Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967
THE STERLING Introducing Robert Ojeda, Ph.D. PCOA’s New President and CEO: A Vision for the Future Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) is excited to welcome Robert Ojeda, Ph.D., as our new President and CEO. With a focus on relationships, partnerships, and a deep understanding of the needs of our community, Robert is poised to lead
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THIS ISSUE Introducing Robert Ojeda, Ph.D. . . . .. 1-2 Long-Term Care Ombudsman . . . . .. 2 Arizona Charitable TaxCredit. . . . . . . . 3 Dementia Capable Southern Arizona . . . 3 Advocacy Alerts . . . . 3
PCOA into a vibrant new chapter. With over 30 years of experience in Southern Arizona’s nonprofit sector, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and a profound commitment to creating positive social impact. He’s eager to work with the larger PCOA team, which includes staff, volunteers, and donors. His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and community, echoing PCOA’s core values. Robert believes that success is rooted in the strength of our collective efforts and is committed to fostering a culture where every voice is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission.
Robert’s vision for aging is one of celebration and opportunity. He sees older adults as an incredible asset to our community, emphasizing their essential role in enriching our lives. “When we embrace the experience and wisdom of older adults, we all benefit—children, younger adults, and older adults alike,” Robert shares. “By fostering intergenerational connections and recognizing aging as a natural and valuable part of life, we create a more connected and supportive community.” His perspective highlights the opportunities to learn from and engage with older adults, building on PCOA’s long-standing work to celebrate aging. Robert’s approach to working with donors reflects his belief in the power of collaboration. “Donors play a crucial role in helping us amplify our impact and Robert Ojeda, Ph.D.
broaden our reach,” he says. “I’m eager to connect with them, hear their ideas, and work together on ways to create meaningful, lasting change for the people we serve.” In his first months, Robert’s priorities include learning the nuances of PCOA’s operations, strengthening existing systems, and deepening partnerships across Southern Arizona. His goal is to ensure PCOA continues its legacy of providing integrated, high-quality services to older adults while identifying new opportunities to enhance community support. To learn more about Robert, please visit RobertOjeda.pcoa.org . We are confident that Robert’s leadership will bring exciting new energy to PCOA and help create even greater positive change for the older adults, families, and communities we serve. The Power of Advocacy and Independence At Handmaker, a senior living community, residents took an inspiring step toward self-advocacy this year by forming a Residents’ Council (RC) , a space where they could organize their priorities and bring their voices together. While Handmaker has long provided opportunities for residents to engage with leadership–such as the monthly “Meeting with the Managers”–residents wanted more autonomy in shaping conversations and collaborating on solutions as a united group. With the support of Pima Council on Aging’s
“When we embrace the experience and wisdom of older adults, we all benefit—children, younger adults, and older adults alike.” – Robert Ojeda
The impact is real–residents feel heard, supported and more independent in their daily lives.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program , residents turned this vision into reality. Our Ombudsman team provided guidance and encouragement, helping them establish a private meeting space where they could openly discuss ideas, share concerns, and organize as a community. What began as a small gathering has grown into a strong, resident-led council with elected leaders who bring collective ideas and feedback to management. More than that, the council has become a pillar of peer support –welcoming new residents, offering advice on navigating community resources, and fostering a deep sense of connection and empowerment. The impact is real –residents feel heard, supported and more independent in their daily lives.
While the Older Americans Act (OAA) provides essential funding for the Ombudsman Program, it doesn’t cover everything– community support helps sustain and strengthen these advocacy efforts, ensuring older adults continue to have a voice in shaping their living environments. Together, through community-driven advocacy and donor contributions, we are ensuring that every older adult has the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and a voice in shaping their future.
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Give Local. Keep Local. Support Older Adults in Pima County
Supporting older adults and their families in Pima County has never been easier—or more impactful. Through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, you can direct your state tax dollars to benefit your neighbors, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive. PCOA is a Qualified Charitable Tax Credit Organization (QCO) , allowing you to keep your dollars local and directly support our community. Through this unique opportunity, you can redirect your state taxes to help fund essential programs and services that enable older adults to age with dignity and support. Here’s how it works: • In 2025 , you can claim up to $987 for couples filing jointly or $495 for individuals. • If you donate by April 15, 2025 , your gift can count toward your 2024 state taxes, with limits of $938 (couples) or $470 (individuals). • And the best part? You don’t need to itemize your deductions to take advantage of this credit. PCOA’s QCO Code is 20313 , and it’s your key to ensuring your contribution is put to work locally, empowering older adults and their families in Pima County. Building a Dementia Capable Southern Arizona: Your Support in Action Thanks to your generosity and a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield, our Dementia Capable Southern Arizona (DCSA) program has achieved extraordinary outcomes this year. Together, we’ve exceeded expectations: • 602 individuals screened for memory loss– 120% of our goal . • 135 individuals received Options Counseling– 90% of our goal. • 69 person-centered care plans created– 153% of our goal. • 51 Healthy Brain Kits distributed– 145% of our goal. These results are more than numbers—they represent lives touched, hope restored and a community coming together to create a brighter future for individuals and families facing dementia. Together, we are changing lives and shaping a dementia capable Southern Arizona.
Stay Informed: Sign Up for PCOA’s Advocacy Alerts In today’s rapidly changing landscape, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and actively engage in advocacy efforts that support older adults. At Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), we are committed to protecting and advancing policies that directly impact aging individuals—and we need your help. By signing up for Advocacy Alerts, you’ll receive timely updates on key issues, legislative developments, and opportunities to take action. Your participation in these efforts ensures that the voices of older adults remain strong and heard, whether it’s through contacting lawmakers or supporting essential community initiatives. Now is the time to be proactive, ensuring that the needs and rights of older adults continue to be prioritized. Sign up for Advocacy Alerts today at alerts.pcoa.org and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. THE STERLING 3
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Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Tucson, AZ Permit #1456
8467 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710-4009
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Your Philanthropy Team is Here for You! Please feel free to contact us – we’d love to hear from you! Sarah Spearman
Legacy Giving For many of us, as we age we consider how to leave a lasting legacy for our community. By leaving Pima Council on Aging in your will, you can provide critical assistance for older adults in need. Please visit legacygiving.pcoa.org to find out more!
Jan Slonaker Development Assistant jslonaker@pcoa.org
VP, Philanthropy & Communications 520.790.7573 ext 5043 sspearman@pcoa.org Sara Mathis Development Director 520.790.7573 ext 5042 smathis@pcoa.org
Halley Torres Grant Manager htorres@pcoa.org
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