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Final SCS Non Profit 2022

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This mural image was unveiled at a dedication ceremony at Watsonville's Ramsey Park. Shared Adventures is a non-profit that was founded on the belief that recreation, exploration, challenge and access to the outdoors is essential to a heathy and fulfilling life. We are dedicated to improving the lives of those living with mobile and cognitive disabilities. Please Support Shared Adventures with a Donation www.SharedAdventures.org how the connections made benefit both the partici- pant and the volunteer. Some of our volunteers, as former social workers or teachers, love that they are able to use their pro- fessional skills in a new context and other volun- teers have discovered that giving their time not only benefits the participant but is helping them over- come their own sense of isolation. These volunteer connec- tions are at the very heart of our mission. Noth- ing heals division and transforms a community like working together. It is how we build a civic framework and move our community forward. We invite all community members to lend their hand to this movement for good. LEND A HAND STAY CONNECTED: Serve as a friendly voice, build meaningful relation- ships, and be a resource for local seniors. https:// scvolunteercenter.org/ programs/stay-connected/ HELPING HANDS: Would you like to help us complete basic home maintenance for low-in- come seniors, disabled older adults and veterans? We welcome volunteers of all ages and skill levels. https://scvolunteercenter. org/programs/helping_ hands/ GROCERY SHOPPER PROGRAM: Interested volunteers can learn more and register at: https:// scvolunteercenter.org/ programs/grocery-shop- per-program/ VOLUNTEER FOR ANY OF OUR EM- POWERED AGING PROGRAMS: Inspired to volunteer with older adults but not sure which program is right for you? Brose all of our Empow- ered Aging Programs. https://scvolunteercenter. org/vc-programs/?_all_ programs=seniors LEARN MORE: Visit www.scvolunteercenter. org or call 831-427-5070. Bigstock Photo Volunteer... continued from page 1 As your parents age and you begin to notice them declining, it can feel over- whelming as you try to sort through their needs, understand their options and make decisions. Hospice of Santa Cruz County offers free help for anyone in the commu- nity to create an advance healthcare directive. An advance directive will al- low your parent to clearly communicate his or her healthcare wishes. This is critical in a medical situation when someone can no longer speak for or advocate for themselves. Everyone over 18 should have an advance health- care directive. According to Vanessa Silverstein, Education and Outreach Program Manager at Hospice of Santa Cruz County, "An advance directive is a gift to your loved ones. It helps your friends and family to know they're doing a good job honor- ing your choices and can reduce family conflict and guilt." Planning ahead can bring a sense of peace. After finalizing her advance healthcare directive, a grateful community mem- ber shared, "Thank you very much for providing this service. I'm so re- lieved to finally have my wishes in writing." Virtual or in-person presentations and indi- vidual appointments are available to learn how to identify end-of-life healthcare values and get help with the forms, step by step. For more information call Hospice of Santa Cruz County at (831) 430-3000. Download forms and find additional resources at hospicesantacruz.org Make a healthcare plan now with your aging parents By Hospice of Santa Cruz County Contributed Photo Shared Adventures was established as a non-prof- it organization in 1994 by Foster Andersen, a quadriplegic as a result of a spinal cord injury in 1978 at the age of 17. The non-profit is based in Santa Cruz CA and has provided recreational and social activities for thousands of participants who have disabilities and challenges. During the first 2 years of the Covid pandemic, the organiza- tion shifted to live, on-line activities such as danc- es, yoga, art, music and games. The organization also sponsored an outdoor skateboarding event create for youth with disabilities and worked with the CA State Parks to create a free beach wheelchair pro- gram for the local State beaches. 2022 allowed Shared Adventures to increase their live events, such as archery, whale watch- ing, gardening, rock climbing, and art classes. They helped organized a wheelchair basketball workshop, provided a family-friendly camp ex- perience at Camp Adven- tures in early August and also created, managed and Shared Adventures by Shared Adventures Contributed Photo Continued om page 3

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