Elder Refugee Program

Friends in Action Inc is highlighted in the Area Agency on Aging's Refugee Newsletter. See page 3 for a great article on how 2 Service Learning Students from BSU are making a difference!

http://www.sageidaho.com/files/000005/Fall09%20AAA%20Refugee%20Newsletter%20(2).pdf

First Group of Classes were a HUGE Success!

Say Hello to our Class Leaders! Our first group of Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes were a HUGE success. Please stay tuned for new classes beginning the first of the year! For more information on PTC Classes, please contact our office @ 333-1363.

Positive Aging

National Conference on Positive Aging
Date: December 7-9, 2009
Location, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Third Annual National Positive Aging Conference: Wave of the Future will be a highly interactive gathering attended by diverse national leaders who are shaping a dynamic future for older adults throughout the world. Experts in the field of aging will lead plenary sessions and concurrent workshops, discussions, demonstrations, and experiential activities in four general theme areas: Life Transitions, Creativity, Wellness, and Community. Discover ways to work effectively with older adults entering retirement, hear ideas for energizing your services to attract a broader segment of your community, develop a network of contacts for sharing program ideas and developing strategies, and learn about model programs and effective practices.

http://www.eckerd.edu/positiveaging/index.php

2nd Annual "Shop & Share" Program

Just in time to kick-off the holiday season, Boise-based Morningside Products, a local distributor of affordable, luxury-quality bath and body products has partnered with Emmy Award Nominated Musician Curtis Stigers and the Chocolat bar to create unique gift sets for the Holiday! And the best part about it: When you purchase on-line, a portion of your purchase will be donated to the participating charity of your choice. So show your support for Friends in Action and a wonderful local business by ordering your holiday gifts on-line now!
http://morningsideproducts.com/shopandshare.html

http://www.fiaboise.org/documents/ShopShareFIAOct09.pdf

"This effort by Morningside Products is an innovative way for a company to support the community," said Sally Zive, President and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley. "As a consumer in this economy, it is a great way to purchase wonderful products that are made locally."

Handy Resources

Japan's Elderly Playgrounds Show Fun is for Everyone
(By Chika Osaka, Reuters India, October 26, 2009)
http://in.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idINIndia-43429620091026?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Older Do-Gooders Recognized With 'Purpose Prize'
(By Joseph Shapiro, National Public Radio, October 26, 2009)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2009/10/older_dogooders_recognized_wit.html

H1N1 Update

Influenza Updates and Information about H1N1
Flu activity is increasing in most of the United States with more than half of all states reporting widespread influenza activity. So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu"). CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. CDC has issued recommendations regarding who should get vaccinated against seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu, including adults aged 65 and older. To learn more, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu.

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Seniors
CDC answers questions regarding those aged 65 and older and the H1N1 influenza vaccine on this website with Frequently Asked Questions. To view this page and learn more about H1N1, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/vaccine_seniors.htm.

National Family Caregivers Month

Dear Friend:

National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month) — observed every November — is a nationally recognized month that seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocate for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raise awareness about community programs that support family caregivers.

It has been said that there are only four kinds of people in the world — those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.

Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration. According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), over 50 million people are family caregivers in any given year providing caregiving services valued at $375 billion annually. A family caregiver is defined as someone who cares for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly loved one.

During National Family Caregivers Month reach out to a family caregiver you know, whether a neighbor, relative, co-worker, or friend and offer them a helping hand. Be specific — offer a ride to church, a nourishing meal, or a free afternoon. Volunteer with Friends in Action to provide respite for a family caregiver. Just a little bit of help makes a big difference for family caregivers.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Bender-Kitz

Executive Director, Friends in Action

Do you GoodSearch?

I do!

Raise money for Friends in Action by simply making GoodSearch your homepage. http://www.goodsearch.com In the "who do you goodsearch for" make sure you put Friends in Action (Boise, Id) and every time you search the internet, a donation will be made to Friends in Action.

You can also add a GoodSearch toolbar easily at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/friends-in-action

Also, every time you shop online at 1,000 participating stores including Amazon, eBay, Target, Apple, Staples, Expedia, etc., a percentage of your purchase will be donated for free! The site also has thousands of money-saving coupons!