This issue of the Institute for Gerontology will highlight the work of Seniors-4-Seniors (theS4S.org) which is based in Bergen County New Jersey. Seniors-4-Seniors is a non-profit organization that espouses, “Empowering senior citizens across New Jersey as catalysts for change” by promoting advocacy training and providing senior citizens with knowledge and advocacy tools that will allow them to function as effective change agents. Lita Talbot is cofounder of the organization along with Don Winant, the executive director of the Commission on Accreditation for Home Care (CAHC) and Professor Lou Ruvolo who was Director of the Graduate Business programs at Saint Peter’s University and is now an adjunct at Felician University. Their backgrounds in social work, geriatrics, home care and business provided a strong foundation for building this senior focused organization. They have a strong belief in the power of one individual to bring about change within our communities. The underlying philosophy of the organization is that seniors have the most accurate comprehension and understanding of the issues that impact senior citizens. Seniors can and will provide common-sense real-life solutions to address problems and issues that affect seniors in their daily lives.

This organization was founded four years ago and has graduated two classes of seniors who have received advocacy training. Public speaking and political action are two skills the seniors gained from this training. S4S has advocated for Senior Advisory Committees and assisted in the development and implementation in several Bergen County and Passaic County towns by establishing relationships with the Mayors and councils in these towns to present senior issues and needs.

Listed below are some examples of where these senior advocates have served in various positions:

-Community Representative at Pascack Valley Hospital as a member of the Patient/Family Advocacy Committee
-Head of Westwood Transportation Committee for Seniors
-Members of the Educational and Legislative Committee at the Bergen County Division of Senior Services
-Liaison to the Westwood Mayor for Senior Issues
-Chairperson of Friends for Fort Lee Library

These advocates are able to impact change within their local community and have been successful in providing a voice for seniors within their communities.

Prior to the pandemic, an active S4S Speakers Bureau engaged in presentations at several towns and organizations. Mr. Ruvolo stated the Seniors-4-Seniors have the distinction of being part of the Commission on Accreditation for Home Care and will be providing a new educational offering for the community focusing on the home care industry, especially given the recent great loss of life at assisted living facilities during COVID. Interested volunteers can contact the agency at its website theS4S.org.