PROGRAM: Andrea Gallagher the E.D. from Senior Concerns said their biggest challenge this year is not just funding, it's insuring older adults and their caregivers are supported and have stability in their lives. Senior Concerns mission is to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for seniors and family caregivers in eastern Ventura County and Western LA County.
She said Rotarians currently are helping in their Meals on Wheels program, Rotary Home Teams, support for the Love Run, Expanding community awareness, and financial contributions. In the future, Rotarians can be ambassadors and advocates for the elderly, continue to volunteer, expand community awareness. She ended by saying "aging well should not depend on how lucky someone is to have health care and support..... it should be for everyone".
Denise Cortez is the Executive Director for Harbor House and a member of the Westlake Noon Rotary Club. Some of the challenges for 2026 is not just homelessness, but people living in extreme poverty, and seniors who do not have any family members or none that are nearby to help. She said she meets seniors every day that desperately need help. She also said there are 300 CVSD students that are currently homeless. The #1 thing Rotarians can do to help is advocacy and awareness. Harbor House also desperately needs volunteers. She stated a fact that 70% of all unhoused and/or incarcerated people spent time in foster care. She thanked everyone for caring about what non-profits do in our community.
Anthony Linquata E.D for Manna and also a Thousand Oaks Rotarian said many residents are shocked to find there is a need for a food bank in our area. Manna serviced over 15,000 people last year. Everyone that comes to Manna is allowed to 1 time in 14 days; the average each person takes is 82 lbs of food. He said over 15 million pounds of food went to the dump last year, and we have to educate the public about food insecurity. Also food costs are up 28%.
He said working together we can make a huge impact on this community.
President Darin ended the luncheon by thanking Michelle Ramsey for all she does for Group 4 and asked the room to give a standing ovation for all of the speakers.
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