Dear Friends and Colleagues:
In this issue you will read about the recently held "Empowering Communities for Successful Aging" conference convened by NYSOFA and several of our partners.
The conference was our keystone effort to assist civic leaders in planning for and addressing the needs of the rapidly increasing older population. I am hopeful that the conference will serve as a watershed in stimulating important discussions among stakeholders that will lead to local action
in communities across the state. I plan to keep these efforts going by continuing to work with our partners to follow up in each region of the state.
We know that the recent downturn in our economy has many implications and difficult times are likely ahead as we work to insure the well-being of all New York residents, especially those most vulnerable. It is now, more important than ever, to find ways of working together, collaborating on joint projects, and sharing successful programs and models for replication in other locales. Our web site will be a location where you can keep up to date on the progress being made on the Empowering Communities initiative, so please take a look.
As we approach the holiday season, and with November being designated by Governor Paterson as Caregivers' Month in New York, I want to acknowledge the efforts made by all those who have in the past, or are currently engaged in a caregiving role. Unpaid caregivers play a vital role in helping family members, friends and neighbors remain in their homes and communities of choice. While their work goes on tirelessly throughout the year, we should all take time to recognize these caregivers and seek ways to help them with their responsibilities and tasks so that they can take a break.
