Uncategorized Archives - ACC Senior Services

Serving Up Community: A Generous Gift of Pickleball Nets

Guest Author — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:22:57 +0000

Pickleball enthusiasts at ACC have even more to celebrate thanks to the generosity of Peter and Ruby Chin, who recently donated four brand-new, high-quality pickleball nets to the ACC Senior Services Campus. Designed for durability and easy setup, these nets will be enjoyed by players for years to come.

“We play so much pickleball at ACC that we wanted to have high-quality nets for other players and for both of us to enjoy,” shared Peter and Ruby. “These nets are also very easy to set up and store.”

Two of the nets were donated in memory of Sam and Katherine Chin, Peter’ parents, who were longtime supporters of ACC. Katherine was also a resident at the ACC Care Center, where she received compassionate, long-term care. The remaining two nets were gifted personally by Peter and Ruby, who continue to be active members of ACC’s vibrant pickleball community.

“Our pickleball community is so wonderful and so strong,” they said. “ACC provides the perfect venue where we can gather to enjoy a sport that brings joy and connection to so many of us.”

ACC extends heartfelt gratitude to Peter and Ruby for their thoughtful donation and their ongoing commitment to fostering wellness, friendship, and fun on and off the court.

If you would like to make a lasting impact gift at ACC, please contact ACC’s Fund Development department at development@accsv.org

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SCSEP Program Restored and Back in Action at ACC

Scott Okamoto — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:57:50 +0000

After several months of uncertainty, ACC’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) has officially resumed operations following a temporary funding disruption earlier this year.

In July 2025, a nationwide freeze on the release of federal funds, despite prior congressional approval, caused an unexpected suspension of SCSEP activities. The pause impacted senior employment training programs across the country, including ACC’s local SCSEP sites serving Sacramento, Sonoma, and Solano/Napa counties.

The delay temporarily halted training and placements for older adults who rely on SCSEP to gain valuable work experience, build skills, and remain active in their communities. During this period, many ACC staff and program participants were placed on furlough while awaiting the release of funds.

With funding now released, ACC’s SCSEP staff returned to work on October 20, and participants began returning to their partner agencies on October 27. The program has quickly regained momentum, reconnecting older adults with meaningful on-the-job training opportunities at nonprofit and public agencies throughout the region.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our team and participants back,” said Haroon Abasy, Program Manager. “Our seniors are eager to get back to work, contribute to their communities, and continue developing the skills that help them stay engaged and independent.”
Now that operations are fully restored, SCSEP at ACC is accepting new applicants and new partner agencies. Seniors aged 55 and older who are seeking part-time, paid training opportunities—and community organizations interested in hosting participants—are encouraged to apply.

Department of Labor | California Department of Aging

Participants must be at least 55, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services through the American Job Center system.

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ACC Ohana Walk 2025

Scott Okamoto — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:17:28 +0000

ACC Senior Services Hosts Successful Ohana Walk 2025, Bringing Sacramento Community Together to Support Seniors

ACC Senior Services proudly hosted the ACC Ohana Walk 2025, an annual community event that brought together over seven hundred participants in celebration of health, family, and community spirit. The walk, held at ACC Senior Services Campus, raised critical funds to support programs and services for older adults throughout the Sacramento region.

This year’s event featured an enthusiastic turnout of families, community leaders, and supporters, all walking together to honor seniors and promote healthy lifestyles. The festive atmosphere included cultural performances, wellness resources, and activities for participants of all ages, creating a meaningful and family-friendly experience.

“ACC Ohana Walk continues to be a special tradition for Sacramento,” said Scott Okamoto, Director of Marketing and Fund Development. “It’s more than just a walk—it’s a way for our community to come together in support of seniors, ensuring they have access to the programs and care they need to thrive.”

Proceeds from the event directly benefit ACC Senior Services, which provides a wide range of programs including caregiver support, transportation, health and wellness classes, senior living communities and culturally relevant activities that reduce isolation and promote independence among older adults.

The success of the ACC Ohana Walk 2025 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, community partners, and dedicated volunteers. Their contributions help sustain ACC’s mission to enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families.

Planning is already underway for ACC Ohana Walk 2026, and ACC Senior Services invites the community to join again next year for another celebration of wellness and ohana. If you would like to volunteer, sponsor and be involved in the planning process, please contact Scott Okamoto at development@accsv.org.

For more information about ACC Senior Services and upcoming events, please visit www.accsv.org.

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Mahjong bridges Generations

Alan Kobayashi — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:33:48 +0000

ACC Senior Services offers a vibrant and welcoming environment where older adults can enjoy the timeless game of Mahjong. Held regularly at the ACC campus, Mahjong sessions provide more than just entertainment—they help build community, stimulate cognitive function, and celebrate cultural tradition.

Participants gather around the Mahjong tables to engage in strategic play, share stories, and form lasting friendships. Whether seasoned players or curious beginners, all are welcome to join. Volunteers are often on hand to offer guidance, making it easy for newcomers to learn the game.

Mahjong at ACC is not just about playing tiles—it’s about connection, culture, and keeping the mind sharp. The program reflects ACC’s broader mission to support active aging through social engagement and lifelong learning.

For seniors looking to stay engaged and mentally fit, Mahjong at ACC Senior Services is a perfect blend of fun and fellowship.

The very first “ACC Mahjong Tournament” was held on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. There were 48 players that participated in a fun filled morning of competition, culture, and community. There were prizes awarded for categories such as: most points, most wins, most losses, and the “Legacy Player” (the oldest player, which in this case was 101 years old!). The feedback was positive, and we hope this is the first of many Mahjong tournaments in the future.

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Bringing Joy & Connection to Older Adults

Macy Quan — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:09:37 +0000

At ACC, we are dedicated to helping older adults live fulfilling, independent lives. One way we do this is through PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors), a free program for older adults aged 60+ facing depression, isolation, or significant life changes. Developed by the University of Washington, PEARLS is an evidence-based program proven to improve health and quality of life.

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, declining health, or feeling disconnected from others. For many older adults, these changes can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness. That’s where PEARLS comes in.

PEARLS goes beyond a program; it empowers participants to take charge of their well-being. Through one-on-one sessions, we work closely with participants to set small, manageable goals and create positive routines to boost their overall well-being. Whether it’s finding joy in daily activities, rekindling hobbies, or reconnecting with loved ones, PEARLS provides a personalized approach to improve emotional health.

The beauty of PEARLS is in its simplicity and effectiveness. We meet participants where they are—whether in their homes or in a comfortable community setting—and help them work toward feeling more engaged and fulfilled. PEARLS has been successfully used in different communities to improve people’s mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and give them the tools they need to address life’s challenges more effectively.

Since we launched PEARLS in the fall of 2023, we’ve had the privilege of serving over 40 participants, and we’ve already seen great outcomes. Many of our participants have reported improvements in their overall happiness and a stronger sense of connection with others, which is so important for emotional well-being.

One of our former participants, Susan Kane, shared her experience with PEARLS: “What I appreciated about PEARLS was that I could discuss my challenges and get another point of view. This helped me make informed decisions, and choosing my own actions made a big difference. I know myself well enough to follow through on changes that feel right for me.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from PEARLS, please reach out. We’re here to help older adult’s live life to the fullest, one step at a time.

Let’s work together to ensure every senior in our community has the support they need to live a rewarding, active life.

For more information on PEARLS contact us by email at pearls@accsv.org or by phone at 916-503-0321 ext. 393.

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How to get started with Tai Chi

Denny Fong — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:20:11 +0000

No one really knows how or when Tai Chi Chuan (“TCC”) was developed. One theory says that it was created by Chang Sanfeng, a Taoist Monk, around the Yuan and the Ming Dynasty some 600 – 700 years ago. Another theory believes it was created by the Chen Family about 300 years ago by Chen Wanting.

Simplistically, Tai Chi (“TC”) is seen as a form of exercise with slow movements and breathing to relax the mind and body. Tai Chi is really the principle of seeking balance between two opposing forces. As a thought, it has no physical substance to touch or feel. In contrast, TCC is a martial art based on TC principles. As a martial art, it requires power. This is external and can be felt whenever there is contact.

TC and TCC are confusing since they are commonly referred to interchangeably. Are they the same? The answer is no. For clarity, the practice of TCC without the martial is Chi Gong (CG). However, for health purpose, TC and TCC are the same.

Recent evident based researches have shown promising health benefits from Tai Chi.

Some of the benefits are as follows:
Increased flexibility, increased strength, better balance, improved immune function, reduced pain, decreased blood pressure, increased brain size, improved memory, reduced stress, increased concentration, increased mental focus, increased sense of inner peace, and a higher level of happiness.

To learn more about Tai Chi and its benefits, attend my “Tai Chi 4 U” class through the ACC Senior Services. It is one of many offerings of Tai Chi here at ACC Senior Services. I offer traditional Tai Chi Chuan training with an emphasis on principles, understanding, and practicality. It is important that you understand what you are doing to obtain maximum benefits. All you need now is to get started and learn.

For the full schedule of Tai Chi offerings, as well as other classes and events, please visit accsv.org/classes

This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Before beginning any new physical routine, it is best to consult your physician.

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Drink More Water, It’s Delicious

Connie L. Rusynyk — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:23:18 +0000

Greetings ACC Community and Family!
As some of you know, I am a clinician by background, an occupational therapist. I have worked with seniors for my entire career in both treating seniors in long term care and out-patient clinics, and then in management for the majority of time. All along, I have been passionate about the health and well-being of seniors. Helping seniors live the most independent and healthy lives has been extremely important to me. There are many things that we can all do at any age to stay healthy and active, but one that is extraordinarily important for seniors; DRINKING MORE WATER! This is an extremely easy thing to do that will have significant health benefits almost immediately!
Starting in June, the staff at ACC are committing to drinking more water and to help those around us drink more water too! We are starting the ACC Hydration Initiative throughout our main campus, Greenhaven Terrace, Maple Tree Village and the Care Center! We have purchased additional water dispensing machines that are easy to find and our staff members will be reminding our community to start “sipping more often”! We are all going to become HYRDRATION HEROES to help directly impact those that we serve in our ACC community and beyond! Some of the benefits of drinking more water include: hydration, increased cognitive clarity, helps to flush out toxins, weight management, joint health, muscle function, energy boosts, improved digestion, and mood enhancement! I believe that this is so important for all of us and I would be remiss to not mention that our elderly become more susceptible to dehydration due to the fact that they lose the ability to feel thirsty. Because of this, ACC staff are committed to become HYDRATION HEROES! Do not be surprised if you are offered a sip of water when you come to visit any of our ACC communities! All of us at ACC are looking forward to making sure that our residents and community stay healthy and hydrated this summer season and throughout the year! Become a HYDRATION HERO with us and drink more water yourselves and help others do so too!

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Empowering diversity: Bridging gaps in dementia care and cultivating collaboration

JENNIFER TINKELENBERG — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:59:59 +0000

Each May, the Alzheimer’s Association® joins the community in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Through strong partnerships with local organizations like the ACC Senior Services, the Alzheimer’s Association raises dementia awareness within diverse communities. Dani Lee, program manager at ACC, shares how this collaboration helps her quickly and effectively connect clients to trusted Alzheimer’s disease education and resources while tackling the barriers to diagnosis and treatment that disproportionately affect the AAPI community.

“Working together with other organizations helps the Association reach more people, which is especially needed in the Asian American Pacific Islander community” said Bonnie Rea, a family care specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association. “More than half of Asian Americans believe that memory loss is a normal part of aging and it’s not. By partnering with community organizations like ACC Senior Services we’re able to educate the community, provide resources and hopefully remove some of the stigma surrounding the disease.”

Dani Lee program manager at ACC Senior Services

Serving the community

Dani Lee, Lifelong Learning & Wellness program manager at ACC Senior Services, is passionate about serving the needs of each older adult and family caregiver who walks through the doors looking for support. She is the driving force behind the center’s enrichment activities, helping older adults in Sacramento sustain their independence and lifestyle through educational events, classes, and clubs.

ACC Senior Services, which stands for A Community of Caring, serves older people and caregivers of all backgrounds and abilities. Although it was originally founded to bridge gaps in the availability of culturally sensitive services for older adults within the AAPI community, Dani wants people to know that the community center is open to all members of the public.

Personal connections to dementia

Dani has observed first-hand, the unique ways dementia-related illnesses impact her AAPI clients. Although Asian Americans are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than other racial groups, they face more challenges accessing care and receiving a diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 88% of Asian Americans report facing barriers to receiving “excellent” dementia care.

Dani’s passion of advocating for people living with dementia extends beyond the clients she serves. As a part of the AAPI community herself, Dani understands how daunting it can be to have difficult conversations about any disease, but dementia in particular. “I think that there is definitely a stigma that people don’t want to know that there’s anything wrong with you,” Dani says. “If you say you have dementia or are depressed, they might think you’re crazy.”

When Dani was younger her “auntie” began showing signs of a dementia. Dani wishes she’d been in a better position during those early stages of her auntie’s illness to help her receive a diagnosis and resources to improve her quality of life.

Social hour field trip

Stigma and other barriers facing the AAPI community

Like Dani’s auntie, members of the AAPI community are often reluctant to report their symptoms, including to medical professionals, making early diagnosis and treatment difficult. The Alzheimer’s Association reports over half of Asian Americans believe that significant memory loss is a normal part of aging and as a result, the 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of dementia may go unnoticed until the disease is in its late stages. Language barriers can further limit access to healthcare services.

Similar trends impact the older adults Dani works with at ACC. Many AAPI families live in multi-generational households, and it’s common for older adults to move in with their adult children as they age. Dani explains that this arrangement makes older adults less likely to talk to their families about medical problems, including memory issues. They fear feeling like a burden to the family.

Dani notices other contradictions within the AAPI community. “They are more willing to take care of others, to take care of children and parents, but then taking care of themselves is very difficult,” Dani explains. “They’re so good at taking care of others, but not themselves.” Clients of ACC hesitate to reach out for help, fearing that once they say they have a dementia diagnosis, they will be seen differently and treated like a patient.

Creating solutions through collaboration, education, and trust

To bridge these gaps, Dani saw a need for additional support for AAPI caregivers and people living with dementia. Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association was a natural fit to raise awareness, promote early detection, and empower people to seek help and support.

To address these culturally specific needs, ACC Senior Services and the Alzheimer’s Association collaborated to offer the community quarterly education events at ACC. “The Alzheimer’s Association is so widely recognized,” Dani explains. “When you have a trusted organization presenting information about dementia, there is more trust in it, and people appreciate having expert knowledge.”

In 2022, Dani and Bonnie developed Memory Connections, a social engagement program for individuals living with early stages of dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Memory Connection games

Strong relationships increase access to dementia resources

Since she began hosting these mutual events, Dani has noticed an overlap in the clients who utilize the different services provided by both non-profits. “They love to see us work together,” Dani says, and clients benefit from the warm handoffs from referrals made between the organizations. “We like to have that face-to-face connection, so if I ask [the Alzheimer’s Association] for help, I’m not giving [clients] false hope. I know that [the Association is] going to call them back.”

Building strong relationships, between individuals and organizations, is essential for connecting clients with the appropriate resources when they need them. “To make that as easy as possible and as welcoming as possible has been so fulfilling to me,” Dani says. Isolation is a barrier for many older people in the community and the programs Dani manages help bring people together.

Supporting independence and breaking stigma

Community connections also play a role in combating social stigma around dementia. “Having educational presentations with the Alzheimer’s Association gives people the opportunity to learn more without having to announce [their diagnosis] to everyone, and they can still use services on their own.” Education empowers older adults to choose how and when they access help while maintaining their independence.

Dani also encourages clients to bring their families, caregivers, and children to educational events. “We love closing intergenerational gaps whenever possible.” Spreading Alzheimer’s awareness within the larger community promotes early detection and helps fight dementia-related stigmas.

Thriving with trusted partnerships

The ACC offers a variety of services and programs to provide support and assistance to older adults. By partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to offer dementia-specific resources and education, Dani is empowering her clients and their families to overcome the challenges facing the AAPI community.

“I’m grateful that there’s an organization like Alzheimer’s Association providing education and presenters for free,” Dani closes. “That’s how we keep our program running. Without the Alzheimer’s Association, I don’t know where we’d look for that kind of information. Having staff who are dedicated and trustworthy makes such a difference. We appreciate the partnership we have.”

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a special opportunity to highlight how vital education, awareness, and access to resources are to addressing Alzheimer’s challenges within diverse communities. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to battling health disparities and providing support to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living with dementia all year round. For more information on resources for the AAPI community, please visit alz.org/asianamericans.

For more information on upcoming education opportunities through the Alzheimer’s Association visit alz.org/communityresourcefinder

BY JENNIFER TINKELENBERG · PUBLISHED MAY 20, 2024
REPOSTED FROM: https://www.alzheimersblog.org/2024/05/20/empowering-diversity-bridging-gaps-in-dementia-care-and-cultivating-collaboration/

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“If I can dream it… I can work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Scott Okamoto — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 20:43:44 +0000

May Hallberg came to ACC after working in Housekeeping for over seven years at the Hilton Hotel chain. When May began to search for a new job closer to her home, she heard of ACC from a friend’s mother who had previously worked for ACC. Her friend’s mother told her about the opportunities for growth and promotion that ACC could offer. She quickly applied and was welcomed onto the ACC team.
May began with ACC right as the pandemic hit the healthcare world. She started at the ACC Care Center as a Laundry and Housekeeping lead in January 2020. Little did she know how her department would soon become the focus of health, safety, and COVID-19 mitigation – affectionately known as the “virus busters.”
Shortly after joining ACC, May began to realize how much she enjoyed working directly with the residents of the Care Center, and set her sights on becoming part of the care team. During her three years with ACC, May has been able to further her education, earn her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, and transfer departments to work on the care team.

“ACC has been very supportive in many ways. I was able to take advantage of the ACC advanced education program, which reimbursed me for my expenses, obtaining my CNA training and license.” ACC offers tuition reimbursement and advancement programs for employees of the ACC Care Center through donations
and a generous endowment from Jimmie Yee and Dr. John Eng.
When asked what kept her driven through the rough times, May responded: “My family, including my sons, Prince and Louise JR, and my husband Louise are very happy and proud of me.” She spoke about the balance of school, work, and home life. “Going to school while maintaining a full-time schedule with ACC meant several weekends and evenings away from them. During this time, they were always supportive. My son Prince once gave me a handwritten note that said: ‘If I can dream it, if I can believe in it, and I can work hard for it, anything is possible.’”

May’s positive experience with ACC started on day one. “I felt welcomed from the very beginning. I received excellent training from my new coworkers and my boss, Mark Williams.” She found a second home at ACC. “I enjoy working with all of the people that are a part of the ACC team. I have so many memories of the fun we have with other employees during holidays and special events. Dressing up, eating great food, and being around people that truly care about each other.”

May exemplifies everything that is ACC. “Working with ACC has given me the opportunity to grow as a person while supporting the needs of the people that call the Care Center their home. I take great pleasure in assisting our residents who can no longer completely care for themselves.
That brings back the memories of my grandmother when she needed assistance.” May is as selfless as she is driven, using her previous family experience and a new set of skills to make a positive impact on residents’ lives.

But she is not done yet! When I asked May what was next, she replied “I want to pursue furthering my education and receive a license as an LVN working for ACC.” We cannot wait to congratulate May when she earns the title of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

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ACC Care Center Update

Ted Fong — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:10:00 +0000

The year 2020 will forever be embedded in our history due to COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary goal during this pandemic is to keep COVID-19 out of our facility.

On April 9, 2020, we learned about an ancillary employee who had tested positive for the virus. That particular employee had not been in the facility since April 2, 2020. We worked diligently with Sacramento County Health Department on contact tracing to mitigate the spread of the virus. Our residents and staff were monitored closely during the two-week period. We were relieved when our staff and residents did not display respiratory symptoms. On May 14 and May 15, 2020, our residents and staff were tested for the virus. All 88 residents and 102 staff tested negative. On May 21, 2020, an additional 28 staff members also tested negative.

We know it is imperative to have widespread testing done. However, we have encountered several challenges procuring an in-house CLIA waivered testing device. Despite being hopeful that we would be considered for the Abbott machine, we were again disappointed to learn that the device was not readily available for skilled nursing facilities. We continue to inquire about SARS CoV-2 testing devices. We recently learned about a device that meets our testing needs. However, it will take a couple of months before we can secure one.

We know that our best defense against our invisible enemy is robust infection control practices: handwashing, cough etiquette and maintaining social distancing. As the focus moves further into the phases of reopening California, we continue to be vigilant in our assessment skills, infection control measures and surveillance monitoring. We are grateful for all the support and personal protective equipment (PPE) donations we have received from our vendors, volunteers, donors and Sacramento County. Having the right tools to fight our invisible enemy makes the war bearable.

As clinicians, we have had to make sure that we are up to date with CDC (Centers for Disease Control), CMS, CDPH and Local Health Department guidelines. We are in a fluid situation, and information continues to change by the minute.

As the administrator of ACC, I can say unequivocally that our staff is the linchpin of our residents’ engagement, our organization’s citizenship, and our heroes. Keeping our residents and staff safe remains our highest priority.

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