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LINC CARES2 A GREEN THUMBS UP2 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT2 STAFF SPOTLIGHT3 FINDING SHANGRI LA3 DONATION OPPORTUNITY3 SPECIAL THANKS

Celebration of Spring at SEASONS at ComptonTraditionally spring is a time of nurturing to allow for new growth and new beginnings. LINC staff supported this notion by hosting a Celebration of Spring event on March 28th that allowed key supporters to get to know residents at SEASONS at Compton on a deeper level. We can get so busy in our everyday lives that we lose touch with why we work and give —and the difference these make in transforming the lives of others. By offering key supporters the opportunity to spend direct time with residents, we allowed many people to nurture their souls while nurturing the environment with such tasks as planting drought tolerant plants and decorating cookies together.

Over thirty residents, staff, and key supporters were able to get to know one another over brunch and through a BINGO game where they had to ask specific questions of each other to win a prize. Board members, business partners, and donors were also given a tour to see this thoughtful, cutting edge property as well as how supportive services through LINC Cares allow residents to have a high quality of life. What a great beginning to the season!

Decreasing the Digital DivideLow-income and minority Americans disproportionately find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. Through surveys at The Village at Beechwood in Lancaster, LINC learned that among 100 households, only 30 had some form of internet access. Thanks to funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and support from City

National Bank, LINC provided broadband access for all 100 family apartments at The Village at Beechwood. This resource helps

children and families complete homework, research and apply for jobs, access community resources, and connect with family and friends online. We also upgraded the computer lab and provided instruction on the new technology. In the coming year, expanded computer, tablet, and wireless access will enhance LINC Cares after-school program and job readiness program

at The Village at Beechwood.

Volume 10, Issue 2

“Opening Doors to a Brighter Future”

LINC Cares Newsletter- Spring 2015

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Mayra ArreolaMayra is LINC Cares’ Career and Business Development Administrator and our newest AmeriCorps VISTA member. Mayra works closely with Resident Services Coordinators to further develop, expand, and sustain LINC Cares’ Job Readiness Program (JRP). A new tool she has developed is a booklet written to specifically address seniors’ needs for finding employment and/or volunteer opportunities, which

have been shown to have a positive impact on senior health. Mayra is expanding the JRP by developing

a mentorship program in which a volunteer with a specific job history is paired with a resident

who is interested in the same line of work.

In addition, Mayra researches and implements new program components to help residents take advantage of green career opportunities with the Roots of Success curriculum. “I enjoy helping and serving local communities and ensuring its members have equal

economic access and opportunities,” Mayra says. “Housing and excellent

supportive services that LINC provides do so much to improve quality of life.”

Conduct your

everyday internet

search on behalf

of LINC Cares

and you will help

us raise funding

for our programs.

Remember, the

more you search,

the more doors

you open.

Donate to LINC Cares atwww.linchousing.org/linccaresYou can also help out by visiting our LINC Cares on-line store.www.cafepress.com/linccares

A Green Thumbs Up Residents at Bartlett Hill Manor in Los Angeles’ Chinatown have truly transformed the community with their gardening skills. This is a resident-driven green activity and almost everyone has beautiful edibles, herbs, flowers, succulents, and even a couple of fruit trees! If you stop by for a visit you’ll find residents eager to share stories of how green living has transformed their apartment community. They are proud of all they have accomplished and rightly so — way to think green, Bartlett Hill!

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LINC Cares Volunteer: Meet CarlCarl is a resident at SEASONS at San Juan Capistrano who has volunteered more than 130 hours since December 2013. The Wii Bowling program, which offers socialization and exercise to residents, was in need of a volunteer at that time and Carl was eager to ensure that this valuable program continued. Clare Ofield, the Resident Services Coordinator at the property shared, "Carl stepped into the role of Wii boss and he does an excellent job of keeping the club running smoothly and helping new players perfect their virtual technique. Not only does

Carl bring joy to all the seniors but he does a terrific job!” Thank you, Carl, for helping your neighbors stay active and making your community a great place to live!

Meet Sharon: Finding Shangri LaSharon is a resident at SEASONS at Miraflores in La Quinta and her story is one of strength and resiliency. Sharon’s experience is unique, yet also exhibits the common challenges that many seniors share as they face life’s trials and tribulations, and seek out a supportive environment to call home.

In her forties, Sharon reinvented herself in a new city working as a nanny. Her path took another turn at age 46 when she found herself alone and recovering from a stroke. Sharon fought hard to recover and supported herself by working at a local spa. She found love when she met her partner John in 1991. Their relationship fulfilled Sharon’s two dreams: finding a special man to travel

with, and visiting the gorgeous island of Maui, Hawaii. Sharon and John moved into SEASONS at Miraflores in 2006 after John suffered a stroke. Becoming John’s full-time caregiver made an affordable place to live a necessity for the couple. “We loved it here. It was our Shangri La,” Sharon says. John passed away in 2012 and Sharon is thankful to be surrounded by happy memories of him. “We especially enjoyed sitting on the patio having breakfast and making friends with our neighbors. I have lots of good memories of us playing BINGO, attending luncheons, and having so many wonderful friends.” Even as she battles difficult health issues, Sharon stays upbeat and keeps learning by attending LINC Cares programs like healthy cooking classes. Resident Services Coordinator Crystal Nolan says she and Sharon’s neighbors are inspired by her strength. Sharon continues to make happy memories with her Miraflores friends. She can’t help but spread her positive energy around, “All is well in my world,” Sharon says.

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FRIENDS OF LINC CARESAmeriCorps VISTA - Corporate Social Resonsibility and Job Readiness ProgramsApple Care Medical Group - Community Engagement Activities & Health and WellbeingArthritis Foundation - Training and Curriculum SupportCalifornia State University Long Beach - Social Work Interns/Staff SupportCamp Fire USA - Nutritious Snacks for Pepperwood After-School Program

Copper Ridge - Senior Activities in ReddingCox Communications - Computer Programs for Seniors at SEASONS at San Juan Capistrano

CVS - Flu Shots for Senior ResidentsThe Green Foundation - LINC Cares at Mosaic Gardens at Huntington Park

Dee Hardison - After-School ProgramLin Lines - Transportation Support for Senior Activities Mark and Jennifer Montoya – LINC Cares General Operating SupportOpus Community Foundation - Arbor Village After-School ProgramPanera Bread- Baked Goods for Seniors at SEASONS at Redondo BeachProvident Savings Bank Charitable Foundation - LINC Cares in Riverside County

Rotaract Club of Long Beach - LINC Cares General Operating Support Terry and Kathy Dooley - LINC Cares General Operating Support

Theater Of Hearts - Photography Class at SEASONS at Compton

Arts and crafts at SEA

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LINC Cares provides dynamic services to enhance the lives of the families and seniors who live in our communities.

Our programs are offered at no cost, right where residents live, which uniquely positions LINC Cares to create positive outcomes and opportuni-ty among the households we serve.

The LINC Cares Newsletter isprinted on Acid Free paper that is made with Green-e certified renewable wind energy and

fifty-percent post-consumer waste.

555 E. Ocean Blvd. • Suite 900 Long Beach • CA • 90802

LINC Cares is the Resident Services program of

LINC Housing Corporation

Volunteer Milly and Juliana share a sm

ile over a good book at City G

ardens, Santa Ana.