In 2009, a pivotal moment unfolded in the history of services for older Californians. The State Independent Living Council (SILC) received a federal grant, and among its ambitious goals was the establishment of an Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). After a rigorous selection process, SILC entrusted the funding to the FREED Center for Independent Living in Grass Valley, marking the genesis of a groundbreaking initiative.

Ana Acton, a key player in this transformative journey, recalls how the grant empowered FREED to build the infrastructure necessary to become a state designated ADRC. This not only included policies and procedures but also a visionary business model. FREED forged a strategic alliance with a local hospital to provide hospital-to-home transition services using the Care Transition Intervention model.

Because of these efforts, FREED was officially designated as an ADRC in 2014. This achievement stands out because it was the first operational ADRC in a rural area and the first ADRC in California with an Independent Living Center (ILC) as the fiscal lead agency.

Ana describes the ADRC as IL 2.0, a force propelling them to offer more comprehensive services. Reflecting on the early days, Ana notes, "When I started, many aging and disability programs did not work well together. We had different views. However, the process of collaborating on the ADRC got us to shared values."

Ana's story embodies 50 years of dedication and innovation, showcasing how this ADRC helped set the stage for a future of shared values in serving older Californians.

Ana Acton is currently the Deputy Director of the Independent Living and Community Access Division at the California Department of Rehabilitation.