Ombudsman Spotlight

Christine Sergi

How long have you been with the ombudsman program?

I joined the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in October 2024.

What made you want to work with the program?

Having worked in nonprofit human services for quite some time, I was drawn to the mission of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and felt very strongly about making whatever contribution I could to advocating and providing a voice for people living in long-term care.

What has surprised you the most about the ombudsman program?

Like many people, I had not been familiar with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. I did not know that it was a national program mandated under federal law by the Older Americans Act to provide advocates for long-term care residents across the United States.

What do you most enjoy about working with the ombudsman Program?

I enjoy the collaborative nature of my State Office team, and it is an honor to witness the dedication of our ombudsmen to individuals who may be completely alone and in need of critical advocacy.

Tell us the top 2 or 3 positive changes that you are working on to achieve within the program.

As a volunteer coordinator for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, I am working to create resources for staff and volunteers including a wide variety of recruitment materials and a new volunteer handbook to help maintain program consistency. I write and distribute a monthly newsletter, fostering a sense of community. I am also exploring new ways to raise awareness for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in communities across Colorado.