San Diego, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2021) – St. Paul’s Senior Services’ Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Ellen Schmeding, was recently appointed to the first-ever California Elder and Disability Justice Coordinating Council (EDJCC), by the Director of the California Department on Aging, Susan DeMarois, as a representative from the California Commission on Aging.
The EDJCC is a key component of the Master Plan for Aging’s (MPA) Goal Three: Equity & Inclusion, Not Isolation. Initiative #93 of the MPA specifically calls for the creation of the EDJCC to advance the pursuit of building a California that is just for ALL, regardless of age and ability.
The Department of Aging, with partnership from the Department of Justice, will convene this Coordinating Council comprised of leaders from governmental, advocacy, and community organizations across the state to increase coordination and develop recommendations to prevent and address the abuse, neglect, exploitation, and fraud perpetrated against older adults and adults with disabilities.
“With deep appreciation, I have accepted the appointment from the Director of the State Department on Aging to serve on the California Elder Justice Coordinating Council. I bring to this appointment my experience with the County Adult Protective Services Program and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and have served as the Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator for the County of San Diego,” said Schmeding.
“These experiences are now combined with knowledge gained at St. Paul’s Senior Services where we assist vulnerable seniors in residential care, as well as those in our PACE (Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program. I believe I have a broad understanding of the current issues and see the crucial need to step up our protection and support for older adults and persons with disabilities,” added Schmeding.
Along with this role, Schmeding was also reaffirmed as the Chair of the California Commission on Aging for another year term, begun in November 2021. She was first appointed to the Commission by Gov. Jerry Brown in December 2018. Schmeding was one of only two San Diego County residents appointed to the state’s oversight boards at that time, part of a suite of 16 nominations of California residents. As chair, she presides over all meetings of the Commission, as well as leads the Executive Committee.
“I look forward to serving again with governmental and advocacy leaders from throughout California who are committed to making a difference at this pivotal time,” said Schmeding.
Legislation that is developed/supported by the Commission and passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor impacts services delivered in San Diego. Efforts taken by commissioners in the past two years have resulted in key initiatives being included in the Master Plan for Aging, such as and including support for Alzheimer’s services, elder abuse prevention, workforce issues and more.
Schmeding held positions throughout the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency from 1987 to 2016, including serving as the Director of Aging & Independence Services and Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator. She is also a member of the San Diego Senior Alliance and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
The EDJCC’s first meeting will convene on January 28, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
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About St. Paul’s Senior Services
St. Paul’s Senior Services is a mission-driven San Diego non-profit and full-service senior care provider, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing, a Child Care and Senior Day Care Program, and a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Since opening its doors in 1960, St. Paul’s serves as an innovator in the San Diego community with a reputation for exceptional care. For more information on St. Paul’s Senior Services, please visit www.StPaulsSeniors.org or call 1(619) 239-6900.
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