ConnAdvo LLC.

11/23/2025

The Bridge to Well-Being program assists with non-medical transportation to Kern River Valley residents by providing access to scheduled routes and dial-a-ride services provided by Kern Transit. Its goal is to offer access to transportation to those in need to promote mental and emotional well-being by offering residents the ability to go shopping, visit friends and family, attend events, utilize services at the KRV Bridge Connection, and to otherwise help alleviate the stress created by lack of transportation.
Where the need is of a medical nature, other programs for non-emergency medical transportation should be used instead. This program is offered thanks to a grant from Kern Family Health Care

https://krvbridge.org/docs/bridge-to-well-being-application.pdf

11/23/2025

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January.

Over the last decade the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase has averaged about 3.1 percent. The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025.

Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” said Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The cost-of-living adjustment is a vital part of how Social Security delivers on its mission.”

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100.

Social Security begins notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Those who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy, and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when a new message–such as your COLA notice–is available in your my Social Security account.

You will need to have a personal my Social Security account by November 19 to see your COLA notice online. To get started, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Information about Medicare changes for 2026 will be available at www.medicare.gov.

For Social Security beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, the 2026 benefit amount will be available via my Social Security’s Message Center starting in late November. Those who do not have an online my Social Security account will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

https://www.ssa.gov/cola/?tl=1

my Social Security | Open a my Social Security account today and rest easy knowing that you're in control of your future.

11/23/2025

This whole Open Enrollment stuff can be scary and overwhelming. Let ConnAdvo get you to the right resources. If you need a referral to insurance information or need help signing up online ConnAdvo can help.

Medicare's Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will close on December 7. During this time, you can review and compare their Medicare options, including:

Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
Change to another Medicare

Advantage Plan
Join or change Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Any changes made during the Open Enrollment period take effect on January 1, 2026.

With a personal my Social Security account, your clients can complete many Medicare-related tasks online, such as:

Apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B
Check the status of their Medicare application and coverage start date
View and print proof of Medicare coverage
Update their address and contact information
You should ensure the current plan continues to meet your needs for the following year since Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change. If you are satisfied with their current health care coverage, they do not need to take any action.

For more information or to compare plans, please encourage your clients to visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

https://www.medicare.gov/

The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

11/20/2025

We've moved... again... Thank you for bearing with us as we explore what works for the community. Please feel free to comment any suggestions for days, times and locations you think would work in addition to our mid day Thursdays group.

11/10/2025

The CalHOPE warm line connects callers to people who have persevered through struggles with stress, anxiety, depression—emotions triggered by circumstances and events in everyday life.

The peer counselors listen with compassion, provide non-judgmental support, and guide you to additional resources that can give hope and help you cope.

11/03/2025

10/28/2025

10/28/2025

The Public Health Implications of Housing Instability, Eviction, and Homelessness - Network for Public Health Law https://www.networkforphl.org/resources/legal-and-policy-approaches-towards-preventing-housing-instability/the-public-health-implications-of-housing-instability-eviction-and-homelessness/ #:~:text=Overview,the%20issue%20of%20housing%20instability.

10/28/2025

Now more than ever, it’s important that we come together and support the local resources already serving our community. There are incredible programs, volunteers, and organizations working hard every day to meet needs — from food and housing to recovery and mental health.

This isn’t the time to reinvent the wheel — it’s the time to strengthen it.

If you’re able to donate, please do.
If not, volunteer your time — it’s one of the most powerful gifts you can give.

Every helping hand, every hour, and every act of kindness helps keep these community-driven efforts alive and effective. Together, we can build up what’s working and make it stronger for everyone.

🌱 Let’s invest in what’s already growing.
🌱 Let’s build on the foundation we’ve created together.
🌱 Let’s show what it means to be Kern Valley Strong.

10/26/2025

Such an amazing day watching the community come out and have fun! Great competitive spirit! Congratulations to everyone who participated and received a trophy 🏆 👏🏻 🏅💰I wanna thank the Kern River Valley Masonic Lodge #827 (Kernville, CA) and all the sponsors and everyone who helped out!

10/25/2025

Have you made your card yet to honor our local heroes?

You still have time to create a handmade card for a Kern County Veteran during the Thank-A-Vet Art Card Project, happening now – November 1 at all Kern County Library branches. Supplies are provided—just bring your creativity and gratitude! 🎨

10/25/2025

You can learn more about residents' rights on the California Department of Aging's website:

https://www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Long-Term_Care_Ombudsman/Residents_Rights/

If you have a loved one or know someone in long-term care who needs help protecting their rights, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office in your county or call the Long-Term Care Ombudsman CRISISline 24/7 at 800-231-4024 for support. Your identity will be kept confidential.