Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA,) today announced that $490,000 in State grants has been awarded to fifteen not-for-profit organizations and local governments to support the creation of communities in which older adults can successfully age in settings of their choice.
The grants will provide funding for innovative programs and activities that support and enhance opportunities for community participation in planning and creating aging friendly neighborhoods.
In announcing the grants, Director Burgess stated, "These initial grant awards will help a number of communities across the state to plan and implement community changes that will better able local communities to prepare for what we know will be a significant increase in the older population in our state. By working to create aging friendly communities, localities will insure that they remain attractive places to live for residents of all ages."
Applicants submitted proposals to either:
More than seventy applications were received reflecting a wide variety of exciting and innovative projects. Although existing funding limited the selection to fifteen projects at this time, NYSOFA is encouraging all applicants to continue their work toward the development of aging friendly communities. To support this work, the State Office for the Aging has committed to provide training opportunities and technical assistance for interested individuals and groups.
Following is a listing of the Community Empowerment grants awarded by the New York State Office for the Aging.
The funded proposals included a wide variety of innovative community plans and programs. For example, a proposals by Family of Woodstock Inc, would create and maintain a non-profit membership “village” to make mixed age neighborhoods safe and comfortable places in which to grow old, another one submitted by Isabella Geriatric Center, Inc. of New York City entitled the “Upper Manhattan Age and Community Initiative,” will target communities that are racially and ethnically diverse to explores how to enhance the supports for older adults within those communities and develop a plan to make the environment more conducive to aging in place.
The State Office for the Aging anticipates the programs will begin their work in September 2009. For additional information about programs in your area, contact either the program sponsor or the local county office for the aging.
For more detailed summaries of the funded programs visit: http://www.aging.ny.gov/News/PressReleases/2009/2009PR4.cfm
