 13,715 volunteer hours were captured in Volunteer Matters in 2025.”
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, ACC Senior Services welcomed over seven hundred friends, supporters, and community partners to its 14th Annual Crab Feed, one of the organization’s most beloved and anticipated fundraising traditions. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, incredible food, and an inspiring spirit of generosity—all in support of ACC’s mission to serve and empower seniors throughout the Sacramento region.
Kaori loves her role as a Friendly Visitor for ACC’s Friendly Visitor/In Home Respite Program. Nationwide, Friendly Visitor programs connect older adults with volunteers for regular social interaction.
After spending five minutes with Kaori Sakauye, you feel her energetic spirit and compassion for helping senior adults in our community. She retired from the City of Sacramento in 2019 and still maintains a busy schedule.
On Saturday, 33 cheerful volunteers showed up with tools in hand and spent a sunny Saturday morning outside of the Care Center freshening up the planters behind the garden gazebo. Powered by donuts from Manley’s and BBQ pork buns from Dim Dim Bakery, these volunteers pulled weeds, pruned rose bushes, tilled the soil, laid mulch, and planted geraniums, marigolds, begonias, lemon thyme, and pineapple basil donated by Green Acres Nursery and Supply in Elk Grove.
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!
