Faye Detsky-Weil is a deeply experienced advocate who spends a lot of time volunteering for causes that help protect the rights and wellbeing of older adults in the community. For almost two years now, Detsky-Weil has been serving the seniors of Del Mar Community Connections as the HICAP Medicare counselor (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) through their partnership with nonprofit law firm Elder Law and Advocacy (ELA), according to a news release.

DMCC Board Member Judy Schuckit said in the news release that she nominated Detsky-Weil as volunteer of the month because “Faye provides outstanding support during what is, for me and so many others, a complicated and often intimidating journey through Medicare coverage options. Detsky-Weil is calm and collaborative and goes above and beyond. Her dedication brings clarity and peace of mind when it is most needed.”

ELA HICAP Manager Sophie Exdell shared in the news release anonymous feedback she received from someone Detsky-Weil helped, who said, “I understand that Faye is a volunteer… I wouldn’t have guessed that given how fluent she is with obscure details and how quickly she accessed forms and data sheets and highlighted relevant sections while explaining their significance to me.”

Detsky-Weil was born and raised in New Jersey, moving to Boston for college where she studied psychology and secondary education at Northeastern University. She married her husband David, they started their family, and she began a career in computer training and instructional design. In 1987 the family relocated to Del Mar and Detsky-Weil began work as an instructional designer contributing to healthcare and systems engineering products for SAIC, where she worked for 13 years, later moving over to L-3 Communications.

She also worked to expand her knowledge, including taking classes from UCSD Extension to earn her paralegal certificate. Detsky-Weil and her husband raised two sons, who both live locally with families of their own. “They keep us young and active, bringing so much joy and energy to our lives,” she stated in the news release.

Detsky-Weil said in the news release that she has found volunteering fulfilling for quite a long time, “and I’ve had the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people.” She was an active parent when her sons were in school, serving in leadership positions for the elementary school site council, the high school foundation board, and the Student Success Services Program. She has additionally volunteered for Rancho Coastal Humane Society, the Torrey Pines Community Planning Board, and the City of San Diego’s Ethics and Human Relations commissions.

In addition to her HICAP duties, for which she received extensive training and has been registered through the state of California to provide Medicare assistance for 10 years now, Detsky-Weil also serves on the SD Aging and Independence Services Advisory Council, which looks for ways to strengthen the aging network in the county. Lastly, she ushers at various cultural performances across the county.

Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC) is an independent 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to support and serve the older adults of Del Mar so that they may age independently at home. DMCC helps older adults live active, vibrant lives by providing transportation, education and social activities. Detsky-Weil’s volunteer HICAP work is one example of multiple partnerships DMCC maintains with community organizations like ELA, allowing both organizations to maximize resources and help more people.

Detsky-Weil said in the news release that her feeling about DMCC is that “I’m proud to contribute to a growing organization that makes a meaningful difference in so many lives. Del Mar is fortunate to have such a dedicated and impactful resource.”

Those who have questions about DMCC or volunteer opportunities may call DMCC during business hours at (858) 792-7565, email dmcc@dmcc.cc or visit the website at www.dmcc.cc.

Elder Law & Advocacy is a nonprofit group of experienced attorneys, staff, and volunteers working to protect the rights of older adults through legal services, healthcare counseling, community education, and advocacy in San Diego and Imperial counties. Those interested may learn more at www.elaca.org or by calling (858) 565-1392.