News release
Child & Family Center has launched its PEARLS program — Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives — expanding the center’s longstanding commitment to supporting the whole family across generations, the nonprofit announced in a news release.
“For 50 years, Child & Family Center has served every member of the family. That has included not only children and teens, but also siblings, foster parents, other caregivers, and grandparents,” the release said. “As the needs of the community continue to evolve, the center recognizes the growing importance of ensuring that adults aged 60 and older feel connected, supported and cared for.”
Dr. David Wong, who serves as the center’s board chair, said the new program fits a need he has witnessed locally.
“As a physician, I have seen firsthand how emotional health affects every aspect of a person’s well-being, especially as they age. It is essential that seniors have access to supportive services that help them stay connected, engaged and hopeful,” Wong said in the release. “Child & Family Center’s launch of the PEARLS program is an important step in meeting that need in our community.”
“With more older adults experiencing feelings of isolation and depression, we are excited to offer this important program to our community,” Nikki Buckstead, president and CEO of Child & Family Center, said in the release. “For decades, we have walked alongside families at every stage of life. Launching PEARLS is a natural extension of that mission and of our belief that older adults deserve the same compassion, connection, and access to care as every other member of the family.”
PEARLS is an evidence-based program designed to help older adults experiencing depression improve their quality of life through practical tools, problem-solving, activity planning, and connections to additional support. The program is also recognized for helping reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults, the release said.
The PEARLS model is delivered in community-based settings by trained staff or facilitators and is designed to expand access to mental health support for older adults, including communities that may face barriers to care. Sessions are available in English and Spanish.
Child & Family Center will begin by offering PEARLS to a small group of participants, with hopes to expand the program in the future as community needs and resources allow. Sessions are available for those aged 60-64 who are Medi-Cal recipients.
For more information on the program and how to sign up, go to www.childfamilycenter.org/PEARLS.
