def #17 02/03/09
NEW SPANISH ENGLISH LANGUAGE MAGAZINE FOCUSES ON SENIORS
TOMS RIVER – The mission of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services is to connect all seniors living in the
County with available programs and services to enhance their quality of life.
On Feb. 13, the office will join with the Ocean County Multicultural Senior Task Force as it launches its newest
initiative to reach out to minority senior populations with a new Spanish English language magazine called
“Esperanza/Hope.”
The launch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13 at the County Connection, Ocean County’s government service outlet
located by JC Penney at the Ocean County Mall, Hooper Avenue, here. This event is free and open to the public.
“I want to commend all the members of the multicultural task force as they continue to develop innovative approaches to
reach all of the seniors who live in Ocean County,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as chairman of the Ocean
County Office of Senior Services. “Government services and programs are available to all of our seniors and this is a
great example of the type of outreach done in Ocean County.”
Lynette Whiteman, executive director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey and chairperson of the Multicultural Senior
Task Force, said that the free magazine, will be distributed through local churches and organizations.
“Esperanza/Hope” contains helpful information to make life easier, as well as upbeat articles to make life more
enjoyable. According to Esperanza/Hope editor, Ricardo Garcia, the goal is a publication that is interesting, helpful,
uplifting and inspiring.
The first edition contains a variety of articles and resources of interest to seniors. There is information on
getting help to pay utility bills and the importance of flu shots as well as articles on health, and positive thinking.
Member organizations are listed along with information on services provided by Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey.
“Ocean County is happy to provide the venue for this kickoff,” said Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as
liaison to the County Connection. “The County Connection plays a significant role in the outreach done by the Board of
Freeholders. This is a perfect match.”
Vicari noted that the outreach efforts of the multicultural task force include presentations, health screenings, health
fairs, and outreach at churches and a host of other locations.
“The mission of the task force is to reach out to minority populations over the age of 60 who live in Ocean County and
may not be aware of the programs that are offered by the Office of Senior Services,” Whiteman said. “The task force aims
to break down barriers, whether it’s because of language or simply unfamiliarity, so that everyone can access the
resources available to them.”
For more information about “Esperanza/Hope,” the Multicultural Senior Task Force or Caregiver Volunteers of Central
Jersey, please contact: Lynette Whiteman 732-505-2273 or at actprogram@msn.com.
