Cast me not off in time of my old age Psalm 71.9

ABOUT US The Philadelphia Senate on Aging has served the elderly for over three decades. Our members have proudly counseled their peers regarding Medicare and Medicaid issues, saving them thousands in medical expenses. We've assisted clients in a myriad of ways: averting evictions, utility shut-offs, housing adaptations, mortgage assistance, rent/real estate debates, PACE prescriptions, etc. We all are volunteers

TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT - One of our counselors noticed a client buying dog food in the supermarket; she knew this lady never owned a pet. The ladies had a brief conversation and the client explained she had been cutting the food budget to buy medications. An appointment was made for the next day. The client was assisted in applying for food stamps, the PACE prescription program and was eligible for a rent rebate. The counselor, 80+ years old, had resolved all the issues. No more dog food for THIS client.


2015 - PHILADELPHIA SENATE ON AGING PROGRESS REPORT - A partial report, to give you the gist of what we do. 1) Family with 5 children: We were able to acquire a total of $1,000 from several sources to avert utility shut offs. 2) Reverse Mortgage - 75 year old lady needed relief from overwhelming bills - sought advice and information. She was given material and directed to the proper agency. After several counseling sessions, she applied, and is now worry and debt free. 3) Home Repairs - 67 year old gentleman faced a $5,000 plumbing problem. We were able to contact an agency who, after inspection and in cooperation with several sources - the final bill was $250.00 4) Medical Bills - PSA counselling a 81 year old lady regarding a $10,000 hospital bill. After several letters, application for grant monies, and calls to the hospital, the bill was paid in full. 2015 GOAL - To duplicate the aforementioned services and to offer computer training classes via the Non-Profit Technology Resources to equip volunteers to access all benefits for their peers at the local, state and federal level.


DONATIONS: You may contribute via PAYPAL; REMINDER: Paypal accepts credit card transactions from NON-MEMBERS as well.   

                                                                        


MARY DANIELS, DIRECTOR
I was employed by the City of Philadelphia in the mid 60s, starting as a Clerk Typist, then moved up to Clerk Stenographer. My first job was with the Free Library of Philadelphia – the Northeast Regional Library. Some years later I worked at the Philadelphia General Hospital , followed by Health District #1, Broad & Lombard.

In the late 70’s I became the Secretary to Mrs. Victorina Peralta, Director of Adult & Aging Services. It was this position that changed the direction of my life. Mrs. Peralta was a brilliant woman who challenged every skill I possessed. She was also a religious woman who was deeply committed to her work.  Her irascible personality caused many of her secretaries to transfer to other departments with little notice. It took months of patience and prayer for me to understand why the Lord had allowed our paths to cross and to “choose” to be His vessel despite many days of frustration. Like the others, I often contemplated leaving or transferring. But the Holy Spirit would remind me of His purposes for our lives….. to shine.

 I felt embarrassed and humiliated many times by an abrupt answer, but God said “be still”.
In 1980, Mrs. Peralta was asked by President Jimmy Carter to move to Washington, D.C. for 18 months to work on the 1981 White House Conference On Aging – held once every 10 years. President Carter had planned to include her in his staff had he won the next election. Mrs. Peralta asked the White house to hire me stating, “I’ll get more accomplished as Mary understands my accent”. She told me, “Mary, you bring peace” THAT was a testimony to the Lord.

There was much opposition, for NOBODY in history had ever been allowed to bring a secretary to the White House Conference, only professionals who were nationally known in the field of Gerontology were invited to attend. However, I was finally approved under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act ( personnel are assigned to the government “on loan” and then returned to their city/positions. I was packed and moved by the U.S. government and salaried. This would not have happen, had I quit the first time I felt humiliated.

It would take a book to write about the people I rubbed shoulders with – their attitudes and fabulous lifestyles. I also had the opportunity to minister to some of most powerful people in the country. I returned home with enough experience under my belt to receive credits in “Political Science” from Antioch University as part of a Prior Learning Petition. Mrs. Peralta made me Coordinator for Project: HEAD II (a coalition of church-based senior clubs) as part of my college practicum; the Philadelphia Senate On Aging had organized in 1977 to allow these clubs to become a non-profit organization… continuing to receive technical assistance from us in programming and the sharing of information pertinent to their members.

Mrs. Peralta retired and she and her husband moved to Spain. The Project was transferred to the Mayor’s Commission On Aging and I choose to run it, even when there was no budget; it was 10 years before I received a salary. I became Director of Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (trained by AARP) - it later became the APPRISE program. I also directed Health Care Fraud (under CARIE – Center for Advocacy for Rights and Interest of the Elderly). My work with Apprise was recognized by Harrisburg and the MCOA was given a budget which included a salary for me.
Members of the Philadelphia Senate on Aging received training from me for the Apprise Program as well as training from CARIE for Health Care Fraud.

Although I am retired , we continue to have a rapport with the Mayor’s Commission on Aging and are welcomed to conduct monthly meetings and trainings there throughout the year.
We continue to serve our peers with the goal to enhance their quality of life by informing them of their rights and benefits

I'm grateful to Mrs. Peralta for the encouragement and, yes, the challenges.  It takes "iron to sharpen iron" and it was her PUSH towards a better career that open the door to a more "rewarding" career.  Thankful that I told her thanks as I graduated from Antioch University.

I am blessed to have the experience, knowledge and passion to serve the seniors of the City of Philadelphia and anticipate the fulfillment of our new goals with much excitement.