History of OCASC/OCSPA

In 2009, Alzheimer’s Orange County asked several key community partners to form the OC Aging Services Collaborative (OCASC). The group was formed as a forum for agencies (governmental and nonprofit) that had a focus on seniors to meet, exchange ideas and to create joint projects to benefit the senior population in Orange County.

OCASC now has more than 40 member organizations and enhances connections between member organizations, educated legislatures and stakeholders on the needs of older adults and caregivers, and regularly hold events such as:

‘Turning Silver into Gold,’ hosted by the Social Engagement Committee in collaboration with the OC Senior Center Directors and the Be Well OC Older Adult Workgroup, was an event to zero in on the social isolation caused by COVID-19 and re-engage older adults with their local senior center. The event took place on Friday, September 24, 2021, via Zoom.

Speakers included:

• • • Maddy Dychtwald, Aging Futurist & AgeWave Co-Founder
    • Tom Blake, Mature Dating & Romance Expert, Blogger and Columnist
    • Aimee Aul, Parks and Recreation Educator, Fullerton Community Center
    • Eva Marie Rodriguez-Morris, Emeritus InstituteTo view the recording of the event, please visit: https://youtu.be/f6eiJwrojfI (Part 1) https://youtu.be/sfHWFOKs544 (Part 2)

‘Mastering the Master Plan,’ hosted by the Policy Committee, was an educational event surrounding the CA Master Plan for Aging where community members and service providers had an opportunity to impact how Orange County experiences aging. The event took place on Friday, November 5, via Zoom and at the Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine.

• Speakers included:
  • • Amanda Lawrence, Project Director, California Master Plan for Aging
    • Ellen Young, Vice President, Irvine Health Foundation
    • Ericka Danczak, Director of Aging and Veterans Services, County of Orange
• Townhall Elected Officials included:
  • • CA Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-65
    • CA Senator Tom Umberg, D-34
    • CA Senator Dave Min, D-37
    • Supervisor Donald P. Wagner
    • Supervisor Katrina Foley

To view the recording of the event, please visit: https://youtu.be/FKAfdezJP1s

‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD),’ hosted by the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee, was launched on June 15, 2006 by the World Health Organization to promote a better understanding of elder abuse, and to shine the light on the need to recognize and defeat elder abuse in all its forms – physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial and neglect – around the world. This year’s WEAAD theme was “Aging Well: Safeguarding your Independence,” and took place on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Speakers included:

• Katherine Chew, Staff Attorney, Community Legal Aid SoCal
• F. Edie Mermelstein, Owner and Founding Attorney, FEM Law Group

To view the recording of the event, please visit: https://youtu.be/AVIsykQLocg

In 2016, the Orange County Strategic Plan for Aging (OCSPA) was established
under OCASC with the goal of creating a Strategic Plan for the County. The
organization is comprised of committees that worked on key areas that were
found to improve the lives of older adults. Since its inception, OCSPA has
developed and implemented goals in each strategic area under annual
countywide strategic area under annual countywide strategic plans.

In addition to annual strategic plans, OCSPA created a countywide data report in 2019 and has issued a new report every year for 18 months thereafter.

In 2023, OCASC and OCSPA combined efforts under the OCASC umbrella and now operate as a single entity. OCASC will continue to prepare and publish the annual data report, focusing on different strategic areas each year such as Food Security & Nutrition, Elder Abuse Prevention, Housing, and Healthcare. Other areas of focus will be adopted in coming years such as transportation, social isolation and technology.