PCACS Community Workshops

PCACS HOSTING WORKSHOP SERIES ON HEALTHY LIVING

2010-09-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to get healthy. . . NOT after the holidays! Porter County Aging & Community Services will host a series of two October workshops on “Healthy Living” at Rittenhouse Senior Living (1300 Vale Park Road in Valparaiso). On Wednesday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Megan Owens, Recreation Coordinator for the Valparaiso Parks Department, and a local Fitness Professional will outline local resources related to exercise and the components of an effective exercise program. On Wednesday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Marolyn Steffen, a Certified and Registered Dietician, will outline the foods that should be included in a healthy diet. This workshop will offer a guide to how we should be eating throughout our day.

Both workshops are FREE and open to the public. The Community Workshop program is possible through funding from NWICA (Northwest Indiana Community Action). If interested, RSVP to Melissa Benefiel at Porter County Aging & Community Services at (219) 263-8300.

September Workshops

2010-08-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Porter County Aging & Community Services in collaboration with Pines Village Retirement Communities is hosting FREE summer Community Workshops supported and funded by Northwest Indiana Community Action:

TITLE: “CRIME PREVENTION FOR SENIORS”
{Porter County Sheriff, David E. Lain, will explain ways to avoid being the victim of a crime, when to contact the police, and the resources available through our local police force, etc.}
WHEN: Thursday, September 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Rittenhouse Senior Living (1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso)

TITLE; “RETIREMENT PLANNING 101”
{Mitchell D. Marcus, Senior Investment Executive for Centier Bank, will explain specific ways to prepare financially for retirement NOW and the resources available to as you plan for retirement.}
WHEN: Tuesday, September 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Miller’s Senior Living (5911 Lute Road, Portage)

If you are interested in coming, please RSVP to Melissa Benefiel at PCACS (219) 464-9736.

Handouts from Spring 2010 Workshops

2010-06-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Didn't get to attend one or all of our spring workshps? Check out the resource lists that were handed out to workshop participants by copying and pasting the links below into your browser:

"When Should Seniors Visit the ER" handout at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQq6ix1Dyeg3ZGZjNTkzdGRfNmNoenQ1bmMz&hl=en

"How to Have a Successful Job Interview" handout at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQq6ix1Dyeg3ZGZjNTkzdGRfNGNtd3F4Mmtt&hl=en

"How to Write an Effective Resume" handout at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQq6ix1Dyeg3ZGZjNTkzdGRfMWN6amh2dGdk&hl=en

"How to Keep the Senior You Love Healthy at Home" handout at:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQq6ix1Dyeg3ZGZjNTkzdGRfMGZmaDJobWZr&hl=en

Now you can get some of the information from our previous workshops. Try to attend some of our summer workshops and gather information that can CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Visit our website at www.portercountyacs.org OR call me at (219) 464-9736.

Summer 2010 Community Workshops

2010-06-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Porter County Aging & Community Services in collaboration with Pines Village Retirement Communities is hosts several FREE Community Workshops supported and funded by Northwest Indiana Community Action:

TITLE: “CRIME PREVENTION FOR SENIORS”
{Porter County Sheriff, David E. Lain, will explain ways to avoid being the victim of a crime, when to contact the police, and the resources available through our local police force, etc.}
WHEN: Thursday, September 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Rittenhouse Senior Living (1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso)

TITLE: “RETIREMENT PLANNING 101”
{Mitchell D. Marcus, Senior Investment Executive for Centier Bank, will explain specific ways to prepare financially for retirement NOW and the resources available to as you plan for retirement.}
WHEN: Tuesday, September 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Miller’s Senior Living in Portage (5911 Lute Road, Portage)

*If you are interested in coming to any of the above workshops, please RSVP to Melissa Benefiel at PCACS (219) 464-9736.

TITLE: “SUICIDE: A PREVENTABLE STRATEGY”
WHEN: June 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta (605 Beech St., Valparaiso)
*If you are interested in coming, please RSVP to Jill Pfister at Village Park (219) 462-1301.

Spring Workshops for Seniors and the Caregivers Who Love Them

2010-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Are you prepared to care for a loved one at home? Is your home safe for a senior or sick loved one? What resources are available to caregivers in our community? We are having a workshop on “Keeping the Senior You Love Healthy at Home” for caregivers and/or soon to be caregivers on Tuesday, April 20 at 12 p.m. at Rittenhouse Senior Living in Valpo.

It is often difficult for seniors with multiple health conditions to decided whether or not it is time to visit the ER. On May 4 at Pines Village in Valpo, Dr. John Johnson will present on “When Should Seniors Visit the ER?” from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Workshops are free and open to the public. Seating is limited so early RSVPs will be important. Contact Melissa at 219.263.8300 or mbenefiel@verizon.net.

WORKSHOPS FOR PORTER COUNTY'S JOB SEEKEERS

2010-04-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Are you unemployed? Unhappy with your current job? Find out how to create a resume that lands you an interview. Find out how to land a job during the inverview process. Attend our spring workshps at the United Way of Porter County office (951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso):

TITLE: “HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE RESUME”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain how to create a resume that will land you a job interview.}
WHEN: Monday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

TITLE: “HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain the steps you need to take to prepare for and have a successful interview.}
WHEN: Monday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Workshops are free and open to the public. Seating is limited so early RSVPs will be important. Contact Melissa at 219.263.8300 or mbenefiel@verizon.net.

SPRING WORKSHOPS COMING UP SOON. . .

2010-03-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Porter County Aging & Community Services in collaboration with Pines Village Retirement Communities is hosts several FREE Community Workshops supported and funded by Northwest Indiana Community Action:

TITLE: “HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE RESUME”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain how to create a resume that will land you a job interview.}
WHEN: Monday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: United Way of Porter County office (951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso)

TITLE: “KEEPING THE SENIOR YOU LOVE HEALTHY AT HOME”
{Dr. Carole Pepa, PhD, RN will outline what services and resources are available to help a caregiver succeed in providing quality care to a loved one at home.}
WHEN: Tuesday, April 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Rittenhouse Senior Living (1300 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso)

TITLE: “HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain the steps you need to take to prepare for and have a successful interview.}
WHEN: Monday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: United Way of Porter County office (951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso)

TITLE: “WHEN SHOULD SENIORS VISIT THE ER?”
{Dr. John C. Johnson, MD will explain what constitutes an emergency room visit for older adults, on-line resources for obtaining medical information and options within the community for alternate care to an ER.}
WHEN: Tuesday, May 4 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Pines Village Retirement Communities (3303 Pines Village Circle, Valparaiso)

If you are interested in coming, please RSVP to Melissa Benefiel at PCACS (219) 263-8300.

2010-03-23T06:26:00.001-07:00

What are 3 ways the PCACS transportation service benefits Porter County? 1.
Less cars on the road means less traffic and a healthier environment. 2.
Seniors are less likely to miss doctor appointments. 3. Low-income
residents can get to work affordably.
http://ping.fm/PDoeh

2010-03-22T06:26:00.001-07:00

Are you a senior looking for a place to help you enjoy the golden years?
Consider the Hebron Senior Center. You'll have fun, make new friends, and
enjoy the comfort of seniors who care that you are there. Learn more at
www.portercountyacs.org/nutrition.htm

or call 219.996.5892.

2010-03-19T06:26:00.001-07:00

Need a ramp? PCACS works in collaboration with Rebuilding Together to build
ramps for low-income senior and disabled Porter County residents.
www.portercountyacs.org

2010-03-18T06:25:00.001-07:00

Overwhelmed by what Medicare Supplement Choice is best for YOU? Contact our
SHIP program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 219.464.1028.
SHIP provides FREE counseling by trained and educated counselors.
www.portercountyacs.org/rsvp.htm

2010-03-17T06:26:00.001-07:00

Did you know PCACS runs the senior center on Main Street in Hebron? The
Site Coordinator calls seniors who don't show up for a meal to make sure he
or she is OK. This is the kind of personalized service PCACS offers those
most in need in Porter County. www.portercountyacs.org

2010-03-16T08:13:00.001-07:00

Hundreds of Porter County adults 55 and older volunteer through our Retired
& Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Learn more at
http://ping.fm/wHNRW or call 219.464.1028.

2010-03-15T06:29:00.001-07:00

Did you know PCACS is the Congregate Meals Site Coordinator for all of the
senior centers in Porter County? Seniors looking for an affordable and
nutritious lunch count on PCACS.
http://ping.fm/Hltqp

2010-03-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

What does Energy Assistance mean for the people we help in Porter County? A
low-income family won't lose their home because they won't have to choose
between their mortgage and heating their home. A senior will be able to
afford life sustaining medications. In short, it means A LOT! Call
464-9736. http://ping.fm/DEOVE

2010-03-11T06:26:00.001-08:00

Are you a part of the sandwich generation - taking care of your children and
your parents? Find out how PCACS can help - www.portercountyacs.org

2010-03-10T08:32:00.001-08:00

How much does it cost to use the PCACS transportation service to get to work
in Porter County? $10/week. Now compare that to what you pay for gas each
week ($40, $50, . . .) and add annual vehicle repairs, auto insurance, etc.
www.portercountyacs.org/transportation.htm

Spring Presentations on Resumes and Interviews

2010-03-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

In collaboration with Workone, we are having two spring workshops at the United Way office in Valparaiso that will help the unemployed in Porter County:

TITLE: “HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE RESUME”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain how to create a resume that will land you a job interview.}
WHEN: Monday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: United Way of Porter County office (951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso)

TITLE: “HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW”
{Tom Rayshich, Job Placement Specialist for Workone, will explain the steps you need to take to prepare for and have a successful interview.}
WHEN: Monday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: United Way of Porter County office (951 Eastport Centre Drive, Valparaiso)

Workshops are free and open to the public. Seating is limited so early RSVPs will be important. Participants can sign up for one or both workshops.

RSVP to Melissa Benefiel @ mbenefiel@verizon.net or 219.464.9736.

2010-03-09T06:25:00.001-08:00

Are you interested in doing customer service research? Help PCACS by doing
ride-alongs on their buses and provide feedback on their customer service
strengths/weaknesses. Call Melissa at 219.464.9736.

2010-03-08T07:40:00.001-08:00

In support of Porter County RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program),
Campbell Street Cafe will donate all tips from the month of March towards
the celebration of our senior volunteers at the Annual Spring Recognition
Event. Campbell Street Cafe is located at 4245 Meridian Woods Drive and is
open from Tues-Sat from 7:00a.m to 2:00p.m.

2010-03-08T06:27:00.001-08:00

What goes on at the Hebron Senior Center? Seniors visit with other seniors,
share a nutritious lunch and enjoy entertaining activities and programs.
The Hebron seniors watch out for each other. They are a family! Learn more
at www.portercountyacs.org/nutrition.htm

or call 219.996.5892.

2010-03-08T05:24:00.001-08:00

What is Section 8? Section 8 housing helps low-income families find safe
and affordable housing. Learn more at www.portercountyacs.org/section8.htm
or
call 219.464.9736

2010-03-04T06:25:00.001-08:00

What is Section 8? Section 8 housing helps low-income families find safe
and affordable housing. Learn more at www.portercountyacs.org/section8.htm
or
call 219.464.9736

2010-03-03T06:26:00.001-08:00

Looking for marketing experience? Volunteer to help PCACS spread the word
about their door to door transportation service in Porter County. Call
Melissa at 219.464.9736.

2010-03-02T06:26:00.001-08:00

Having trouble making a decision on your Medicare Supplement Choices?
Through SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), PCACS offers free
counseling by well trained counselors. Call 219.464.1028 or
www.portercountyacs.org/rsvp.htm

2010-03-01T06:25:00.001-08:00

Looking for Community Relations experience? Volunteer to help PCACS with
local health and nonprofit fairs. Call Melissa at 219.464.9736.

2010-02-26T06:26:00.001-08:00

Are you a senior looking for ways to help the community? Learn more about
our Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at
http://ping.fm/KUNpo or call 219.464.1028.

2010-02-25T06:26:00.001-08:00

Looking for event planning experience? Volunteer to help PCACS with their
Community Workshop program. Call Melissa at 219.464.9736

2010-02-24T06:25:00.001-08:00

Are you about to get cut off from NIPSCO or know someone who needs help
heating their home? PCACS offers energy assistance to eligible Porter
County residents. Call 464-9736. http://ping.fm/GPnTq

2010-02-23T06:25:00.001-08:00

How much does it cost to travel around Porter County using the PCACS door to
door transportation service? $1/ride or $2/round trip. Call 219.462.4302
or visit http://ping.fm/AdS50

2010-02-22T06:25:00.003-08:00

Did you know PCACS is part of Valparaiso's Elderstyle initiative? The
mission of Elderstyle is to offer older adults a network of community
choices to live well. http://ping.fm/enJjw

2010-02-22T06:25:00.001-08:00

Were you in the U. S. military during wartime? Are you the spouse or widow
of someone who was in the U.S. military during wartime? Find out how the VA
Improved Pension Benefit can help you better afford the golden years by
attending our March 1 workshop at the Campbell Street Caf� in Valpo. Call
Melissa at PCACS (219.464.9736) to learn more and RSVP.
www.portercountyacs.org

2010-02-22T05:39:00.001-08:00

Do you have bad credit? Learn how to improve your credit score by attending
our February 25 workshop at the Valparaiso Library. Call Melissa at PCACS
(219.464.9736) to learn more and RSVP. www.portercountyacs.org

2010-02-19T06:25:00.001-08:00

Did you know volunteers took the photos on our brochure and designed our
logo? In order to make the most of donated dollars, we do our best to find
talented volunteers who can help with our marketing, branding, and more.
www.portercountyacs.org

PRESENTATION ON HOW TO REBUILD YOUR CREDIT

2010-02-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

Want to learn more about our February 25 workshp on "How to Protect & Rebuild Your Credit"? View the event flyer at http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7q87TqClHxMY2MwNDQyNTUtMDI1NC00NzZiLWE0MzMtZTJhMzc5ZDU4ZTcw&hl=en

2010-02-18T07:52:00.001-08:00

Did you know that you will spend only $20 for every $100 you donate to
PCACS? Through the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP), we can
offer this opportunity for you to give and get back. Call Melissa at PCACS
(219.464.9736) to learn more. www.portercountyacs.org

Melissa Westphal Benefiel,

Resource Development & Marketing Director

Porter County Aging & Community Services, Inc.

219.263.8300 (cell)

219.464.9736 (office)

www.portercountyacs.org

PCACS LOGO 001

2010-02-16T07:57:00.001-08:00

Are you thinking about buying a car or home? The interest rate you pay is determined in large part by your CREDIT SCORE! Learn how to improve and protect your credit at our February 25 workshop http://ping.fm/4GcN3

2010-02-15T05:45:00.001-08:00

Porter County agency succeeds with buses :: Opinion :: Post-Tribune http://ping.fm/AC0Vi

2010-02-10T07:29:00.001-08:00

Ride Across Porter County - The Chronicle http://ping.fm/LF4J4

2010-02-09T12:25:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wonder whether or not you have good credit? Do you even know your actual credit score or how to get it? What does this NUMBER mean for you and your family? Find out the answers to these questions and more at our February 25 workshop at the Valpo library –http://ping.fm/bOWTH

2010-02-09T12:08:00.001-08:00

ARTICLE IN POST TRIBUNE ABOUT PCACS TRANSPORTATION http://ping.fm/Rdbs7

2010-02-04T09:32:00.001-08:00

What would Porter County, Indiana do without Porter County Aging & Community Services (PCACS) door to door transportation service? Hundreds of seniors without adult children in town would not get to needed medical treatments like dialysis? Hundreds of disabled adults would not be able to get to work and maintain employment. And hundreds more who cannot afford to maintain a vehicle would not be able to get to work either.

If you would like to support this vital program, NOW IS THE TIME! Through our Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP), it will only cost you about $20 for every $100 you donate to PCACS when you file your 2010 taxes. To take advantage of this opportunity, make your check payable to PCACS with “NAP” noted on your check and mail to 1005 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385.

Workshop on How to Rebuild and Protect Your Credit

2010-02-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

Have you signed up for our workshop on "How to Rebuild and Protect Your Credit." Keep that New Years Resolution to improve your financial picutre by attending this FREE, one hour workshop on Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Porter County Public Library in Valpo. We will provide pizza and beverages for those who RSVP by calling Melissa at 219.464.9736.

2010-02-02T13:03:00.001-08:00

Did you know that the PCACS door to door transportation service now runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.? For only $2 you can ride from anywhere in Porter County to another location in Porter County and home again. To learn more about our door to door transportation service, call 219.462.4302.

PCACS Community Workshops Improve the Quality of Life in Porter County

2010-01-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

There are so many success stories from our Community Workshop program. There is the couple that walked out of a workshop on Foreclosure Prevention with a plan to save their home. There is the young professional who reported that she found a job using the information shared at a workshop on "How to Find a Job." There is the senior who recently lost her husband who found great comfort during a workshop on "How to Deal with Loss." The PCACS Community Workshop program helps Porter County residents experience a better quality of life.

Winter 2010 Community Workshops

2010-01-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

For those of you who are not familiar with Porter County Aging & Community Services' Community Workshop program, please allow me to explain. In collaboration with Pines Village Retirement Communities, we hosts several FREE Community Workshops supported and funded by Northwest Indiana Community Action. Topics are either related to the wellness of seniors (e.g. What is a Reverse Mortgate? or "Heart Attack Prevention) OR they are aimed at addressing a poverty issue (e.g. "Foreclosure Prevention" or "How to Have a Successful Interview"). We have one or two workshops each month. They are FREE and open to the public.

PCACS has several workshops coming up this winter. It is hard to get motivated to get out the door and into the cold weather and snow we experience here in the midwest, but you will definitely be missing out if you don't check out the workshops we have coming up. . . and, oh yeah, we feed you too!

Here is a list of what we have coming up:

PORTER COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY in Valparaiso:
Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m.
HOW TO REBUILD YOUR CREDIT
Dorcas E. Hammond, Assistant Vice President Branch Manager for Horizon Bank, will explain how to protect and rebuild your credit, how and when to read a credit bureau report and more.

CAMPBELL STREET CAFÉ (4245 Meridian Woods Drive, Valparaiso):
Monday, March 1 at 12 p.m.
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE VA ‘IMPROVED PENSION’ CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
Jeff McBride with American Association for Wartime Veterans will explain the three general requirements to quality for the VA ‘Improved Pension’, when it is time to pursue a claim with the VA and what resources are available to assist in this process. *Lunch will be provided to all who RSVP!*

If you are interested in coming to these workshops, please RSVP by contacting me at219.263.8300 or mbenefiel@verizon.net

VILLAGE PARK ENRICHMENT CENTER AT BANTA (605 Beech Street, Valparaiso):
Friday, January 15 at 11 a.m.
SUBSTITUTE DECISION MAKING
Linda S. Whitton, Professor of Law at Valparaiso University School of Law, will educate participants on the importance of developing a plan in the event one is not able to make and carry out their own decisions pertaining to their health and property decisions.

Friday, March 19 at 11 a.m.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Louise Thompson, Community Services Liaison with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, will present an introductory program for anyone who suspects memory loss and/or is interested in learning about memory loss.

If you are interested in coming to the two workshops listed above, please RSVP to Jill Pfister at Village Park (219) 462-1301.