Blog
The Eagles Have Landed - CDM Veterans Day in the Columbian
Posted by Eric Erickson on 11/10/2011Reporter Tom Vogt and Photographer Steven Lane joined CDM Services at Beaches Restaurant to welcome eagle ambassadors Defiance and Phoenix from Wildlife Images to Vancouver.
Former CDM Employee Adds to Veteran's Scholarship Fund
Former CDM employee Bill Puckett has agreed to add almost $1,500 to the CDM Veterans Support Scholarship fund, which can be used by veterans and their families for adult day services at our center, in-home care through CDM, and/or support through the Community Partnership Initiative. The fund was begun in 2010 with a $5000 grant from the Schwab Foundation. CDM is currently applying for grants to increase the fund.
Bill had previously donated his vacation hours back to CDM to help employees in need. Almost $1,000 went to this effort, and the remaining fund will be transferred to support our veterans, which is fitting because Bill now works for the VA. Thank you so much Bill!!
Community Partnership Initiative Update
Summer is in full swing, and with it has come a wonderful relationship with an amazing non-profit called Go Connect. The CPI has forged a partnership with Go Connect's Executive Director, David Bilby. GO Connect offers a webbased community building tool for churches, business, government agencies and individuals to connect with the needs in the community so that NO NEED GOES UNMET. There are plenty of resources and people who care to meet the physical, financial, and spiritual needs in communities. Their mission is totally complementary to ours and we have completed our first venture together this summer!
We had a client who needed a major property and garage cleanup. Go Connect provided a group of 7 volunteers who came up from Salem on a Sunday afternoon and completed the pre-work for the project. The following Thursday, a team of 55 volunteers from here in Vancouver spent the afternoon getting rid of a fence line full of blackberries that had taken over the yard, mowed, pruned trees, weed-eated, cleared and barked flower beds, swept off the roof and cleaned her gutters, hauled off the debris & yard waste and items destined for the dumps and recycling, installed an air conditioner and more...in just a few hours!!!!!!!! The results were terrific! Our client was thrilled beyond belief! This was the first of hopefully many joint ventures which will result in our CPI requests being filled much quicker! We now have ready access to carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, electricians, painters, trucks & muscles, lawn care & pet care to mention just a few! Please contact Marti Sanders at 360 896-9695 with any client needs, donations of furniture, or availability to volunteer and we will now be able to get those taken care of promptly!!!!
The Eagles Have Landed - CDM Veterans Day in the Columbian
Posted by Eric Erickson on 11/10/2011Reporter Tom Vogt and Photographer Steven Lane joined CDM Services at Beaches Restaurant to welcome eagle ambassadors Defiance and Phoenix from Wildlife Images to Vancouver.
Announcing CDM Studios...Clark County's Hub for Aging and the Arts
Posted by Eric Erickson on 08/03/2011CDM Services began offering therapeutic visual art classes two years ago, which touched dozens of clients and their families at our CDM Adult Day Services Center. After attending an international conference in Canada last October on Dementia and the Arts, we learned more about the power of all the arts in the lives of people experiencing dementia and other issues related to aging. We learned from international experts who are providing cutting edge programs in dance & movement, drama & theater, music, and the visual arts all over the world.
Upon our return, it became clear that CDM Services was poised to bring these creative offerings to elders in Clark County. In order to expand more space was needed. CDM Studios...Clark County's Hub for Aging and the Arts was born.CDM has partnered with Gallery 360 at their new location in Vancouver. Gallery 360 is providing the space on the days they are normally closed for this cutting edge program. This venue provides a place that is not defined by aging. It's a beautiful gallery with wonderful wood floors and lots of space to be creative. Future plans of CDM Studios include providing speakers, trainings, and classes in visual arts, dance & movement, drama and music. We have an Advisory Board made up of experts representing each area of the arts that are informing our program!
Our inaugural event of CDM Studios is "Celebrate Summer With a Drum Circle" on Tuesday, August 9th at 5:30 pm at Gallery 360. 111 W 9th St. in Vancouver.Join us...improve your mood, reduce stress and have lots of fun! Drums and small percussion instruments will be provided will be provided compliments of Upbeat Music Therapy but feel free to bring your own. No musical experience is necessary.
Anne Vitort, board certified music therapist (and member of our CDM Studios Advisory Board) will facilitate. Donations benefit CDM Adult Day Services Center's music program. For further information, contact Marti Sanders at 448-0481.
Major Gift in CDM partnership with Share Announced
Posted by Eric Erickson on 08/03/2011Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin of the KMR Group Foundation announce $150,000 gift to CDM Services to start capital campaign on Share Fromhold Center site.
CDM & ElderFriends Joint Press Release
Posted by Eric Erickson on 07/22/2011ELDERFRIENDS PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN CLARK COUNTY
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDVANCOUVER, WA JULY 22, 2011 – CDM Services is excited to partner with Kiersten Ware, Founder of ElderFriends, Inc. to implement an innovative program, which will expand services to meet the needs of vulnerable elders in Vancouver, Washington. Successfully launched in Seattle, WA in 1996 and in Richmond, VA in 2007, we are replicating this proven model in an effort to relieve isolation and loneliness among low income, "shut in" elders.
ElderFriends is a volunteer-based friendly visitation program that provides companionship, outreach, and advocacy services to isolated older adults. Many seniors live alone & without the support from family and friends. ElderFriends volunteers are matched with Vancouver Elders who are 65 or older, living alone in their own homes or apartments and wish to have a friendly visitor.
Volunteers must be able to commit eight hours a month to making friendly visits and phone calls to seniors in their community who are feeling socially isolated. To participate, volunteers must complete an application form, clear background checks, and attend training session.Make a difference in your life and in your community, call Kiersten Ware at (360) 816-0927 or e-mail ef@cdmltc.org for more information.
# # #
Kiersten Ware, MS Gerontology
Founding President, ElderFriends, Inc.C: 360.608.5969
Letter Printed in Columbian 5-1-2011
Posted by Eric Erickson on 05/10/2011Letter on Legislative Budget Regarding Agency Home Care
Senior Messenger Article on CDM Services
Posted by Eric Erickson on 01/18/2011Greg Johnson of the Senior Messenger attended our "Christmas on the Columbia" event in December and shares his impressions of CDM in the latest issue of the "Senior Messenger".
CDM Contingent Attend International Conference on Dementia and the Arts
Posted on 10/29/2010The CDM Creatvie Connections team attended the 5th International Conference on Dementia and the Arts, and is poised to bring a wonderful array of services to Clark County
Seattle Time Editorial by Executive Director Eric Erickson
Posted on 10/29/2010Seattle Times Editorial by Executive Director and Washington Home Care Coalition President Eric Erickson regarding the proposed DSHS cuts to agency home care.
Letter Published in Columbian 5-1-2011
With the state facing a historic budget deficit, many call for new models of providing services, particularly giving more responsibility to private companies. It is ironic, then, that in one of the major state services where private companies do play a major role, the state is moving in the opposite direction.
For years, private companies like local nonprofit CDM Services, of which I am executive director, have been key providers of home-care services for the most vulnerable.
Those who can’t supervise their own care — including many with severe disabilities — can receive service through a private agency, which provides more care management, quality control, and oversight than the state-run “Individual Provider” program.
Years ago, the Legislature unanimously adopted the “agency parity” statute, which ensures that compensation for individual providers and caregivers at private agencies remains competitive to allow recruiting and retaining qualified workers. The 2011 Legislature has proposed eliminating this provision. This could leave thousands of agency caregivers without health care, force vulnerable consumers into nursing homes, and lead to elimination of home care agencies.
Private businesses have played a key role in promoting quality, innovation and cost effectiveness. Let’s not move in the wrong direction and prevent private companies from competing to provide home care services in Washington.
Eric Erickson
Vancouver
Home Care Rally in Olympia 3-2-2011
Home care workers, clients, and advocates gathered on March 2nd on the steps of the Washington State Capital Building to protest further cuts to home care services.
The Ed Lynch Company presents "Symbol of Freedom" on 11-11-11
The Ed Lynch Company is the title sponsor for our "Symbol of Freedom" event featuring 'Defiance' the eagle on 11-11-11. Mr. Ed Lynch will also be the Honorary Chairperson of the event, with plans to include an elementary school presenation, a lunch event, and a special reception at the Lynch home. More information to come.
Thank you so much to Ed Lynch and The Ed Lynch Company for your support of our veterans and of CDM Services.
CDM Receives Two New Grants
CDM Services is very happy to announce 2 new grants received:
$7,000 from the Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation for general operating.
$5,000 from the Anna & Dwight Schwab Sr. Charitable Foundation to start a scholarship fund for veterans at our Adult Day Center.
Thank you so very much to both of these outstanding and generous foundations for their support!
Senior Messenger Article on CDM Event
Greg Johnson of the Senior Messenger joined CDM Services and sponsors Westby Associates and Cinetopia at Martel Wealth Associates for our "Christmas on the Columbia" event where nearly 100 attendees helped us raise over $11,000 to continue the Community Partnership Initiative and to continue to serve clients in their own homes and at our Adult Day Center.
Greg's article can be found here:
http://www.cityofvancouver.us/seniormessenger.asp?issueID=79749&articleID=79777
Special Message from a CDM Family
Please click on the picture below to hear a special holiday message from Janice Rhinehart, whose husband Bill has been living with Alzheimer's Disease since 2006. Bill is a client at the CDM Adult Day Services Center, and Janice describes both the difficulty that comes with a long-term care need such as Alzheimer's, and the impact that services like that which CDM provides can make in a family's life.
Christmas on the Columbia to benefit CDM
Join Westby Associates, Cinetopia, and Specifically Seniors in supporting CDM Services on Monday, December 13th for a night of music by Dr Michael Kisinger, the famous Christmas Ship parade, great food by Cinetopia, and holiday sharing and caring to benefit some of the most vulnerable citizens in Clark County. The party starts at 5:30PM at Martel Wealth Advisors, 2001 SE Columbia River Drive, Suite 100 (just East of Beaches restaurant). Tickets are $50 per person, $80 per couple and available by calling our main office at 360-896-9695. Questions about the event can be directed to Mike Wilson at 360-606-2603.
CDM Contingent Attends International Conference on Dementia and the Arts - Posted 10-29-10
International Conference on Dementia and the Arts
The Society for the Arts in Dementia Care hosted the 5th International Conference on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia in Penticton, British Columbia September 30, Oct. 1 & 2, 2010. CDM Services sponsored three attendees. Pat LaCroix, Geoff Walker and Marti Sanders (*see below) who spent an absolutely amazing 3 days participating in practicums and lectures by cutting edge international researchers from Canada, Scotland, England, Australia, British Columbia and the US. Sessions targeting visual arts, music & songwriting with people with dementia, dance and movement, theater and clowning were rich in both research findings and practice.
CDM Services is now poised to take the lead in Southwest Washington to raise awareness of the power of art in the lives of people living with dementia, their families and their caregivers. Pat, Geoff & Marti will take what was learned at the conference begin a collaborative effort to cultivate the groundwork for expanding and/or developing cutting edge practices in each area of the arts here in our community.
Our intention is to articulate the voice of those with dementia and assure its presence in community planning and access to all forms of the arts. CDM will focus on developing a network of professional and student artists, dancers, actors & musicians interested in collaborating on program design and implementation at our CDM Adult Day Services Center. Prototypes developed there will be shared with families, caregivers, in-home care agencies, adult family homes and facilities serving those living with dementia in Southwest Washington. Please contact Marti Sanders, 360-896-9695 or msanders@cdmltc.org if you have any questions or are interested in joining us in this exciting work.
*Pat LaCroix is a professional artist, a Clark County Arts Commissioner, and Board Treasurer of the newly formed 501 © 3 Arts of Clark County. Geoff Walker is a licensed art therapist with a private practice in Camas and Board Vice Chair of Arts of Clark County. Marti Sanders does Community Development for CDM, facilitates CDM’s Creative Connections…Living Life in the Moment, is the Board Secretary of Battle Ground Art Alliance, serves on the Clark County Commissioner’s Task Force on Aging Readiness and is a member of the 2011 class of Leadership Clark County.
Welcome to the CDM Blog - Posted 10-28-10
Thank you for exploring our new site. As we learn more about how to use it, we will be using this space for pictures, stories, and updates. Check back often, and use the "contact us" link to the left to request information to be shared on our new blog.
