September 2021 Newsletter

September 2021 Newsletter

 We challenge you to change your mindset around falls prevention! Take steps to reduce your risk today. 

Falling is not a normal part of aging. You can prevent falls by doing the right exercises, making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and more.

We encourage you to explore the resources below from the National Council on Aging:

18 Steps to Fall Proofing Your Home: https://www.ncoa.org/article/18-steps-to-fall-proofing-your-home

Falls Free Checkup - Check Your Risk: https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-free-checkup

Debunking Myths of Older Adult Falls: https://www.ncoa.org/article/debunking-the-myths-of-older-adult-falls

Conversation Guide for Caregivers: https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-conversation-guide-for-caregivers

Local senior centers throughout Central Vermont offer exercise and wellness classes. Contact your local center to inquire about upcoming opportunities. 

Download this checklist to find and fix hazards in your home: /uploads/files/STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf

Senior Farmers Market Coupons Available

Farm to Family Coupons will help you buy fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables at participating Famers’ Markets.

In partnership with the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Capstone distributes Farm to Family coupons each year. You may be eligible if your household income is up to 185% of the federal poverty level; families who receive WIC benefits through the Vermont Health Department are also eligible.

Contact Capstone Community Action to learn more and apply:
1 (800) 639-1053

3SquaresVT (SNAP) Increases Benefit!

The largest increase of benefits in the history of the SNAP program will become effective on October 1, 2021. This is a 21% increase, raising the average benefit from $4.25 to $5.45 per person per day. This new increase is higher than what is currently received from the temporary COVID increase.

Vermont continues to ask for the max emergency allotment each month from the USDA. September’s max allotments have already been approved.

If you have any questions, call the CVCOA Helpline at 1 (800) 642-5119 or visit dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT/60plus

Seeking AmeriCorps Volunteer Outreach Member

Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about community engagement, direct service to others, and improving the lives of older Central Vermonters. This AmeriCorps Volunteer Outreach Member will build partnerships with community members and organizations to create a local network of direct support services for older Vermonters. This individual will also recruit and engage volunteers to provide short-term services to help people age in place.

This is a great opportunity if you are looking to transition to a new career or desire an enriching gap year.?No experience necessary.

This full-time position begins September 8th, 2021 and ends August 12th, 2022. Member receives a living allowance of $20,400 (pre-tax), and an education award of $6,345 (pre-tax).

Other benefits include health insurance, federal school loan forbearance, and various training and networking opportunities. This position is in partnership with the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps).
For a more detailed position description visit https://vhcb.org/our-programs/vhcb-americorps/positions or contact Sarah Semler, Volunteer Services Director, at 476-0151 or [email protected].

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program:

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Learn more and apply online: https://getemergencybroadband.org/

Or, contact the CVCOA Helpline at 1 (800) 642-5119 for assistance with completing a paper application.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an emergency program developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will end once the program funds are exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic, whichever comes first.

Together Again! - a Virtual Benefit for Central Vermont Council on Aging

October, 9th
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Online! - Zoom link will be provided to ticket holders in advance.

For more information and tickets, or to donate and bid on auction items, please click here.

Thanks to these generous sponsors!

And the many other sponsors, patrons, and friends who are supporting this event and CVCOA's mission to support Central Vermonters to age with dignity and choice!