DPSS News June 2020

GIRL SCOUT TROOP PACKS LOVE AND CHEER INTO PANTRY BOXES FOR SENIORS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Courtesy Pantry has delivered more than 3,000 food boxes to Riverside County seniors since the effort began in early April. The program has provided jobs to 18 displaced workers and supports local businesses including farms, artisans, restaurants and nonprofits.

The boxes are filled weekly and in late May, the campaign caught the attention of NBC 4 News. Harold Web, a senior in Riverside County, told the station, “It helps when people come out and show they care. You don’t feel quite as alone as you did before.” Daisy Scout Molly Blacketer enjoys making cards for seniors like Harold Web for a special reason: "I like making them smile.” “When they’re happy, I’m happy,” agreed Molly’s sister, Jewel, who’s a Brownie Scout.

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 354 packing boxes for seniors

The Troop has also sponsored boxed oranges for shut-in seniors with funds raised from their annual cookie sales. Many of the scouts have grandparents they cannot visit right now, as families practice social distancing to limit spreading the coronavirus to older members. Troop leader Crystal Blacketer, who is also Molly and Jewel’s mom, said she is proud of her troop of kindergarten to third-grade girls. “These girls are changing the world one day at a time,” said Blacketer. “They represent what a Girl Scout should be. They are kind, loving and are always thinking of others.”

ELDER ABUSE MONTH SHEDS SPOTLIGHT ON NEEDS OF VULNERABLE SENIORS (continued from page 3) “Some in need will reach out and request assistance. For those who don't—our most vulnerable neighbors—social workers are proactively calling and keeping in touch; making those vital connections to resources and assistance," said Deputy Director Ryan Uhlenkott with Adult Services. Penilla says vulnerable adults are not having as many routine visits with medical professionals who may refer them to APS, making some seniors more vulnerable than ever. As seniors battle what doctors call an epidemic of loneliness and, Penilla and others at Adult Protective Services are encouraging the public to check in with older family members, neighbors and vulnerable adults. “Many of our clients don’t have family in the area or a support system,” Penilla said. “It’s important for neighbors to build a rapport. Pick up the phone. Call them at least once a week. Or safely drop off some food. It not only uplifts their spirits but can prevent abuse or neglect.” One in 10 Riverside County residents will experience some type of abuse later in life. In times of social isolation, the warning signs are hard to spot if a vulnerable senior has no one checking on them. Penilla is encouraging family, friends and the community to report suspected adult abuse or neglect by calling the 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-491-7123.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES