Orange County Caregiver Support Groups

Support groups are resuming in-person meetings! These support groups are a space to meet with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. We have also added a new Zoom only group. No Fee.

Zoom Only Support Group
Contact Kim Lamon-Loperfido to join - kloperfido@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4253.

• Tuesday, March 1 at 10:30am at Seymour

• Friday, March 11 at 10:30am at Seymour

• Thursday, March 10 at 1pm at Passmore

Dementia – Let's Talk About It

Brain Health Academy:
Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle

The Orange County Department on Aging is proud to present the Brain Health Academy, a six-week educational program on achieving a healthy lifestyle and overall brain health.

The Academy will take place virtually and in-person at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough from 6 – 8 pm every Wednesday beginning March 9 and culminating with a graduation ceremony on April 20.  Experts will share practical information and up-to-date research at each session.

The Passmore Center is located at 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough. Light refreshments available at the end of each presentation for in-person attendees.

Join us and take charge of your brain health!

Time:  6 - 8 pm
Dates and Topics: 

Wed, Mar 9: Kick–off Event - Leigh Brain & Spine
Wed, Mar 16: Module I - Nutrition for a Healthy Brain & Body
Wed, Mar 23: Module II - Exercise Your Best Brain
Wed, Mar 30: Module III - Managing Life’s Transitions through Mindfulness
Wed, Apr 6: Module IV - Social Engagement/Maximizing Cognition with Novel Learning
Wed, Apr 13: Module V - Part A - Healthy Hearing & Cognition
Wed, Apr 20: Module V - Part B - Brain Connection and Medication Management
 
Location: Passmore Center Hybrid (in-person and virtual options)
Activity #243043
Register by:  Mar 2, call the Passmore Center, 919-245- 2015
Fee: FREE
 
Download the Brain Health Academy flier for full program details.

Butterfly Life

March 14th is National Learn about Butterflies Day! Butterflies are not only beautiful, they are a vital part of their ecosystem. Join specialists from the Durham Museum of Life and Science as we explore the journey of a butterfly from egg through adult. Find out the roles they play in nature and how different their lives can really be. Min: 15/ Max: 50
 
Date: Mon, Mar 14; Time: 10 am - 11 am
Location: Virtual; Phone: 919-968-2070   
Activity #323114-01; Register by: Mon, Mar 28   
Fee: $5.00

Welcome to Medicare 

If you’re turning 65, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all the information “bombarding” you about Medicare.  The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and the Orange County Department on Aging offer FREE monthly group sessions on Medicare.  Whether you're retiring soon, already retired, or continuing to work, you’ll get valuable information including how and when to enroll,  Medicare’s costs and benefits, and your many options.  

Date: Wed., Mar. 16; Time: 6 - 7:30 pm    
Location: Virtual on Zoom; 
To register: www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare101_mar
Fee: FREE

Spring Equinox Tea

As we approach the Spring Equinox it's time to embrace the new found energy. Bring a friend and join us for tea and treats while listening to the talented violinist David Binanay. Min: 10/ Max: 20
 
Date: Fri, Mar 18; Time: 2 -3 pm    
Location: Seymour Outdoor; Phone: 919-968-2070   
Activity #324066-06; Register by: Fri, Mar 11
Fee: FREE   

Mental Health Resources:
Finding a Connection 

Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA)

The EHA was created to help Orange County residents with low incomes prevent eviction and homelessness and secure and maintain stable housing. Assistance is available to households  in Orange County that:

1. Earn no more than 30% of the area median income 
2. Have an urgent need for housing assistance that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
3. Do not have adequate resources to cover the cost of their housing need.

Rent, mortgage and utility payments, security deposits, application fees and other emergency housing-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement.

To learn more or to apply, call the Orange County Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 or visit Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program

The program is funded by Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, along with state and federal funding.

Financial Assistance for Housing Payments

The NC Homeowner Financial Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Orange County NC VITA is a program of OCDOA's Volunteer Connect 55+ that provides FREE federal and NC state income tax preparation to eligible individuals with low-to-moderate income, regardless of age or county of residence.  

Due to the Coronavirus, we will offer two virtual services: GetYourRefund.org by Code for America and MyFreeTaxes.com by United Way.

Both services are available 24/7. For information, resources and help preparing your income tax return, visit Orange County NC VITA to get started.

Successful Job Searching Requires a Plan. What’s Your Plan?

Here are five questions, along with information to help you address each one.
 
1. Who are you? What are your values, strengths, motivations?  Take this quick Self-Knowledge Check-Up. There are no wrong answers to questions on the four worksheets.  We also recommend you read StrengthsFinder 2.0; if you buy the February 2007 edition of the book (about $16), you'll receive a FREE online assessment that will identify your Top 5 strengths
 
2. What have you done? Employers today look for more than experience and education. They want to know "what happened" as a result of your being employed. See Identifying Your Successes—a guide for you to describe your accomplishments. 

Read the full article here.

Low Income Household
Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

 LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted. Apply online at www.epass.nc.gov or call/visit your local County Department of Social Services. Learn more download the LIHWAP flier.

Senior Center Fee Payment and Financial Assistance

The Orange County Senior Centers strive to be accessible and welcoming to all seniors.  If you want to participate in senior center fee-based activities and are unable, or unwilling, to pay a required fee, you may still participate.

Furthermore, a selection of free activities and programs are available to seniors age 55 and over. Read more.

The Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.