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IL. EVERETT <br /> Ems WASHINGTON <br /> City of Everett Human Needs Grant <br /> January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 <br /> Exhibit A <br /> Program Summary <br /> Organization&Program: Homage(formerly Senior Services): Mental Health <br /> Homage's Mental Health programs provide depression screening and counseling for older adults to help them <br /> maintain or stabilize their housing,optimize self-sufficiency,and support safe independent living.This is done <br /> through two major efforts:Geriatric Depression Screening and Senior Peer Counseling. <br /> The Geriatric Depression Screening Program increases awareness of geriatric depression through community <br /> presentations,as well as through psycho-education delivered to each counseling client.Our approach is client- <br /> centered depression care management focused on goals set by the client. Clients are helped to become more aware <br /> of depression risk factors,current stressors,and their own coping history.They are helped to identify and develop <br /> new coping strategies and social supports. Individuals who participate in counseling through the GDS Program will <br /> achieve at least a 5-point reduction in their GDS depression screen score,indicating reduction of depressive <br /> symptoms.They will be assisted in understanding their unique risk factors and red flags for relapse,and in <br /> developing a plan for healthy mood maintenance and risk reduction. <br /> With the client's consent,program staff forward screening information and supporting documentation to the client's <br /> primary care physician or other prescriber. Staff may directly contact and advocate with mental health or medical <br /> providers for care coordination. Referrals for additional or other needed services may be made during,or at <br /> conclusion of program services through Homage's Older Adult Mental Health Access Program. <br /> The Senior Peer Counseling Program offers support to older adult individuals who are struggling to cope with many <br /> difficult issues:housing challenges,medical challenges,loss of loved ones,transitions and stressors commonly <br /> associated with the aging process,fmancial challenges,and social isolation.Trained peer counselors meet weekly <br /> with program participants in their own homes for up to six months,offering emotional support,psycho-education, <br /> problem solving skills,and the validation of each individual's inherent value and capacity for coping,learning and <br /> growth.The peer counselors are trained to assist clients in identifying and connecting with both formal and informal <br /> supports,so that the client will be left with needed supports in place,and with confidence in their own ability to <br /> cope successfully with challenges the future may hold. <br /> Through Senior Peer Counseling,free,in-home counseling support is delivered to Snohomish County seniors age 60 <br /> and older,on a weekly basis for up to six months.Volunteer counselors are screened,and required to complete 40 <br /> hours of training in areas including counseling skills,mental health and aging issues,crisis management,and <br /> community resources.Volunteers participate in monthly group supervision,as well as regularly scheduled individual <br /> supervision with a licensed staff mental health specialist. <br /> 2019 Human Needs Contracts 7 <br />