By Times-News
Alamance County Social Services and the Family Justice Center hosted End Abuse in Later Life on Oct. 25 at Elon Community Church. The event was part of the Elder Justice Project, an initiative to coordinate services to support those older than 50 who are victims of abuse.
Alamance was one of nine counties to be awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The District Attorney’s Office, Family Abuse Services, Crossroads Inc. and the Elon Police Department have committed to partnering with community-based organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Eldercare of Alamance County and the Kernodle Senior Center to enhance services and support for older adults who need help.
Project coordinator Tracy Turner presented an overview of the initiative, and introduced community partners. Elon Alderman John Peterson shared a powerful personal story of his experiences as caregiver to his mother for over 20 years.
The event also included sessions with national trainers Juanita Davis, J.D., program manager with the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life, and Candace Waldron, M.Div., protective services manager for North Shore Elder Services and project coordinator for Confronting Abuse in Later Life.
Attendees also participated in a case study that helped identify resources and services offered to the elderly, as well as the processes that local organizations use to recognize and prevent elder abuse.
