O.A.P.P

Older Adult Peer Program Information

The Older Adult Peer Program is an initiative of El Hogar Community Services, Inc. serving older adults throughout Sacramento County. Building on the success of SeniorLink, the program trains graduates to become Peer Support Leaders who encourage, mentor, and support fellow older adults.



Through peer support, social activities, wellness education, and community partnerships, participants can reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and remain active and independent. We recognize older adults as valued leaders, volunteers, mentors, and community contributors.

Who Can Participate?

The program welcomes adults who:

• Are age 55 or older and live in Sacramento County
• Experience, or may be at risk for, loneliness, social isolation, depression, or anxiety
• Come from culturally diverse, underserved, or historically marginalized communities
• Live with a physical disability or sensory impairment, including vision or hearing loss

Every participant is treated with dignity, respect, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.

What the Program Offers

• Weekly peer-led support groups and encouragement from trained Peer Leaders
• Educational workshops, wellness activities, community outings, and social events
• Practical strategies for emotional and physical wellness
• Information and referrals for health, housing, nutrition, financial, and supportive services
• Transportation assistance when available
  

How Participation Can Help

• Build friendships, confidence, coping skills, and a greater sense of purpose
• Reduce loneliness and symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Increase community involvement, independence, and overall quality of life
  

Peer Support Leadership

SeniorLink graduates may train to become Older Adult Peer Leaders. Peer Leaders use their lived experience, wisdom, and resilience to inspire hope and create welcoming spaces for others.

Peer Leaders may:

• Facilitate weekly support groups and provide emotional encouragement
• Share personal experiences that promote hope, resilience, and healthy aging
• Support outreach, community engagement, inclusion, and belonging
• Serve as positive role models within their communities
  

Support for Peer Leaders

Peer Leaders receive ongoing guidance and training from El Hogar staff, along with possible leadership stipends, gift cards, transportation assistance, volunteer recognition, and professional development opportunities.

Community Partnerships

The program works with local organizations to provide culturally responsive services for the diverse needs of older adults.

Partners include:

• Eskaton Jefferson Manor
• Health Education Council
• Local senior housing communities and community-based organizations throughout Sacramento County

As the program grows, services are expected to expand into Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and additional Sacramento County communities.

Measuring Success

Nationally recognized tools are completed before and after participation to help evaluate outcomes:

• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): Measures symptoms of depression
• UCLA Loneliness Scale: Measures loneliness and social connectedness

The program also tracks participation, community engagement, referrals, transportation assistance, participant satisfaction, and overall impact to improve services over time.

OUR MISSION

Dignity, purpose, and hope.

El Hogar promotes mental health and emotional wellbeing throughout our community. We believe every older adult has strengths and life experiences worth celebrating, and the ability to help others thrive.

C.O.R.E

P.E.C.C.

R.E.N.E.W. F.S.P.

O.A.P.P