LifeSTEPS Secures Funding from Managed Care Plans for Community Health Worker Services Pilot Program in Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — LifeSTEPS is excited to announce the successful acquisition of funding from managed care plans (MCPs) in Los Angeles County for the launch of a groundbreaking Community Health Worker (CHW) benefits pilot program.

L.A. Care and our esteemed Plan Partners have committed a total of $167,000 in funding to kick-start the LifeSTEPS California Health Worker (CHW) benefits pilot program. This initiative builds upon our existing efforts in providing Social Services to affordable housing senior residents, extending our reach and impact in promoting health education, disease prevention, and overall well-being for seniors in the community.

Community Health Worker (CHW) services are designed to offer preventive health services aimed at preventing disease, disability, and other health conditions, thereby promoting physical and mental health and prolonging life. The funding for this pilot program is sourced from the Cal-AIM Incentive Payment Program (IPP), a transformative initiative within Medi-Cal that strives to enhance and expand services to ensure Californians receive the necessary care to lead healthier lives.

The Cal-AIM Incentive Payment Program (IPP) supports the implementation and expansion of the California Health Worker Benefits program (CHW) by providing incentives to Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) and Cal-AIM services providers.

Key objectives include:

  • Member engagement and service delivery,
  • Building sustainable infrastructure and capacity
  • Promoting program quality with measurable impacts on utilization.

To qualify for IPP funds, plans undergo rigorous evaluation against new measures and must demonstrate strong performance and continual improvement over time. Managed care plans (MCPs) are encouraged to invest these funds into future improvements, ensuring the enhancement of services offered to Medi-Cal members through Cal-AIM services providers.

Over the last 22 years, I’ve witnessed the challenges seniors face in our affordable housing communities. I am greatly saddened when residents who need support at home are placed prematurely into Skilled Nursing Facilities,” said Beth Southorn, Executive Director at LifeSTEPS. “This fund, with the support of LA Care, empowers communities to embrace healthier lifestyles, as opposed to the hospitalizations we have witnessed. The reality is that our seniors do care about their health, but they are overwhelmed with lifestyle changes that they haven’t fully grasped. As a community, let’s make progress together.

LifeSTEPS remains committed to its mission of creating positive change in the lives of seniors, and the funding secured from L.A. Care and Plan Partners will enable the organization to take significant strides in achieving this goal.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its programs, please visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

LifeSTEPS Leaders Delve into Self-Care at the 2023 Affordable Housing and Community Development Conference in San Diego

San Diego, CA – October 2nd, 2023 – LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn, and LifeSTEPS Trainer, Bruce Kuban were welcomed as distinguished guest speakers at the 2023 Affordable Housing and Community Development Conference in San Diego.

The duo delved into the concept of “Self-Care,” discussing its definition and advocating for its integration as a non-negotiable habit. Beth Southorn and Bruce Kuban highlighted the ethical obligation professionals have to care for themselves and the far-reaching consequences for themselves, their loved ones, and those they serve when neglecting self-care.

The presentation aimed to provide attendees with strategies to incorporate self-care into their routine, fostering a well-balanced approach to both personal and professional life. The speakers emphasized the role of self-care in preventing emotional hazards associated with the demanding nature of direct service careers and showcased the importance of ethical responsibility in maintaining individual well-being.

A key aspect of the discussion centered on burnout and compassion fatigue, framing self-care as an integral part of professional ethics. Beth Southorn and Bruce Kuban emphasized that, regardless of the situation or individual, neglecting self-care is never justified, reinforcing the idea that taking care of oneself is a responsibility that cannot be ignored.

The presentation concluded with practical steps, including the creation of a personal self-care checklist and a roadmap to guide professionals in planning and implementing achievable activities. These activities are intended to contribute to a well-balanced self-care routine, ensuring long-term success in direct service careers without compromising individual well-being.

LifeSTEPS remains committed to empowering professionals in the field of affordable housing and resident services, promoting a culture of self-care as an essential component of ethical responsibility.

For further information, please visit LifeSTEPS website at www.lifestepsusa.org.

LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn, Represents at 2023 National Service Coordinator Conference in Maryland

Maryland, August 31, 2023 – LifeSTEPS announces the attendance of its Executive Director, Beth Southorn, at the 2023 National Service Coordinator Conference held in Maryland from August 27th to 30th.

This year’s theme “Advocacy in Action – United in Purpose,” is organized annually by the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC), a professional membership association and national resource for service-enriched housing. With over 4,000 members, AASC plays a pivotal role in supporting elderly and disabled residents, as well as families, in affordable housing communities by helping them identify, locate, and acquire the services and support needed for self-sufficiency. Beth Southorn, who also serves as the chair of the board for AASC, played a key role in the conference’s leadership.

The event gathered more than 1,000 attendees, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among service coordinators. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the latest innovative programs and findings that contribute to the enhancement of service coordination.

LifeSTEPS was honored to be a sponsor of this year’s conference, reinforcing its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote advocacy, unity, and purpose in the service-enriched housing sector.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its commitment to service-enriched housing, please visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

 

LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn, Presents at Leading Age BOLD Conference on Housing and Health

Monterey, CA – May 1, 2023 – LifeSTEPS is proud to announce the participation of its Executive Director, Beth Southorn, as a guest speaker at the Leading Age BOLD Annual Conference & Expo held in Monterey, CA, from May 1 to 3, 2023.

Beth Southorn, alongside Bruce Kuban, Trainer, and former Director of Supportive Housing, delivered a compelling presentation on “Housing and Health: Keeping our Special Needs Older Adults Housed, Healthy, and Thriving.” The dynamic duo addressed critical topics, emphasizing how housing for older adults, especially those with low-income and homelessness challenges, can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

The presentation showcased innovative housing programs designed by LifeSTEPS to assist special needs older adults in enhancing their health and facilitating healthy aging. They also delved into the importance of utilizing housing as a bridge to connect the gaps between housing and positive health outcomes, fostering lifelong well-being.

LifeSTEPS, known for its commitment to delivering on-site social services, began providing intensive case management services to special needs residents in 2014, extending support to those facing chronic homelessness, physical health challenges, mental health disabilities, and substance use disorders in both senior and family housing.

Currently, LifeSTEPS serves 557 current and formerly homeless individuals and families now residing in permanent supportive housing across California. In 2022 alone, the organization provided Enhanced Care Management Services to 403 older adults, further solidifying its dedication to improving the lives of those in need.

Beth Southorn’s insightful presentation at the Leading Age BOLD Conference exemplifies LifeSTEPS’ ongoing commitment to addressing the complex intersection of housing and health for vulnerable populations. By introducing innovative programs and advocating for positive change, LifeSTEPS continues to be a leader in the field of social services for affordable housing.

For more information about LifeSTEPS and its impactful programs, please visit www.lifestepsusa.org.

Pictured Above: (Left) LifeSTEPS Executive Director, Beth Southorn (Right) LifeSTEPS Trainor, Bruce Kuban