Sparking Passion
All that I do is about trying to implement inclusion and go that extra mile for the seniors in this community.
Her love for working with the community’s seasoned population began when she was an activity coordinator for a local nursing home. “I was only responsible for overseeing two activities, but I was always trying to find what else I could be contributing.” In her spare time, she would visit some of the residents in their rooms to learn more about their history and greatest accomplishments while assisting them with their daily hygiene routines. That interest sparked her passion for learning how to better engage with her residents and expand that care outside of the home. Her next position was at a county facility offering assistance to people with disabilities. During her 30 years working with the county, Mitchell started SO-ACT. ,he nonprofit organization®s mission focuses on learning about the needs of senior citizens and educating them and their families about available resources. “It’s about making sure our seniors are not falling through the cracks.” Food distribution, drug treatment, and medicine disposal services are all outreach efforts Mitchell has partnered with to provide advocacy for seniors during the planning and execution of these events. She also serves as a community partner to UMADAOP of Cincinnati. She assists with organizing outreach programs, creating intervention strategies, and raising awareness on the many effects the opioid epidemic can have on various demographics. Her goal is to ensure no population is overlooked in preventing
- SANDRA JONES-MITCHELL
and treating substance abuse. “They or their family members may be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, and I want to ma e sure they®re able to find the support they need. Helping them discard old medications lying around the house can also prevent drug misuse, and that’s an area that could be easily overlooked.” Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Mitchell has placed heightened awareness to furthering partnerships with organizations offering socially distanced events. “It’s taken a lot of creativity,” she said. “But it has to be done to make sure we’re not putting anyone in a position that may not be safe.” Because she works with a population that is especially vulnerable to contracting the virus, she has been working to connect them with virtual events. “Many of the people I work with aren’t familiar with video calls or online support groups. They don’t know these options are available to them.” Advising planning committees on how to include these individuals in their programs and make them accessible has become another part of her efforts. In the many years of her work throughout Cincinnati and surrounding communities, Mitchell’s dedication and passion for advocacy have only grown. While her work has earned her numerous awards, she’s most rewarded seeing seniors valued and included. “All that I do is about trying to implement inclusion and go that extra mile for the seniors in this community.”
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