New 'FOCIS': Group aims to help people adjust to aging
By: Sean Dieterich, The Independent
06/06/2008
A new name brings a new "FOCIS," as the former Elder Abuse Task Force seeks to show the community the positive aspects of aging. It's that positive perspective that led those behind the task force to rename their organization. Now called FOCIS - Focus on Community Initiatives for Seniors - the group seeks to do more than help seniors who have been exploited. They now want to give seniors the tools to empower themselves. The Elder Abuse Task Force was formed in November 2003 to raise awareness of elder abuse. Judy Gorman-Prow, a caseworker for Adult Protective Services, said the group decided to expand its priorities because they felt too much of the necessary information on how to adapt to senior living was being overlooked. "We hear so much of the negative," she said. "Let's refocus on how do we empower people."
One way FOCIS is seeking to do this is with a conference at Hon-Dah Conference Center on June 19, titled "A Celebration of Aging - Exploring Alternative Living." Gorman-Prow said the group has held conferences before, but this will be the first year under the new name and new outlook. "(We will give) people new ideas on how to age well," she said. The conference starts at 8 a.m., with a 7 a.m. registration, and will continue to 4:30 p.m. The cost of the conference is $30 before June 10 and $35 at the door. The cost includes a continental breakfast and a luncheon.
She said if there was anything people should take from the conference, it is that there is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to growing old. "They can look forward to aging," she said. "Maybe it'll show them there's hope." For more information about FOCIS, the upcoming conference or to register, call Linda Haynes at (928) 521-3944, Georgina Cromwell at (928) 338-3674 or e-mail FOCIS.navco@yahoo.com.
SOURCE: WMICentral
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