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Humboldt Senior Resource Center and Northcoast Advocacy Services to merge:
by Mary Beth Wolford

The boards of directors of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC) and Northcoast Advocacy Services (NAS) have announced the merger of NAS programs with HSRC. This merger will take place February 1, 2000, and comes after almost two years of discussions and extensive planning by the two agencies. Three members of the NAS board will join the HSRC board.

Northcoast Advocacy Services (NAS) programs have been located at the Senior Resource Center for more than 20 years, since the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program was founded by HSRC and then incorporated as its own nonprofit. NAS programs include the Long-Term Ombudsman, Senior Legal Services, Family Assistance and Consumer Advocacy programs.

"The mission of NAS fits nicely with the HSRC mission, and we are pleased that this merger is taking place." said Bob Lorensen, president of the HSRC board.

Consumers probably won't even notice a change, since all the current NAS staff will remain at HSRC and continue to operate the programs people know so well. Primary changes will occur in the administrative structure, with cost savings from economies of size.

"NAS was just too small. It has been challenging for NAS to successfully manage fundraising needs, solicit funds to cover program deficits and maintain client services. Staff members have done a heroic job meeting client needs through these challenging times" said Nancy Conlon, NAS interim director.

The merger will enable staff to rededicate their efforts to direct client service rather than fundraising concerns. We are very excited to have these fine people join the Senior Resource Center staff.

HSRC welcomes the following NAS staff members: Cynthia Ross, Ombudsman coordinator; Lynne Page, staff attorney; Wendy Brunner, client advocate; Susan Brinton, Family Assistance Program coordinator; Amy Pezzoli, MIS, fiscal and fundraising assistant; and Larry DeVita, LTC family specialist. In addition, three members of the NAS board will join the HSRC board in February: Mary Ann Ward, CPA; Jeanne Tunison-Campbell, attorney; and Elizabeth Norton, attorney.

Mary Beth Wolford, Ed.D., is executive director of the Humboldt Senior Resource Center.

One-time article Copyright 1999 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center.