On June 27, 2024 the Glenn County Fairground in Orland was abuzz with activity as it hosted the inaugural Glenn County Senior Resource Expo for older adults in our community. Organized by the Community Action Department (CAD), Glenn County Health and Human Services (HHSA), and Tri Counties Community Action Partnership (TCCAP), the event was a celebration of older adult autonomy with a theme fittingly titled “Helping Our Seniors Stay Empowered.”
Over 500 Attendees
This first-ever expo was a success, with over 500 individuals in attendance. Older adults and caregivers were provided with resources such as benefit connections and medical screenings, including vaccinations. Participants received a complimentary lunch, resources bags and booklets in addition to other goodies available for grabs at the various agency booths. Some lucky attendees even received Chromebooks (donated by AT&T), food boxes, hygiene kits, and plants and seeds.
A Collaborative Effort with Over 100 Agencies
The Expo featured more than 100 agencies who set up booths spread throughout three buildings across the fairgrounds. Most agencies also provided an informational or educational presentation to participants. Noteworthy presentations included our own CHC CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) Agency Area on Aging (AAA) team, Chico State Enterprise’s Passages, CalVet, and the Alzheimer’s Association. The presence of these agencies underscored the collaborative effort to support and empower the senior community.
How CHC Supports Older Adults
CHC is a part of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), with our Community Health team specializing in this work. Through our CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL/SNAP-Ed) program, we support healthy and active lifestyles for older adults (60+) by providing nutrition education, physical activity promotion and policy changes. We support community health by assisting individuals learn how to make “the healthy choice, the easy choice” and how to stretch their food dollars.
Understanding that collaboration improves access, especially with resources specific to older adult concerns, we’ve partnered within our own organization’s teams to better serve our older adult populations too. Collaborating with our CalFresh Outreach team, AAA was able to attend the Senior Expo with experts in CalFresh Food benefits and application assistance on hand to answer questions. The CalFresh Outreach team also provides education on utilizing Market Match (available in Butte County), which matches CalFresh benefits up to a daily maximum of $10 to $15.
Similarly, we can often be found on site at Farmers Markets with the CalFresh Outreach team to provide education on other resources available to older adult community, and better connect them with services beyond CalFresh Food assistance. Our team can also be found during the summer at local farmers’ markets, distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program (SFMNP) vouchers.
Passages: A Resource Hub for Older Adults
Passages, like Center for Healthy Communities, is a nonprofit through Chico State Enterprises whose focus is on providing resources and services to older adults and family caregivers for little or no cost. Serving as part of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Colusa and Plumas counties, some programs they provide include congregate nutrition and home delivered meals, supportive services, long term care Ombudsman, and family caregiver support. Their important work in our service region often intersects with our own, so we were excited to table with them and support one another’s services for the older adult community. Both the Passages team and our own brought their expertise and dedication to the event, making a significant impact on the day’s success.
Engaging Activities and Essential Veteran Services
Beyond the information booths, the Expo offered a variety of activities and services. Small art class sessions and low-impact exercise routines provided participants with enjoyable and health-promoting experiences. Attendees were also given access to notary services, legal aid, and information on Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, and immigration services. Congressman Doug La Malfa’s staff was on hand to provide these resources. The Expo also featured nine veteran-specific booths, offering support ranging from VA benefits assistance to employment development and resources for homeless veterans through Nation’s Finest.
Looking Ahead
The Glenn County Senior Resource Expo was a resounding success, and it set a strong foundation for future events aimed at empowering our older adult community. With continued collaboration and dedication, we look forward to expanding these efforts and ensuring that our older adult populations remain informed, supported, and connected to the community.
Further Resources for Older Adults:
