Date: August 15, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ed Long, (310) 533-1996

Joe Cislowski Joins H.E.L.P. as CEO

Joseph A. Cislowski, M.P.P., has joined H.E.L.P. as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, according to Helen Dennis, chairperson of H.E.L.P.'s board of directors.

"Joe is articulate, strongly committed to H.E.L.P.'s mission, and has substantial experience with both aging programs and nonprofit management," she added. "Throughout his career, he has worked to solve problems facing the most vulnerable members of our society."

His 15 years of nonprofit management includes heading the Independent Living Center, the Southern California Leadership Network and the Center for Health Care Rights. His work with these Southern California organizations brought him broad experience and prepared him to lead H.E.L.P.

As he joins H.E.L.P., Joe observed "I am enthusiastic about working together with H.E.L.P.'s talented and committed board and staff, to continue and build upon their impressive success in serving older adults and their families."

H.E.L.P. was founded in 1996 by Ed and Pat Long, who will continue in H.E.L.P.'s program, advocacy and outreach work. "I'm thrilled that Joe has joined us." Ed said. "Joe and his leadership are a key part of continuing H.E.L.P. and its crucial services for the long haul." "In early 2006," Pat added, "we asked the board to work with us on succession planning. Members of the board spent hundreds of hours on the process. Hiring Joe is the wonderful result of that work." For more background, go to the "Highlights" box at help4srs.org.

H.E.L.P. is an award-winning Torrance, California -based non-profit education and counseling center providing impartial information to older adults and families on elder care, law, finances and more. Since its inception in 1996, it has helped thousands of individuals, couples and families. Its services include public classes, private consultations, publications and telephone and Internet assistance. H.E.L.P. is located at 1404 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, California 90501. The phone number is (310) 533-1996, and the Internet addresses are www.help4srs.org, www.annuitytruth.org and www.better-endings.org.