January 29, 2024
New AVUS Connect Club at American Heritage High School in Broward
by Bianca Maria Ceballos
AVUS Connect has recently established a new club at American Heritage High School in Plantation, FL in Broward County, extending the service work initiated at AVUS Connect for United HomeCare.
This club serves as a place for more students to become familiar with AVUS Connect’s mission and ways they can contribute. The enthusiastic response from students showcases their eagerness to engage in the weekly calls offered to older adults.
The club aims to foster unity within the elderly community in Broward, providing more students with the opportunity to participate and benefit from the program. Future plans involve bringing in speakers from the home health care field and forming partnerships with older adult facilities and senior homes to bring connections to life.
The growth of AVUS Connect, facilitated by this club, allows students to comprehend the significance of intergenerational connections. By involving younger generations in this initiative, we hope to instill the importance of taking care of the elderly, fostering a sense of responsibility that will contribute to a reciprocal relationship in the future. The club not only expands the reach of AVUS Connect but also serves as an educational platform for students to understand and appreciate the value of caring for generations older than theirs.
January 14, 2024
Miami Walk to End Alzheimer’s
United HomeCare, AVUS Connect, and AVUS Tech Pals were proud sponsors of the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Florida International University’s Riccardo Silva Football Stadium on Sunday, January 14.
Our Walk Team of staff and volunteers joined over a thousand attendees to support finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and helping those affected. AVUS Connect and AVUS Tech Pals volunteers included participants from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Barbara Goleman Senior High, Miami Dade College, and Florida International University.
Photo: AVUS Connect Walk Team from Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Group organizer: Carolina Meruelo, Class of 2025
January 4, 2024
Simply Healthcare Plans Donates to Support AVUS Tech Pals
United HomeCare and its innovative AVUS Connect and AVUS Tech Pals programs, together with a generous donation from Simply Healthcare Plans, are helping our community’s seniors rise above their isolation, break barriers and use digital handheld devices —specifically designed for older adults— to stay socially connected and be safe while doing so.
Whether it’s video calls with loved ones, virtual classes, or exploring the world through online platforms, they’re proving that the digital age knows no age limit!
The generous donation of $150,000 from Simply Healthcare Plans will empower our community’s seniors with access to free technology and training from AVUS Tech Pals.
December 10, 2023
Broward Walk to End Alzheimer’s
AVUS Connect® and AVUS Tech Pals® joined United HomeCare’s walk team for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Broward County on December 9th at Nova Southeastern University. The team joined almost 2,000 attendees to raise awareness for the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and United HomeCare’s clients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
Video Credit: Bianca Maria Ceballos, AVUS Connect Club Co-President, American Heritage High School.
July 21, 2023
2023 Global Intergenerational Conference
United HomeCare® is proud to announce that its nationally recognized AVUS Connect® and AVUS Tech Pals® Intergenerational Volunteer Program were selected to present at Generations United’s Global Intergenerational Conference Roundtable Discussions in Washington, D.C. on July 26-28, 2023.
Blanca Ceballos, AVUS Connect Mentor, and Shawn Martinez, freshman student at Pomona College and Founder of AVUS Connect®, will be presenting about “Busting Senior Isolation: Empowering Older Adults with Access to Technology” with a focus on South Florida volunteer experiences.
AVUS Connect® and AVUS Tech Pals® are recipients of Intergenerational Program Certification and Program of Distinction Designation from Generations United and selected by National Community Care Corps to receive a Community Care Corps grant for their excellent volunteer model.
July 6, 2023
St. Mary Towers
United HomeCare® and AVUS Connect® teamed up with Florida Power & Light to distribute 80 Hurricane Preparedness Meal Kits to seniors living at St. Mary Towers in Allapattah, FL.
The meal kits contain three days of shelf-stable and nutritious food, water, and snacks. The meal kits were made possible by Florida Power & Light and the Florida Council on Aging.
We were happy to welcome Jeanine Jolicoeur from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon’s office as a special guest to help distribute the meal kits.
June 28, 2023
Miami Gardens Senior Family Center
United HomeCare®, AVUS Connect®, Florida Power & Light and the YWCA distributed Hurricane Preparedness Meal Kits to seniors at the Miami Gardens Senior Family Center.
The meal kits contained three days of shelf-stable and nutritious food, water, and snacks. The meal kits were made possible by Florida Power & Light and the Florida Council on Aging.
June 23, 2023
Storm season is here in South Florida – be prepared!
United HomeCare® and AVUS Connect® teamed up with Florida Power & Light to pack and deliver 2,460 hurricane preparedness kits to vulnerable seniors in Miami-Dade County this year. The kits contain three days of shelf-stable and nutritious food, water, and snacks.
We distributed the first hurricane preparedness kits to seniors at Patterson Senior Housing and La Esperanza Senior Housing in Hialeah, FL.
May 17, 2023
24th Annual Health Care Heroes
Congratulations to Shawn Martinez, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Senior and AVUS Connect® Founder, for being selected as the 2023 Health Care Heroes Youth Volunteer Award Recipient presented by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and Baptist Health on May 17th at Jungle Island!
United HomeCare® appreciates Shawn’s accomplishments to bring South Florida students together for Intergenerational Volunteering to help senior citizens in need.
March 29, 2023
2023 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Congratulations to Shawn Martinez, founder of AVUS Connect® and Belen Jesuit High School Senior, for being recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as the recipient of the 2023 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.
“United HomeCare®’s Intergenerational Volunteer Program is the great success it is because of Shawn Martinez. I am honored to have nominated Shawn and especially to be among his mentors. He is a phenomenal young man who greatly deserves every recognition for his work on behalf of older adults,” said Alina Palenzuela, Chief Marketing and Volunteer Engagement Officer, United HomeCare®.
Shawn’s community service project, AVUS Connect®, started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown to include AVUS Tech Pals, bridging the technology gap for older adults and family caregivers with grant funding and philanthropic support. Supporting youth in their service projects can lead to the development of meaningful initiatives that help to improve the quality of life for older adults, especially the homebound elderly experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
“Feeling grateful for the opportunity to mentor AVUS Connect® and AVUS Tech Pals® Intergenerational Youth Volunteers from various high schools and colleges. Seeing each volunteer grow in their dedication to community service and developing leadership skills is personally rewarding,” said Blanca Ceballos, Community Relations Manager, United HomeCare®.
March 28, 2023
AVUS Connect® is Recruiting!
United HomeCare®’s Volunteer Outreach Liaison, Jennifer Garcia, spent time with students at Albizu University’s Career Fair to recruit volunteers for our AVUS Tech Pals® intergenerational volunteer program. AVUS Tech Pals® volunteers will help older adults and family caregivers by providing technical support, while nurturing friendly relationships and helping them to connect to the world around them.
January 16, 2023
Honored by the YMCA of South Florida
United HomeCare’s AVUS Connect® Founder, Shawn Martinez, was honored by the YMCA of South Florida at their 19th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon celebrating Dr. King’s inspiration and legacy on January 13th at InterContinental Miami with the Dave W. Cash Youth Leadership Award in recognition of his community service and AVUS Connect®, which he founded as a service and learning project to address isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Honorees also included Yolanda Cash Jackson with Becker for the Spirit of Community Award.
Congratulations to all of the YMCA of South Florida honorees for their significant contributions to our community.
December 13, 2022
United HomeCare’s AVUS Tech Pals® Designated as a Generations United Program of Distinction
Generations United has announced twenty inter-generational programs that have been selected to receive the prestigious Intergenerational Program Certification. These programs are all creatively and effectively engaging younger and older people in activities that strengthen relationships between the generations.
We are proud to announce that AVUS Tech Pals® has been selected among the twenty programs.
September 24, 2022
American Indian Day Celebration
AVUS Connect®’s volunteers enjoyed visiting the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians during American Indian Day.
They met tribal Indian youth and The Honorable Virginia Osceola. Volunteers also learned about the history and culture of the Indian tribes.
The event showcased shows and cultural crafts, music and food. Our team went on a spectacular boat ride in the Everglades.
September 19, 2022
AVUS Connect® Founder Receives Daily Point of Light Award
Today, Daily Point of Light has awarded Shawn Martinez, Founder of United HomeCare’s AVUS Connect®, the Daily Point of Light Award for his inspiring service work.
Daily Point of Light was created by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 to celebrate ordinary Americans from all walks of life taking direct and impactful action in their communities to solve serious social problems. Shawn’s community and advocacy focus is with the older adult’s vulnerable population.
Please read his story and encourage our youth to volunteer and make a positive difference in the lives of older adults. Congratulations, Shawn!
September 8, 2022
August 23, 2022
2022 Quality Senior Living Award
Congratulations to Shawn Martinez, Founder of the United HomeCare® AVUS Connect® Senior Assurance Program. Shawn was awarded the 2022 Quality Senior Living Award for Public Service for his many accomplishments, today in Orlando, FL at the Florida Council on Aging Conference.
The Quality Senior Living Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose efforts have improved the quality of life of older Floridians. The award is sponsored by FPL and the Florida Council on Aging.
Shawn, we applaud and commend you on your well-deserved success!
July 13, 2022
Hurricane Preparedness Meal Distributions
AVUS Connect® volunteers helped pack and distribute over 7,300 Hurricane Preparedness Kits to Miami-Dade County senior residents.
June 22, 2022
Founder of AVUS Connect® Receives United Way Outstanding Youth Award
Shawn Martinez, Founder of AVUS Connect®, honored by United Way Miami at their Annual Board Meeting and Volunteer Awards luncheon on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Jungle Island with the Outstanding Youth Award for his volunteerism and leadership in the Miami community.
November 20, 2021
Anthony Parodi Memorial Kickball Tournament
United HomeCare’s AVUS Connect® Kickball Team came together for a great charitable cause in support of the Anthony Parodi Memorial Kickball Tournament hosted by Belen Jesuit High School. The AVUS Connect® Kickball Team did a great job defending on the field with co-ed volunteers from Belen Jesuit Preparatory High School, Doral Academy High School, and American Heritage High School volunteers on the field.