Sandra M. Jones Mitchell is a professional advocate for senior citizens. In 1975, Sandra’s first job was preparing hot meals for seniors citizens at Washington Park Elementary School. In 1976-1977, Sandra worked at Cincinnati Veteran’s Administration Hospital assisting the elderly escorting them to their doctors’ appointments within the hospital. In 1986, she worked in an Avondale nursing home as an Activity Coordinator. In 1988 Sandra began her career with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, where she continued assisting individuals with developmental disabilities, by helping them stay connected to the community.
In 1993, she co-founded Serving Older Adults through Changing Times (SO-ACT) along with the late Sandra L. Massey. SO-ACT is a 501C-3 non-profit organization created to serve and advocate for older adults for the right to aging in the communities they call home. When SO-ACT was started Avondale had the second largest senior population in Cincinnati. Sandra is a tireless advocate on behalf of our seniors and believes our elders are essential and vital members of our community. On August 26, 2018, SOACT celebrated 26 years of advocating for seniors throughout Hamilton and Butler Counties.
Sandra has also provided and continues to provide consulting services to families, helping them with their aging loved ones. She has helped arranged home care services, transportation and utilities assistance. For several years Sandra has been a part of the American Society on Aging- an organization well connected to aging issues nationally.
Sandra has addressed loneliness and isolation within our aging population and the effects it has on their health. She strongly believes by offering companionship, community activities, building relationships, and encouragement allows the seniors to stay engaged and just might prevent the ongoing spread of these documented major health issues.
The love and passion she has for older adults had a major impact on Sandra attending The College of Mount Saint Joseph to earn a Bachelor Degree in Gerontology in 2003. She will be continuing her education in 2019 towards her Master’s Degree in Gerontology from Miami University. “It is our duty to honor the wisdom of our elders, respect their life experiences and treat them as community gems”.
Sandra joined the Avondale Community Council at age 17, serving as a Trustee for 15 non-consecutive years and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Sandra has also served on numerous other boards and community volunteer opportunities along with being an active member of the Corinthian Baptist Church since 2000. Sandra has been recognized for numerous awards for her advocacy services throughout the community.
The wife to Robert L. Mitchell, mother to Theodore and grandmother of Nyia and Angel, Sandra will be retiring from Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services in April 2019, after 30 years of services.
