FCCG Interactive Forums

On Wednesday, May 25th, a dozen ambassadors from local active-adult communities gathered to hear a presentation and receive training and awareness on compulsive gambling. Overall, the 12 communities represented serve as residences to over 10,000 seniors. During the hour long presentation, the ambass...

At a recent Florida Assisted Living Coaltion, we were able to educate many senior living communities on the pitfalls and numerous problems associated with their seniors and problem gambling. Gambling by senior citizens has surged in states that have legalized and glamorized various forms of wagering...

AJFCS has been reaching out to local middle schools and high schools in efforts to push problem gambling awareness amongst the schools' respective student bodies. In light of this recent article, it should be noted that in order to create a safer, gambling-free haven for students, it wouldn't hurt t...

On Thursday, December 9th, approximately 250 active adults and younger adults attended a lifelong learning seminar held at Florida Atlantic University. As part of an ongoing, annual cirriculum, topics from addition, bullying, aging-in-place, and other pertinent issues are addressed with expert speak...

On Monday, October 25th, AJFCS will be doing a workshop for various parents, teachers, and PTA members spanning numerous elementary schools in the Wellington/Royal Palm Beach/Lake Worth Florida area. With a focus on mental health and wellness for both parents and children, AJFCS, amongst other topic...

I had the pleasure of recently speaking with a local representative (who wishes to remain anonymous) about many things, including gambling in the state of Florida. Although he doesn't advocate for problem gambling awareness, he informed me of a new law being passed and the many problems that will co...

Annette Botnick, the Community Engagement Coordinator at AJFCS supervises nearly 30 Ambassadors representing 28 gated, active-adult communities throughout Palm Beach County. The role of the Ambassadors at AJFCS is to help build a safety-net, the supportive structure necessary to ensure a healthier, ...

As most of you know, Charlie Crist signed a $1 billion Seminole gambling deal on Wednesday. Although this may help raise funds for the state, it will most likely effect (raise) the number of gamblers throughout the state, which in turn will create a higher number of compulsive gamblers. With tax rat...

On March 10th, from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, sixty-four residents of the Park Pointe community in Greenacres, Florida were treated to a comprehensive presentation and open forum for all questions and concerns related to problem gambling. This event was part of a set presentation in honor of the PGAW, the ...

Alpert Jewish Family & Children's Service spent much of February with a focus on Domestic Violence prevention, awareness and advocacy. What we noticed were some alarming statistics around the relationship between compuslive gambling and instances of domestic abuse. Some of the text below is from Ron...

As many of you know by now, Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 7-13, 2010. The Alpert Jewish Family & Children's Service is committed to furthering outreach and providing education on the growing issue of problem gambling that is impacting South Florida and our country as a whole. AJFCS plans ...

December is a month where I spend a lot of time marketing and socializing with various medical personnel. Activities range from dropping off holiday cards, attending seasonal networking events, or traditional marketing calls. Now to the point... In one of my outreach visits, I came across a Mayo Cli...

Recently, we attended a volunteer fair and in conversation, heard numerous seniors talking about online poker and online gaming. At first, it seemed very isolated as the numbers were minimal. After attending this event, we did a little research and found that this is a trend on the rise and deserves...

Recently, while scouting and reviewing media in Palm Beach County, I noticed an increase in Casinos advertising in predominant senior markets. As a marketing director for a social service agency prided on providing a safety net for seniors (as well as other populations), I am constantly looking for ...

I completely agree. Often times, people who are struggling fail to see alternatives or even assume other options exist. Although this is a difficult time for many, there are always grants (sometimes smaller than we would like) that can help people temporarily with things like utilities, basic food a...