Gatekeeper Program—Celebrating 25 Years of Success!
Lynn Schemmer-Valleau, Gatekeeper Program; Jim Cook, National Assoc of Letter Carriers Branch 82; Cheri Hansen, PGE; Brad Crawford, US Bank; Paul Iarrobino, ADS Program Supervisor
Gatekeeper Program—Celebrating 25 Years of Success!
After 25 years, Gatekeepers in Multnomah County continue to pay attention to the red flags and warning signs that elders, neighbors, and fellow community members may be struggling or may be in need of support or assistance.
History
The Gatekeeper program began in Multnomah County in 1987 as a component of Elderlink—a program created to link seniors at risk of losing their independence with health, mental health and social services to sustain them at home.
Gatekeeper program was designed to facilitate entry to Elderlink by indentifying and reaching out to elders in need. Key partners included :
Over 23 organizations participated in the program within the first year as partners in the project, and produced nearly 2,000 Gatekeepers at work in our community.
First year Gatekeepers in the community
- Referred over 300 individuals
- 48% referred were provided or linked with new services
- 25% referred were receiving services prior to the referral
Thus, the Gatekeeper’s ability to spot changes in an individual’s behavior or circumstances alerted the Case Manager assigned to that individual.
Presently
Ongoing trainings and refresher tips from Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services’ Community Services team has helped to keep those Gatekeeper referrals coming in. So, to all of you who have, over the past 25 years, made a Gatekeeper referral, heard a Gatekeeper presentation or helped spread the word about the Gatekeeper Program—we thank you! Your diligence has helped older adults and adults with disabilities in our community connect with needed services and support! Cheers to the NEXT 25 years!
