Join in for an exciting day dedicated to empowering our senior community! On September 13th, we’re hosting a Senior Country Resource Fair featuring over 30 vendors offering valuable information on health, wellness, finance, housing & more!
By Anna Mickelsen, Communications Intern, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services
On Thursday, August 22nd, community members across the county will gather for the non-profit Contra Costa Senior Legal Services’ (CCSLS) Summer Soirée & Symposium. For more than 40 years, CCSLS has served older adults by providing free legal aid to those aged 60+ who need it. Attorneys from CCSLS help fight evictions to preserve housing, prevent elder abuse, remedy fraud, assist with advance planning documents, and more.
Source: CC Senior Legal Services
The Summer Soirée & Symposium is not only an opportunity to support the organization, but also will feature a panel discussion on the implications of an aging society, lively entertainment, and delicious refreshments. CCSLS also will present the Honorable Virginia George with the First Annual Elder Justice Award. A Bay Area native, Justice George is an upstanding figure in the community, and a powerful voice for Elder Law and the rights of older adults in Contra Costa County. The Elder Justice Award was created to honor Justice George and her service.
Moving forward, CCSLS will continue to present the Virginia George Elder Justice Award to other professionals who work tirelessly to support the well-being of older adults in the county. Tickets are still available for those interested in attending this upcoming event, and for more information or to purchase a ticket, click, here Summer Soirée and Symposium 2024. All proceeds support CCSLS.
About CCSLS
Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) is a private, nonprofit agency that has been providing free legal services to older residents aged 60 or older in the County since 1976. Thousands of seniors have benefited from these services which have enabled them to stay in their homes, to become eligible for and to retain public benefits, to recover real and personal property wrongly taken from them, and to obtain relief from physical, financial, and emotional abuse.
CCSLS seeks to provide the broadest possible access to its services. It prioritizes those areas of law relevant to the needs of older residents of the County, especially those not otherwise addressed by other legal services programs. CCSLS regularly provides individual assistance to over 1,000 clients per year and provides outreach and training to hundreds more.
Best of Best Review award for Caring Haven owned by CEO Nicola “Nikki” Lopez.
Founded and owned by Jamaican immigrant Nikki Lopez
Caring Haven, headquartered in Antioch, has proudly been recognized as the Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area by Best of Best Review. This accolade reflects the agency’s unwavering dedication to providing dignified care for seniors and veterans.
Founded last October by CEO and Chief Care Officer Nicola “Nikki” K. Lopez, MBA, an inspiring immigrant from Jamaica, Caring Haven is built on the foundation of family love and care. Nikki’s personal values shape the company’s mission: “We ensure every client is seen, heard, and empowered, just as we care for our own family. Each loved one we serve is treated with the same affection and dignity our CEO gives to her grandma.”
The company slogan is “Elevating Life, Embracing Care” and their service areas include Antioch, Discovery Bay, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Tracy, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek including Rossmoor, Benicia, Vallejo, Rio Vista and surrounding areas.
According to the awards organization, “At Best of Best Review, we take great pride in recognizing the outstanding companies that stand out in their fields, and this year, Caring Haven LLC has earned a distinguished place as the ‘Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area’. This accolade reflects the unparalleled dedication, compassion, and expertise that Caring Haven brings to home care services.
Nicola’s journey, as an immigrant navigating corporate America, has shaped her passion for providing top-tier, empathetic care. This dedication is evident in the way Caring Haven embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, placing people over profit.
A Testament to Excellence
Caring Haven’s commitment to excellence is evident in the glowing testimonials from clients and partners. Latrice Roberson from Grace and Glory Hospice notes, ‘Nikki’s smile and calm manner can bring an individual’s anxiety down to where they feel empowered to move forward. Her loyalty and dedication to the health industry speaks volumes and shows her empathy towards others.’
Another satisfied client shares, ‘Caring Haven was an absolute godsend recently when my 100-year-old mother’s full-time caregiver came down with Covid. Nikki Lopez personally filled in, ensuring my mother received the care she needed. Her compassion and dedication are unmatched.’
Rigorous Selection Process
Caring Haven’s recognition as the “Best Senior Care Agency in the Bay Area” was not earned lightly. Hundreds of agencies were evaluated based on several criteria, including:
Client Satisfaction: Testimonials and reviews highlighted the exceptional care and dedication of the caregivers.
Expertise and Knowledge: Demonstrated through comprehensive and personalized care plans.
Authenticity and Trustworthiness: Evident in the agency’s transparent and heartfelt communication with clients.
Performance Metrics: High client retention rates and positive health outcomes.
Competitive Differentiation: Unique DEI-led approach and unwavering focus on community and compassion.
Personalized and Compassionate Care
The care provided by Caring Haven is not just about meeting physical needs but also nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of clients. For instance, one client recalls how Nikki from Caring Haven quickly responded to an urgent request for a caregiver, connecting deeply with the family and ensuring the service started promptly. This personalized attention and genuine compassion are what make Caring Haven stand out.
A Legacy of Dedication
Caring Haven’s mission is clear: to make every client feel seen, heard, and empowered. The team’s dedication to building meaningful relationships and creating a nurturing environment is reflected in every aspect of their service. From companionship and assistance with daily activities to respite care, Caring Haven ensures that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs.
Pros of Choosing Caring Haven LLC:
Compassionate and personalized care
Quick response time and professional service
Highly skilled and empathetic caregivers
DEI-led approach prioritizing people over profit
High client satisfaction and retention rates”
About the award, Lopez said, “People are literally trusting me with their lives and others are trusting me with those who matter most to them. It’s humbling, and not a task I take lightly.”
“It was a surprise, I didn’t expect it,” she added.
Lopez’s commitment extends beyond her company. She is an active member of the Antioch and Brentwood Chambers of Commerce and serves on three significant boards in Contra Costa County: the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Aging Council on Aging (ACAOC).
Additionally, Caring Haven hires and trains the best Care Team ensuring all clients receive a consistent level of professional, dignified, and reliable care.
Caring Haven is credentialed with the Veterans Administration (VA) and Medicaid, and also accepts private pay and various long-term care insurance plans, including workers’ compensation for post-surgery or rehab patients. Their comprehensive services include companionship, personal care, dementia care, and more.
For those seeking quality care for their loved ones, Caring Haven is the trusted choice. Visit their website at www.caringhavenhomecare.com or call 925.331.0590 for more information.
By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.
Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.
In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.
When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”
“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”
“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.
Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge. To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.
About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:
For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Due to the excessive heat warning, the City of Antioch is providing cooling centers for your convenience. Residents without home air conditioning or with health conditions made worse with extreme heat and poor air quality are encouraged to seek out the cooling centers.
Cooling centers will be held:
Tuesday, July 2nd through Monday, July 8th from 12:00pm-8:00pm at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center in Rivertown, and the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park except for Thursday, July 4th.
On Thursday, July 4th, cooling centers will be held at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center and Antioch Water Park in Prewett Family Park. The Antioch Community Center will be closed.
Nick Rodriguez Community Center is located at 213 F Street
Kelly Gonzales is the founder and owner of Pacific Senior Care Services LLC.
Started in owner’s former Antioch home, honored with awards each year
By Allen D. Payton
Having finished commercial aviation and tourism studies at Columbia College and working for an airline at an airport in Peru, Kelly Gonzales immigrated to the United States at age 19. Then after working in banking and financial services for 20 years, she wanted to pursue her passion and did that by forming Pacific Senior Care Services in 2014 using her skills to help place people into care homes.
Gonzales was particularly inspired by the care her retired Army colonel and veterinarian father needed and received in Lima, Peru after he suffered a stroke. But she couldn’t really help him living over 15 hours away by flight. Instead, Gonzales and her team have been able to fulfill the company’s slogan and mission of “Meeting Elder Needs With Love and Compassion” in Contra Costa County and the Bay Area.
“My father was the main reason I started the business,” she said.
Now her company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in business. A former Antioch resident, Gonzales started the business in her home then opened the company’s main office in Walnut Creek.
“I thank the Lord for enabling me to fulfill my calling,” she shared. “I never thought in my life I would be doing this. Working with the right people we’ve been able to help many families in the community. It’s been a blessing. I have good people around me, our support staff, and contractors.” She thanked them and “all those who gave us leads through the years.”
“Families who we’ve helped call us later and let us know of others we can provide services to,” Gonzales stated.
The company’s short-term plans include, “opening an office in Sacramento, later this year, Lord willing, and relocate our other office from San Mateo to Redwood Shores to serve families on the peninsula,” she said.
Gonzales’ daughter, who is a Certified Medical Assistant and attended Diablo Valley College, and now in the process of earning her nursing designation, works with her making it a family-operated business.
“We are also forming a homecare agency with partners in the industry,” she continued. They plan to also offer that service in the Sacramento area and San Mateo County.
Gonzales’ and Pacific Senior Care Services were chosen to represent the National Long Term Care Planning Council to create a team in the Bay Area.
“The San Francisco Bay Elder Planning Council was created to help solve critical aging issues and planning for the final years by providing a free central source of information, with senior advisors and professionals within our network,” she shared. “Guiding family members seeking help for their loved ones is the main focus. Another purpose of our planning council is to encourage people to prepare for the future needs for aging services.”
Awards & Honors
Under Gonzales’ leadership Pacific Senior Care Services PSCS) has also been honored with several awards through the year, including being named one of the 2024 Best Full Service Senior Care Providers in California by Global Health & Pharma Magazine, Social Care Awards.
Last year the company was honored in the California Business Awards 2023 as a Leading Provider of Senior Care Services – Northern California by the New World Report and in 2017 and 2022 PSCS was honored for Excellence in Customer Service by City Beat News.
The company has been honored with other awards every year they’ve been in business.
On Sunday, June 23rd at approximately 10:33 PM, officers were dispatched to the report of an auto versus pedestrian collision on Lone Tree Way near Black Diamond Drive. When officers arrived, they located the pedestrian, a 71-year-old male resident of Antioch, suffering from life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, the man did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that collided with the pedestrian remained on scene and cooperated in the investigation.
The preliminary investigation and witness statements revealed that the man was crossing Lone Tree Way, in the crosswalk, against the don’t walk signal when the collision occurred. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in this collision and the man’s identity is being withheld pending notification to his next of kin.
The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Division is handling this investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Josh Egan at 925-204-1587 or jegan@antiochca.gov.
U.S. News analyzed 400,000 survey responses from residents and their family members at more than 3,500 senior living communities nationwide to compile their 2024 rankings. The top-rated communities for each level of care have been rated Best Senior Living in their categories. TreVista is managed by Agemark Senior Living. Seventeen Agemark Senior Living communities were named to the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Senior Living list for 2024.
TreVista is led by Executive Director Alberto Maldonado, and features a team of exceptional leaders and caregivers. Previously owned and managed by another company, the building was purchased by current ownership, including Agemark, in 2017, and given a full-scale remodel. The community features a variety of apartment floorplans in both assisted living and memory care, beautiful common spaces, a spacious dining area, gorgeous outdoor courtyards that featured covered seating and a water feature, an in-house salon and much more. Residents of TreVista enjoy a variety of life-enriching activities, delicious chef-prepared meals and care provided by a loving and empathetic team. More than 125 residents call the community home.
