Building Shared Power Across California's Aging & Disability Network
Equity Stems from Inclusion
That's why we are proud to partner with The SCAN Foundation (TSF) as we launch a new initiative aimed at deepening community participation in policy advocacy and decision-making. This initiative engages regional coalition partners across 29 counties in empowering older and disabled adults to take a greater role in developing strategies to advance systems change.
The Background
In 2022, TSF partnered with Greater Good Studios (GGS) to collect stories from Californians about their experience with health and well-being in older age. These stories revealed that too often there is a gap between the people most greatly impacted by systems, and those with the power to shape those systems. Building on findings from the GGS Report, the initiative centers lived experience and harmonizes across aging, disability, and racial and social justice sectors to gain deeper insights into the real-world impact of policy decisions.
Over the course of two years, Coalitions will be working side by side with older and disabled adults, and in partnership with racial and social justice partners, to develop systems change strategies in alignment with three opportunity areas elevated in the GGS report:
Reducing Siloes of Service
California's LTSS system is an array of different public and private programs, often operating without coordination. This makes it hard for individuals and their caregivers to find and access services they need, when they need them. Fragmentation and limited cultural and linguistic competency further exacerbate health disparities - particularly for older and disabled adults from marginalized communities.
Taking Care of People Who Care
Building a robust network of LTSS options relies heavily on a sufficient supply of both paid and unpaid caregivers. Caregiving professionals – predominantly women of color and immigrants – receive low pay and meager benefits, underscoring the broader issues of racial and gender inequity. As a result, California is facing a critical statewide workforce shortage. Family caregivers, who contribute $63 Billion in economic value of unpaid care, face the intricate challenge of juggling employment and childcare alongside caregiving responsibilities, often with limited support.
Remembering the Forgotten Middle
The high cost of LTSS disproportionately affects California's middle class, posing additional challenges for those dealing with structural oppression alongside aging and/or disability. Many individuals who've worked throughout their lives fall into the "forgotten middle," earning too much for certain benefits yet struggling to afford the support they need as they age. The lack of affordable options drives a significant number of Californians into poverty, further exacerbating existing health disparities.
The Work Doesn't Stop There
As a trusted state partner, CCLTSS is committed to building shared power in discussions and decision-making across California. We will be working closely with Coalition partners to integrate local learnings and embed community voice throughout all Collaborative activities. By honoring lived experience as wisdom, CCLTSS is working to achieve a more relevant, effective, and equitable system of LTSS.
Meet Our Regional Partners
Age Forward San Mateo County
Visit WebsiteBay Area Senior Health Policy Coalition
Visit WebsiteContra Costa Advisory Council on Aging
Visit WebsiteDiversability Advocacy Network (Chico)
Visit WebsiteInland Coalition on Aging
Visit WebsiteMonterey Bay Aging & Disability Resource Connection
Visit WebsiteOrange County Aging Services Collaborative
Visit WebsiteSan Diego Senior Alliance
Visit WebsiteSanta Barbara County Adult & Aging Network
Visit WebsiteSenior Services Coalition of Alameda County
Visit WebsiteVentura County Hospital to Home Alliance
Visit WebsiteYolo Healthy Aging Alliance
Visit Website
External Review
Committee Members
CCLTSS would like to extend its deepest gratitude to our External Review Committee for their invaluable contributions and thoughtful review of initiative proposals submitted as part of the competitive grant process. Thank you for your partnership, expertise, and dedication to community impact!
Roque Barros
Executive Director Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF)
Marc Rosen, MPH
System Director of Community Impact & Partnerships CommonSpirit Health
Ellen Schmeding
Immediate Past Chair, Executive Committee California Commission on Aging
Leena Sharma
Director Center for Community Engagement in Health Innovation Community Catalyst
Janet Y. Spears
Chief Executive Officer Metta Fund