Program Implementation
Each partner organization has a designated volunteer site coordinator to manage the project. The site coordinator works within his/her respective community to recruit volunteer ambassadors, and manages volunteer retainment, outreach, data, etc. for the organization. The site coordinator reports to the CAPS Program Manager at the City of Fremont. The training curriculum was put together by San Jose State University, Stanford Geriatric Education Center, and the City of Fremont Human Services Department. Topics include:
- Role of the Community Ambassador
- Active listening
- Circles of Care
- Housing
- Interpretation
- Mental and emotional well-being
- Health Issues
- Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
- Transportation
- Health Benefits (Medicare & Medi-Cal)
- Social Security
- Fremont Family Resource Center
- Legal Assistance for Seniors
- Tours of local assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, and senior centers in Fremont, Newark, and Union City
The training was done by the following organizations, who each offered their expertise with the above topics:
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Upon completion of the training, ambassadors serve seniors and their families by assisting with questions related to identifying local resources, programs, and services in the Tri-City area (Fremont, Newark, and Union City, CA).
Four rounds of training (September, 2007, April 2008, February 2009, April 2010) have been completed.
Ongoing Training
The site coordinators regularly with City of Fremont staff to review progress. The ambassadors also frequently with the City of Fremont’s clinical supervision team to review difficult cases, share best practices, and receive on-going training.
Advocacy
Partner organizations have also advocated to senior service providers, local hospitals and clinics, and community organizations to re-design services to make them more culturally appropriate.
Immigrant How-To-Guide & Local Resource Guide
An Immigrant How-To Guide for Seniors and a Local Resource Guide have been published and distributed to the community. It is also available here.