Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Pastorello.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I arrived as a human service worker in Jacksonville, Florida in 1993, saw the frail, elderly and disabled were paying $80.00 per month for a medical alarm to get help. This meant only the very affluent or very poor could afford to get help when they needed it. Community Emergency Alert Response Services was created to correct that. I also am a sponsor of the Senior Adoption Network locally, who started serving seniors in 2012 with a small inheritance I received. The Senior Adoption Network serves only those who nobody else will help. They fund lifesaving services to keep people in their home and community instead of an institution.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. We had to start over several times. Reaching out to people in need and competing with multinational concerns has been hard.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a human service professional I have worked with people with acquired and developmental disabilities, This includes a broad spectrum of Florida Medicaid programs. I am a certified Florida State Ombudsman. I am able to assist people navigate the often complex avenue of care. While Community Emergency Alert Response Services and The Senior Adoption Network do not accept Florida Medicaid, knowlege of Medicaid eligability often prevents people from wasting valuable time pursuing avenues of care that will ultimately deny them benefits. Supporting and creating a d maintaining access to proper life saving care is critical.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That Community Emergency Alert Response Services has been around for 29 years and serves 50 states. Currently bringing access to care down to $6.00 per month versus $80.00 when we started. That’s a big deal.
Pricing:
- $6.00 per month no contract
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.communityears.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communityears
- LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/senioradoptionnetwork
- Other: https://www.senioradoptionetwork.org
