Come hear Joyce Petrowski, president of R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly), discuss how to protect seniors and keep them safe at the most vulnerable time in their lives.

Joyce will speak at the Jewish War Veterans’ (JWV) Sunday, March 17, meeting, which takes place in the Poolside building at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. in Sun Lakes. A Meet & Greet, with free lox and bagels, coffee, and doughnuts starts at 9:30 a.m. The speaker follows at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

R.O.S.E., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded by Joyce Petrowski who recognized a need in the community based on a personal experience with a loved one. Older adults are often targets of criminals because of their philanthropic and trusting nature. Her organization leads the effort in delivering effective, concise, face-to-face fraud awareness and prevention programs to the older adults (and their families) in Arizona.

Joyce will address how to recognize the many types of scams that are prevalent and dangerous to this senior population and what they can do to prevent becoming a victim. She will explain such scams as the imposter; Internet, phone, and robocalls; and grandparent, IRS letter, and romance scams, all targeted at elderly to steal their money and security. Joyce states, “Our goal is to not only reduce the quantity of financial losses, but also reduce the number of victims.”

According to John Iannerelli, an FBI agent for two decades, known as “The Voice of Cyber Security,” “Law enforcement can’t do it alone. We need the help of nonprofits like Joyce at R.O.S.E. who is dedicated to keeping elderly people safe online and in the real world.” Pauline Hall, a Medicare specialist, says, “R.O.S.E. provides education that is current, relatable, and easy to understand, with handouts and reminders to take home and view later. Pecos Senior Center executives say that Joyce gives one of the best presentations they’ve attended.

JWV Post 619, which meets the third Sunday of every month from September to May, boasts members who represent a wide range of religious affiliations and participate in philanthropic activities to help veterans of all faiths. Volunteers are especially needed in May for JWV’s Memorial Day Poppy Campaign at Fry’s Food Stores and Mesa Market Place. To learn more about JWV activities and membership, contact Elliott Reiss at [email protected] or 480-802-3281.