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At A Glance
Information & Matching
Provide Information, Referral & Assistance
Match People with Services
Medicare
No Cost, Unbiased Medicare Counseling
Philanthropy
Direct Cash Infusion
Trust Based Philanthrophy
What We Do
Senior Resource Directory
Who We Are
Mission: Senior Network Services is a nonprofit agency providing senior citizens and person with disabilities with information, guidance and assistance in coordinating existing resources to promote independence and the highest quality of life.
History: In 1968 a Federal outreach program, Project FIND, was conducted with twelve pilot geographical regions for the purpose of identifying elders in need. Santa Cruz County was chosen for the project because of its high concentration of older residents. Ansel Adams and a team of University of California Santa Cruz students provided eloquent visual documentation of the project – creating the book Project FIND – to supplement the survey findings completed by community volunteers and social workers. Those same volunteers and social workers later became involved in building the strong foundation for what became Senior Network Services.
Leadership
Corey Azevedo, M.A.
Executive Director
Corey is a seasoned social impact practitioner. He was hired as the Executive Director of Senior Network Services in 2021 and brings two decades of experience across a broad spectrum of social intervention models and target populations. Previous organizations where Corey has worked include the World Institute on Disability (WID), the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) and Easter Seals amongst others. From philanthropy to direct service to social entrepreneurship Corey brings a technology and program development background to the organization. He utilizes a human-centered approach and has worked at the local, national and international levels. Corey holds an M.A. in the Anthropology of Development and Social Transformation from the University of Sussex, the number one ranked university globally for social development studies. Outside of work Corey can be found at local taquerias and breweries or riding electric bikes and watching basketball.
Marlene Bennett, Esq.
Director of Operations
Marlene joined SNS in 2022 after a twelve-year career as a legal aid attorney in Santa Clara County. As a lawyer, Marlene represented people living with HIV and AIDS, people living with mental health disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness in a variety of areas, including public benefits, tenants rights, estate plans, medical privacy and creditor harassment cases. In addition to direct client representation, Marlene also managed her program’s various grants and contracts, provided client and provider education, hired and trained new staff and interns, and served on the Santa Clara County HIV Commission. Marlene’s top concern in social justice work is centering her clients’ dignity and agency. Marlene received her B.S. and J.D. from Santa Clara University, where she is a Lecturer in the law school. Marlene spends time away from work hiking, reading and chasing her two kids and goofy dog around the beach.
Julie Fletcher, MSW
Special Projects Director
Julie is a social worker and administrator who brings extensive social services experience across a broad range of organizations. She started as a Peace Corps volunteer, and has worked in refugee resettlement with the International Rescue Committee, managed disaster preparedness, planning, relief and recovery programs for the American Red Cross, and has provided direct services to hospice patients. She has been a key member of the Senior Network Services team for the last twelve years, providing leadership for an array of programs to assist seniors. The combination of leadership and direct service roles over the last 40 years has given her a first-hand understanding of the importance of delivering programs that truly meet the diverse needs of seniors, connecting individuals and families with the right services at the right time. Julie received her Masters degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. When she’s not at Senior Network she enjoys hiking in redwoods, walking on the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Pamela Peterson, PhD
Special Projects Director
Pamela has been associated with Senior Network Services since 1990. Her roles have included housing and money management coordinator, special advisor, and most recently special projects director. Pamela recently retired from the position of associate vice provost for academic personnel and programs for the University of California. She holds a PhD in pharmacology and has experience as a medical researcher, science writer, and grant writer. Pamela is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, is a member of the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women, and has been recognized for her work in gender equity.
Staff
Bill Proulx
HICAP Program Manager
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River Young
Resource Program Manager
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River is the Program Manager for SNS’ Information & Assistance, Housing, Money Management, Respite and Case Management programs. She joined SNS in 2022 after a decade of providing direct services to youth, people experiencing homelessness and people who are incarcerated. River received her B.S. with honors from UC Berkeley. She is an inspiring homesteader who enjoys dancing and get togethers with friends and family.
Karina Gonzalez-Cisneros
Resource Counselor
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Karina joined SNS in 2022, getting a jumpstart on her career while finishing her B.A. at Sacramento State University. As a Resource Counselor, Karina assists seniors seeking a variety of services and screens them for eligibility for one of our various in-house programs. Karina staffs SNS’ satellite office at the Watsonville Senior Center, providing in-person intake and assessment multiple days a week. Karina is bilingual in Spanish, helping to serve many of our monolingual Spanish-speaking clients. Outside of work, Karina enjoys spending time with her family exploring new places, making arts and crafts, and just being together.
Mayte Lopez Rojas
HICAP Counselor
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Mayte joined SNS in 2022. She is a recent graduate of CSUMB and holds a degree in Social Work. Mayte has prior experience working with youth in a variety of settings, and interned with Santa Cruz County’s Behavioral Health Department during college. In her role with SNS’ HICAP team, Mayte counsels clients about their Medicare rights and options. When not at work, loves to try out new restaurants and go on adventures.
Sherri Rodrigues
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Jeanne Allen
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Jeanne has been with SNS’ HICAP program since 2008 – first as a client and then as a staff member. Jeanne provides counseling to clients about Medicare and long-term care insurance, and is also a California Senior Medicare Patrol liaison. As an SMP liaison, she helps educate Medicare recipients about Medicare fraud. Prior to joining SNS, Jeanne worked in a variety of administrative assistant and paralegal roles. Beyond Medicare, Jeanne enjoys beach walks, singing, trying new recipes, time with loved ones, gardening, reading, volunteering and cheering on the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Kim King
HICAP Administrative Assistant
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Kim joined SNS’ HICAP team in 2017. As the HICAP Administrative Assistant, Kim supports HICAP staff and volunteers and assists HICAP clients. Kim has a background in financial analysis and has a business degree from CSU Sacramento. In her free time, Kim often goes on outdoor adventures.
Megan Passaro
Resource Counselor & Case Manager
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Megan has been a Resource Counselor & Case Manager at SNS since 2021. Megan brings a background in direct services, previously working as a home health aid for seniors and adults living with disabilities and providing case management for the Student Resource & Support Network at Cabrillo College. Megan earned her Associates Degree from Cabrillo and outside of work she loves traveling with her two daughters and boyfriend. Megan’s favorite travel is going to Disneyland and taking cruises around the world.
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