African American Elders Program

by Karen Winston

Serving older adults since 1997

Members of the original Mayor's Council on African American Elders (shown at right): William Ticeson, Clarence Ticeson, Wilma Harris-Johnson, Freddie Mae Gautier, Leonard Berry, Rev. Ellis Casson, former Mayor Norman B. Rice, and John Cannon.  (Not pictured: Alberta Adams and Gwen Browne.)

In July 2004, Catholic Community Services (CCS) was selected as the community-based sponsor of the African American Elders Program (AAEP). Catholic Community Services provides a range of services, including in-home care, housing, day care, counseling, shelters, legal assistance, mental health services, meals, volunteer chore, emergency services and referrals. CCS assumed responsibility of the program beginning in November 2004.

A community event to recognize the transition of the AAEP to Catholic Community Services is scheduled for Sunday, February 6, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Randolph Carter Family and Learning Center, located at 100 - 23rd Ave., in Seattle. The event is being sponsored by the Mayor's Council on African American Elders (MCAAE). The public is invited.

History of the African American Elders Program

In 1994, under former Mayor Norm Rice, a community-driven effort was launched to address the needs of Seattle's older African American adults. Many of these elders have unmet needs, are living in poverty and poor housing conditions, have high rates of health problems and, as a group, under-utilize available services compared to other racial or ethnic groups in Seattle.

The effort led to the creation of the African American Elders Program (AAEP), which began serving the target population with outreach, health, and case management services in 1997. The original program operated through a partnership that included the Mayor's Council on African American Elders, the Seattle Human Services Department - Aging & Disability Services (ADS), Public Health: Seattle-King County, and Senior Services of Seattle/King County. The AAEP identifies isolated older African Americans through outreach and helps them to access social and health services through ongoing case management, support and referrals.

Last year, the MCAAE spearheaded the planning for the transition of the AAEP to a community-based management and governance structure. A community input study showed support for the AAEP transition and the need for strategies to address service gaps for African American elders. (Click here to see the Final Report: Community Input on the Needs of African American Elders in Seattle and South King County.) The study also provided valuable insight regarding barriers to health care and the needs of family caregivers.

To make a referral to the AAEP or to volunteer for the program, call (206) 328-5639.