Anyone can refer or be referred. Contact information for Senior Peer Counseling:
Carolyn Young, LCSW, Phone # 818-847-3845
Volunteers for Seniors - B.J. Valencia, Case Manager, Phone # 818-847-3846.
Address for both: 6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 1A, No Hollywood, CA 91605
Carolyn Young, LCSW does the initial intake before assigning a counselor and B.J. Valencia, Case Mgr. does the initial home visit assessment before a service is provided, ie. ride is needed, errands needed, grocery shopping, visitation, counseling, etc.
They are in the process of setting up clinic dates at St. Didacus Church for the Sylmar community as well as Long Term Recovery services for Wildfire Survivors in need of this program.
Description of the program:
The Parish Nurse or Faith Community Nurse, Mary Munchi, provides ongoing health screenings to members of the community such as blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, referrals and personal health counseling at the church.
Services Provided:
> Being depressed, sad or anxious
> Facing difficulties with getting older
> Grieving the loss of a loved one, or loss of their home
> Increased difficulty managing at home
> Adjusting to chronic health conditions
> Coping with family conflict
> Loneliness
Understanding that at this time, this is probably not an immediate
need for these families, we would like to address the senior population affected by the Mayre/Sayre fires. We are offering access to our Senior Peer Counseling Program as a Long-Term Recovery service. Our Senior Peer Counselors are volunteers who have been extensively trained and are supervised by a mental health professional. They provide one-on-one counseling designed to support and assist seniors in the community who may be facing challenging or difficult circumstances in their lives...such as the fire.
Volunteers for Seniors provide valuable services for frail, home-bound seniors who have no other resources. Volunteers for seniors provide access to medical care and help to maintain independence in the home, which enhances and maintains the quality of life for seniors. Services include: transportation to medical appointments, shopping for groceries, light housekeeping, cooking a meal and friendly visiting.