ENGAGE = Safety and Security for Seniors

Community safety

South Bay Long Beach Gateway Cities West LA South LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Research* has shown among older adults, a CONFLUENCE of factors — such as social isolation, physical impairment, and economic circumstances — all appear to contribute to higher risks of depression, compromised well-being, and suicide. The risk of suicide generally increases with age and is a significant public health and safety concern. Between 2001 and 2021, suicide rates saw a notable increase for men 55–74 and women 55–84. Men aged 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of ANY GROUP IN THE UNITED STATES. These statistics are startling, and since the U.S. Census Bureau predicts the number of South Bay residents 60 or older will grow 150-200% between 2010-2060. 85+ will have an overall increase of 400% and emerge most strongly in California between 2030 to 2040, as the first baby boomers reach 85. Additionally, socially isolated older people are more likely to succumb to scams, compromising their financial security and safety.
*RAND Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data

In 2023, recognizing the loneliness older people endure when they start experiencing loss and isolation, we launched ENGAGE, to keep them connected and improve their mental health and outlook. Our imperative is to reach them in order to provide key support and services that will make a direct impact on their daily lives and mental health.
ENGAGE services are always free, and began with Friendly Phoning and a free Tech Help Desk, both designed to improve social connections and fight mental health issues that can stem from - or become exacerbated by - being isolated. Through this initiative, student interns, volunteers and staff interact and engage with folks giving a compassionate ear and plenty of smiles. The sharing of stories, the feeling of community, and the intergenerational exchanges go a long way in helping them feel happier. Free technology training on their own personal devices has been a big hit, too!
In 2024, we went a step further, literally, and began visiting people in their homes for chats & chores, and to provide in-home tech assistance. These neighborly visits and check-ins are helping to strengthen our community and ensure the security of some of the most vulnerable among us. Further, by having an already established and trusted relationship, we are their first call when age-related issues arise and we can offer wrap around services & counseling to help deal with housing insecurity, health care needs, and other issues affecting their overall wellbeing.

We are growing a stronger community through this program, and the best way to demonstrate this is by sharing actual messages we have received: Client Gary left this message, “I wanted to call and just say thank you so much for the incredible compassion and it's always nice to talk to the folks there, which is very helpful. It just brings a lot of comfort, it really does help. So, once again, thank you so much for the gracious calls.”
Miss Toni wrote this about receiving tech help, “Bless your heart for being so nice. I am so appreciative of you and the young ladies [interns]. May you all be blessed with peace, goals achieved, prosperity, and joy!”
Volunteer Michelle emailed, "I’m enjoying this more than I ever imagined and am truly grateful to be involved in this amazing program." And volunteer Steve wrote after his first two weeks, "I have very much enjoyed my one hour calls to Joe. He is a brilliant writer and his stories are spellbinding and look forward to my weekly calls."