Council on Aging, Latino Association join forces to aid older Latinos
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- To help older adults weather the pandemic, the Council on Aging of Central Oregon has partnered with the Latino Community Association to help Latinos 60 and older find meals and pay bills.
The Council contributed $15,000 to LCA’s COVID-19 emergency fund, which LCA staff can allocate to older people who need help paying for utilities (but not rent) and medical bills. Funding comes from the federal Older Americans Act.
The Council and LCA will pilot their collaboration by providing fresh produce and staples in weekly food boxes for older Latinos in Madras, an area with limited food banks and pantries. The plan is to provide a weekly pickup and possible delivery to home-bound seniors in Madras and Prineville. The Jefferson County Health Department provides space and personnel to assist with this effort.
LCA will help publicize the council’s Grab-N-Go meals in Madras, Sisters, Bend, and LaPine in Spanish. These are free hot meals for seniors 60 and older, available while senior centers are closed. For home delivery in Redmond, call 541 548-6325.
For Grab-N-Go meal locations, visit: https://www.councilonaging.org/bend-senior-lunches/
Another part of this collaborative effort is help for older Latinos (and multi-generation households that include a family member 60 or over) to pay for utilities and medicine. These elders or their families can call LCA at 541 382-4366 or visit an LCA office.
“The Latinx population has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and the LCA is a perfect partner to help us reach more vulnerable members of the community,” says Susan Rotella, Council on Aging's Executive Director. To reach the Council, call 541 678-5483.
About the Council on Aging of Central Oregon
Since 1975, the Council on Aging has served as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, offering adults aged 60 and older and their loved ones a range of support services. A nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging advocates for, empowers and guides older adults and their loved ones to live with independence and well-being in age-friendly communities —places where infrastructure, policies and practices are developed to make the community livable, accessible and responsive to the needs of people of all ages, especially older adults.
About Latino Community Association
Since 2000, the Latino Community Association (LCA) has been empowering Latino families and children and building bridges across cultures to create a more resilient Central Oregon. In partnership with caring individuals, businesses, community organizations and public agencies, LCA remains committed to ensuring full participation of Latinos in our communities. Programs of LCA include: Workforce Education and Training, Family Empowerment, Healthy Families, Youth Rising and Cultural Enrichment. Its services impact more than 8,000 people every year. For more information or to join LCA, visit www.latinocommunityassociation.org or call 541.382.4366
