Oregon Project Independence Extended Through Feb. 2011 by Emergency Board!

In late June, we received devastating news that as part of the Governor’s 9% cuts to all state agencies to balance the state budget, Oregon Project Independence would be eliminated at the end of July, leaving 2,000 low-income frail seniors statewide (Hollywood Senior Center has 47 OPI Clients) without in-home services, greatly increasing their risk of expensive institutionalization. Additionally, in-home care workers and agency staff could lose their jobs. Advocates, clients and organizations serving seniors began a strong campaign to save OPI and other senior services. Legislators listened and on July 20^th, we received word that the Legislative Emergency Board is expected to restore $17.1 million in services to seniors and people with disabilities

Included in the proposed restored cuts list are Oregon Project Independence and Medicaid In-Home Care programs for seniors, people with disabilities and mental health issues.

The Hollywood Senior Center wishes to thank members of the Emergency Board for their leadership and commitment to seniors and those with disabilities and mental health issues.

The current recommendation would extend OPI services through February 2011.  Between now and then, we must a find a way to preserve this cost saving and vital program. Please contact your legislators and let them know it is critical that the State finds away to sustain OPI. Contact us for names and numbers of local Legislators. Your voice is a powerful tool of change!

Hollywood Senior Center Cooling Center

When the temperatures climb past 90 degrees for more than three days, experts recommend remaining indoors. Even short exposure to extreme heat may have harmful effects—causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or worse. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise, but older adults are particularly vulnerable if they don’t have access to air conditioning and become dehydrated. August is traditionally the hottest month of the year here in Portland (although this has been a pretty untraditional summer in terms of the weather).

When temperatures reach the high 90’s and above, the Hollywood Senior Center (in partnership with the Hollywood Boosters, Hollywood Neighborhood Association, Hollywood Neighborhood Emergency Team, Hollywood Lions Club and Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services) will once again be open as a Senior Cooling Center. We will be open extended hours until 8pm to provide relief from the extreme heat. We’ll have plenty of water, snacks and will be showing nightly movies on those days. Limited transportation assistance will be available. Call the Center or visit our website at  www.hollywoodseniorcenter.org for more details about Cooling Center hours and days of operation. Even on days when we are not open as a “Cooling Center”, we still have great air conditioning so stop in between 8:30am- 4:30pm for fun and friendship. Check out our Monthly Activities Calendar for a daily schedule.