The Kings County Commission on Aging was established in 1970 to provide services and advocacy for senior citizens as outlined in the Older Americans Act. It aims to help seniors remain active and independent. The commission offers various services like nutrition programs, respite care, health insurance counseling, and transportation assistance. It serves a vulnerable population, with many seniors living in poverty. The commission respects human rights and social work values in serving all people with dignity.

1. Kings County Commission on
Aging
680 Campus Dr. Suite D Hanford, CA 93230
Alejandra Garcia
Social Work 180
Professor Daniel Espinoza

2. Kings County Commission on Aging
The Kings County Commission on Aging Council was
formally established on March 2, 1970. It is
recognized nationally by the citizens of Kings County
through official action of the Kings Board of
Supervisors. The Council represents senior citizens as
prescribed and outlined in the Older Americans Act.

3. Mission Statement & Goals
The Mission of Kings County Commission on Aging is to
provide information and referral service, offer assistance,
support and advocate for the senior citizens of Kings County
as prescribed and outlined in the Older Americans Act.
GOALS OF KINGS COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING:
 To help senior citizens become more efficient in their homes and
remain active citizens of the County, City, State, and Nation.
 To provide services to Kings and Tulare (Ombudsman) county residents
over the age of 60 years that are most vulnerable according to the
Organization of Adult Americans.

4. Organizational structure
Kings County Commission on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that receives funding
through local governments, such as cities and county’s, also through grants received from
Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging (K/TAAA), and by private donations. It also receives United Way
Funding.
The staff in the commission is wonderful who help each other out in order to get things done
within the agency. The motivation within the agency is very amazing and wonderful. Board of
Supervisors, Director Sharon DeMaster, and 5 employees that jointly administer the following
services:
Scott Harvey (BSW) : SAFE, Facilitates Caregiver support group and Ongoing support groups
and individual counseling, personal consultations, and helps with forms.
Maribel Martinez (BSW) : Bilingual services, referrals, rental utility assistance (EFSP), Life scan,
and Notary.
Leticia Brice (BSW) Long Term Care Ombudsman: Provides an objective, independent
mediator to resolve problems for residents in skilled nursing facilities and residential care
facilities for the elderly, writer of grant proposals, and Tax Assistance Program.
Bobbie Wartson: Nutrition, Meals on Wheels, Senior congregate meal sites.
Dorris Skrinde: Accountant.
Juanita Isidoro: Office Secretary.

5. Organizational structure cont.
BOARD
KCCOA
LEGAL
SHARON ATTORNEY
SCOTT DEMASTERS
S.A.F.E JUANITA
SECRETARY
MARIBEL DORRIS
BILINGUAL/REFERRALS HICAP
ACCOUNTANT
MEDICAL
BOBBIE LETICIA
NUTRITION OMBUDSMAN

6. Community context
The commission is community needs driven. It assists to seniors within Kings County whose
needs are not met in certain aspects of their lives.
The Commission Board and Staff serves all races in Kings County from all levels of
socioeconomic backgrounds.
All clients are matched with someone who represents their color, culture, and language.
Great effort is taken to help seniors feel comfortable with the staff member offering the
services.
Kings county includes the following cities:
 Corcoran
 Hanford
 Avenal
 Lemoore
 Armona
 The agency also assist to the cities of Laton, Stratford, Kettleman City, and Caruthers.

7. Main Social Justice Issue in the Local
Context
The vast majority of seniors, 60 plus years of age, that the commission assists to fall within the poverty level of
California. They are a vulnerable at risk population. The commission is a very beneficial resource available to the senior
population in Kings County.
The commission is able to assists with transportation help including:
• Amtrak
• KART passes
• Taxi Service
• Medical Transportation
Housing the commission works with closely includes:
• Lemoore Senior Housing
• Corcoran Senior Housing
• Armona and Huron Senior Housing
• Mobile Home Parks
• Avenal Senior Housing
• Hanford Senior Housing
• KCAO (housing program)
The commission works closely with various health and home care including:
• General Health Services
• House calls (Adventist Health)
• Mental Health Services
• Home Medical Products
• Home Health Care
• In Home Support Services (IHSS)

8. Populations at Risk
The population at risk that the agency assist to is the elderly,
specifically those who are 60 plus years of age.
Homebound Isolated Seniors are the most vulnerable at risk
population the commission works with. It includes those seniors who
are isolated at home due to not being able to being out of their
homes. They may not have any family member or friend who can help
them with daily transportation to places they may need to go.
Disabled Elderly are also a population at risk the agency works with.
Many of the clients who attend the Lemoore senior center have
crucial medical conditions like Dementia, and Alzheimer's.

9. Agencies Practices
The Commission offers a wide variety of services including Senior
information and referral to:
 Long Term Ombudsman program
 Nutrition Program
 Senior Access For Engagement (SAFE) Program/Respite Care Program
 Personal Consultations
 Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
 Preventative Health Care for the Aging Program
 Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP)
 Adult Day Care Centers and Legal Assistance
 Legal Services
 Geriatric Mental Health
 Meals on Wheels
 Multipurpose Senior Services (MSSP)
 Linkages
 Passes for Kings Area Rural Transit (KART)
A news letter with information of special interest to seniors is
distributed regularly.

10. Significance of Social Work Values
The significance of the social work values within the agency have benefited the population (senior’s 60
plus years old and their families) it serves greatly. The agency incorporates all of the social work values
into their practice.
Service is offered to all elderly and their families. Nobody is rejected, if what a client is looking for is not
offered at the agency we are great at referring them to somebody who is able to help them with what
they need better.
Social Justice is taken into great consideration benefiting the population the agency serves. The agency
does its best at providing them with help addressing their problems along with solutions and resources
they need to have a healthy productive life.
Dignity and Worth of the Person is seen throughout the agency. Each individual who is assisted is seen
with great respect and uniqueness.
Importance of Human Relationships is seen when the staff are able to work and assist clients in what
ever they need assistance with in their daily lives. The relationship that is built with clients is very
strong and welcoming.
Integrity is what all staff members put into what they work on in the agency.
Competence is what everyone here at the agency is able to do, they are knowledgeable of doing
everything here at the agency at their best. They are able to refer individuals with those who can assist
them better whether it is because of the language they speak or the assistance needed.

11. Significance of Human Rights
The Commission respects the rights of the seniors in every aspect. The Ombudsman
Long Term Care plays an extremely crucial role within the agency, along with the rest
of the staff in the agency.
The ombudsman is an impartial mediator, an advocate for basic human rights for long-
term care residents. As mandated by state and federal law, these trained and certified
ombudsman regularly visit nursing facilities and residential care facilities and
residential care facilities for the elderly. When necessary Ombudsman work closely
with regulatory agencies and make appropriate referrals to other agencies assisting
seniors. The ombudsman Program works with residents and facility staff to resolve
problems concerning the following:
 Dietary Concerns
 Activity Programs
 Physical Environment
 Abuse
 Quality of Care
 Medical Care
 Patient’s Rights
 Regulatory Agencies
 Family Communications
 Resident Councils
 Family Councils