The MASSB Minute

As we are entering the month of June, we have another opportunity to reflect on the many volunteer activities we pursue throughout the year and the great work done by volunteers and Department of Social Services staff throughout the State of Maryland. I am certain that our collective endeavors make a difference in our communities and that we can build on them to both broaden and deepen our positive impacts. We are a mighty team of social workers and volunteers that consistently seize opportunities, while overcoming challenges.

With that in mind, we are approaching World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – a day of global significance that calls for our collective action to protect and support our senior citizens. This day serves as a powerful reminder that our elderly population deserves respect, dignity, and care. Moreover, this day serves as another powerful reminder regarding the crucial role played by social workers and volunteers in our communities. These compassionate individuals work tirelessly to address the challenges faced by older adults and promote their well-being. Acknowledging that elder abuse is a grave issue that can range from physical to neglectful mistreatment, social workers and volunteers are more critical than ever. They are the backbone of protecting the elderly from harm by advocating for their rights, providing essential assistance, and ensuring their voices are heard.

During this month's World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all social workers and volunteers who tirelessly champion the cause of our seniors. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to combatting elder abuse and ensuring that this critical segment of our society receives the care and support it deserves.

Best,
Tony

Collecting testimonials and stories from people you help is an important part of your board's activities. It's not always possible to talk directly to the customer, so get creative! Include a note with your contact information in the bag of food or clothing you provide, or ask the DSS worker or other engaged expert for feedback. These stories can be used in fundraising and board member recruitment. They will also fill the hearts of your board members knowing they have made a difference in the life of someone who is struggling. After all, that's why we volunteer.

“Ms. ‘A’ was near tears when I took the application for her to sign. She is really trapped right now and this ramp will allow her to go outside without assistance.” — DSS Adult Services Unit

View Sample Donor Note

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. We are grateful to Andre Lingham, Center for Elder Justice and Education, for his excellent presentation on this topic during our fall conference. Please take a moment to review the information Mr. Lingham shared below, or view the full presentation.

Elder Abuse: Little Known Facts

Most elder abuse is committed by trusted individuals, such as family members.
Financial elder abuse has resulted in losses between 3 billion and 36 billion dollars per year.
Abused elders have a 300% risk of early death when compared to those who were not abused.
Two out of three elder abuse victims are women.
Rates of abuse of older persons increased during Covid.

Red Flags of Elder Abuse

Physical Abuse: bruises, broken bones, lacerations, and reports from victim that they have been assaulted.
Emotional Abuse: becoming withdrawn, changes in sleeping or eating habits, depression or anxiety.
Financial Exploitation: changes in banking habits, changes in a will or financial documents, unpaid bills.
Neglect: poor hygiene, untreated bed sores, desertion at a hospital or other facility.
Sexual Assault: victim reports of being sexually assaulted, bruises around genital area, changes in demeanor.

Preventing Elder Abuse

Educate oneself and others about how to recognize and report elder abuse.
Listen to older adults who report alleged abuse.
Report abuse or suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services, Ombudsman, and local police.
Frequently check on older adults who have few friends or family members.
Educate and re-educate older adults on elder abuse.

View Elder Abuse Awareness Brief

Former Advisory Board Chair, Calvert County

“I discovered the Advisory Board in 2014 after scaling back on my career to care for my son. I happened to pick up a free newspaper in the grocery store and noticed an article about a nonprofit looking for members. I recognized Chris Cummings' name from my time working at the Naval Air Systems Command, and the rest is history! My only experience with DSS at that time was the Home Study process required for adoptions. Volunteering on the Advisory Board, and now as a MASSB Trustee, has enriched my life immeasurably. I've gained so much respect for social workers and their tireless efforts to help the vulnerable in our community.

Some of my favorite experiences have been attending the annual MASSB conferences. I love networking with board members from across the state and seeing (and borrowing!) their great ideas for fundraising and services. There is wonderful energy in the room when compassionate people are brought together around a common goal of helping others. It's these events that gave me the idea of writing the MASSB Minute. I hope you have time to scan it each month and perhaps pick up an idea for your board.

May was a busy and exciting month for my family as our son graduated from Salisbury University (Go Gulls!). It's hard to believe that more than 20 years have passed since my husband and I decided to build our little family through adoption. My heart is full!”

“Coffee Corner for Fundraisers” presented by Maryland Nonprofits. 9 June 2023, 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM, and every 2nd Friday of the month. E-mail trustee@massbfoundation.org to register.

Register for Coffee Corner