The Age Well Community Council, in collaboration with United Way of Western Connecticut, held a webinar for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2022. The online event focused on how to identify, prevent, and address the financial exploitation of older adults throughout Western Connecticut. Panelists included Lara Stauning, Esq., Co-Chair at Elder Justice Coalition; Kevin Brophy, Esq., Managing Attorney at Connecticut Legal Services, Inc.; Byron Peterson, Connecticut AARP Fraud Watch Volunteer; and moderator Judge Dianne Yamin, Co -Chair of the Age Well Community Council.
“Financial exploitation and fraud targeted at older adults has skyrocketed up by thirty to forty percent since the pandemic with billions of dollars of losses across the United States.” said Judge Dianne Yamin, Probate Judge for the City of Danbury. “Creating an awareness of fraudulent schemes makes people eighty percent less likely to engage in that fraud. The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation’s Age Well Community Council is proud to present this panel of experts.”
The Age Well Community Council is a collaboration of representatives from government, business, philanthropy, nonprofit, and community organizations dedicated to a community where people can age in relevant and meaningful ways. United Way of Western Connecticut serves as backbone support, providing strategic guidance and operations support to the Council to help achieve its mission and goals.
“This conversation is a great resource for those in our community who wish to stay safe from the financial exploitation impacting our community.” said Casey Levene, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Western Connecticut. “The knowledge provided by these experts can be used as a tool, not only for older adults, but for anyone interested in learning more.”
The program will be aired on Comcast’s Channel 23 in Danbury, Bethel, and Ridgefield on the following dates:
- Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
To learn more about the Age Well Community Council, click here.