Category Archives for National, State and Local Aging Groups

Costa takes helm of SACRI, Crafts Vision for Upcoming Conference

Published in RINewsToday on September 9, 2024

The Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI), an independent and diverse coalition of over 20 agencies and individual members who advocate for older Rhode Islanders, gears up for the planning of its 16th Annual Conference and Expo with the recent appointment of its new Executive Director, Carol Anne Costa.

Bringing a Wealth of Experience to SACRI

According to Diane Santos, SACRI Board  Chair, Costa brings a wealth of experience from her positions in the Raimondo administration and most recently as the Constituent Service Coordinator for the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General. Her institutional knowledge at the state and federal levels gained in her past positions in the Rhode Island Judiciary, as well as Executive Director of National Utility Contractors of RI (NUCARI) and her managerial role at the Johnston Housing Authority, is a great asset.

“Most importantly, Carol is passionate about helping others, not only through her work but also through her volunteerism in the community. This commitment is exemplified by her serving on many Boards and committees, most notably as a member of the Board of Directors of Wiggin Village for the past 20 years,” says Santos.

The conference will bring together important voices: people from across the state together with the politicians who serve their interests at the levers of power, says Costa. “To achieve progress on any issue the participation of decision makers along with those they represent is the best way to meet budget, legislative and policy goals,” notes Costa.

SACRI Conference is Just a Month Away

In July, Costa stepped into the role of managing SACRI’s upcoming annual conference, “A Bridge to a Secure Future,” to be held on October 9, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Warwick-based Crown Plaza.  This major task remains on her desk as do many of the other tasks to move the organization forward to prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session.

We must embrace the future and respect the past,” says Costa, in developing strategies to advocate for legislative proposals that enhance the lives older persons.

 “My goal is to fill the ballroom at the Crowne Plaza to capacity with older Rhode Islanders, aging advocates, partners and coalition members to educate them about legislative proposals that SACRI supports during next year’s legislative session.

According to Costa, the conference theme, “A Bridge to a Secure Future,” focuses on the kitchen table issues facing older adults and adults with disabilities: economic security, healthcare, and housing. Presenting the keynote address is US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse who will be followed by a panel including US Congressman Seth Magaziner, RI Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and Housing expert, Julie Leddy, she says.

“The conference will be informative and opportune.” said Costa, noting that SACRI’s mission is helping to better the lives of older Rhode Islanders and adults with disabilities and the conference helps us to expand our outreach into the community.

“Empowering people by giving their voice to pertinent issues is something I value, and this conference is the perfect way to begin my tenure at the helm,” she continued.

“In Rhode Island, the healthcare system is under great stress. Older Rhode Islanders face a system rife with worker shortages, long wait times and a dwindling pool of doctors. Solving these problems requires the voices of our coalition and its partners to bring attention to them and the impact they have on people,” said Costa.

In speaking about housing issues, Costa noted, “The housing situation in the state is at a crisis point where new stock is virtually nonexistent and underfunded agencies tasked with building, managing, and easing rental spikes are the only bulwark to help ordinary folks.”

But the big question which looms is will the monies allocated for new development be proportionally distributed, particularly for our older adults as threats to Medicare and Social Security at the federal level compound the stress they feel?” asks Costa.

“This advocacy work is in my DNA, and I am enjoying every minute of it,” says Costa, stressing that she looks forward to moving SACRI forward to accomplish its legislative and policy goals that will impact Rhode Island’s older population.

“And I would be remiss if I did not ask everyone to join us on October 9, 2024,” she said.

Building on Last Year’s  Success

Looking back, over 300 people attended last year’s conference, says Maureen Maigret, SACRI’s Policy Advisor, who assisted its Board members to organize the 2023 conference.  After educating the attendees, the coalition mobilized its troops composed of older Rhode Islander, aging and health care organizations, educators, unions, and Medicare insurance providers to push for change. “

How did that conference impact SACRI’s lobbying efforts?

“Last year’s legislative agenda reflected policy issues discussed by the keynote speaker and panelists at the conference,” noted Maigret, a former Director of the State’s Office on Aging.   According to Maigret, SACRI’s lobbying efforts resulted in the General Assembly enacting SACRI’s legislative priorities that included increasing home and community service provider rates, increasing funding for the state’s senior centers and the streamlining of zoning requirements for the building of Accessory Dwelling Units.  Lawmakers also put a $120 million housing bond program on the November ballot, she said.

“Feedback from Conference attendees about the presentations was excellent and they liked the variety of exhibitors, too,” says Maigret, noting that some participants did say they would have liked more time to ask questions to the presenters. This year’s conference does build in additional time for Q&A, she adds. 

Maigret says SACRI’s Board took charge in organizing the successful event.  This year, Costa and her Board continue its efforts to organize and prepare for the upcoming legislative session, she says.

The cost of SACRI’s upcoming conference is $25.00 per person for Members and $35 per person for nonmembers.  And any organization who wishes to exhibit their work at the Expo, the tables are $350.00. To register go to  https://senioragendari.org/2024-conference-and-expo.

For more details about SACRI, to https://senioragendari.org/.

AARP helping RI communities become more livable with Challenge Grants

Published in RINewsToday on July 31, 2023

One might say that the Washington, DC-based AARP puts its money where its mouth is. The nation’s largest aging advocacy group recently announced that it is investing $3.6 million in 310 Community Challenge grants for quick-action projects to help these communities become more livable. AARP says its grants will improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults aged 50 and older.

AARP defines a livable community is one that is safe and secure, and it offers choices in where to live and how to get around. A livable community enhances a person’s independence and allows residents to age in place. It also provides a variety of opportunities for its residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to participate in the community’s civic, economic, and social life.

And, a livable community also equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. 

“These grants continue to lead to long-term, positive changes in communities across the country,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer in a June 28 statement announcing the grant recipients funded in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

“This year, we are proud to support the largest number of projects in the program’s seven-year history, which will improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes so everyone can thrive as they age,” says LeaMond.

AARP Community Challenge accepted applications across three different grant opportunities, including existing flagship grants in addition to new capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability and community gardens. New demonstration grants will focus on improving transportation systems, with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, and housing choice design competitions. 

True to the programs “quick action” nature, these projects MUST be completed by Nov. 30, 2023.

AARP’s newest funded recipients

“AARP Rhode Island is committed to working with local leaders to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change, especially for Rhode Islanders 50 and over.”

“We are so excited to team up with AARP and city leaders to host a series of six free neighborhood walking tours focused on pedestrian safety and accessibility for all,” said one of this year’s grant recipients, Liza Burkin, lead organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition. “’Walk, Talk n’ Chalk’ will bring Providence residents over age 50 together with local street safety advocates, their Ward Councilor, and city employees who specialize in foot travel for a tour of the neighborhood, she says.

 “Each tour will use sidewalk chalk to foster conversation and capture needed changes to the built environment that will facilitate safe walking and rolling to neighborhood destinations,” she says.

“I am extremely excited and honored to have received the AARP Grant,” says Jack Lenz, Director of Development at the Providence-based West End Community Center, Inc.  Lenz was pleasantly surprised that his application was one of 311 chosen from 3,600 submitted.

Lenz noted that this was the first funded AARP grant, chocking it off to “beginner’s luck” because he is new to fundraising. 

According to Lenz, The West End Community Center run’s one of the largest food pantries in Providence. “We see many people struggling with food insecurity as well as access to fresh produce and transportation every day,” he said, noting that this “revolutionary method of growing vegetables was particularly effective for areas with of contaminated soil. “Growing vegetables directly out of the straw bales makes growing vegetables safer,” he says.

Lenz plans to seek out other grant opportunities to continue funding this gardening initiative to make it permanent and to expand it.

“The Mount Hope Community Center is very appreciative for being selected to receive AARP’s Flagship Grant, and we are looking forward to providing our Senior group with vital computer literacy workshops,” says Helen Baskerville-Dukes, executive director of the Mount Hope Community Center.  In working with our senior group, the need for computer literacy came up in their weekly meetings, she said.  

According to Baskerville-Dukes, it is the first time she has applied for an AARP grant.  With this program up and running, she plans on continuing to seek new grant funding to continuing to offer this impactful initiative.

Since the program’s debut in 2017, AARP has awarded $12.7 million through more than 1,060 grants in nearly 700 communities reaching 100 million people. The projects have been completed across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, says AARP’s website. During this time AARP with AARP Rhode Island have awarded 17 grants and some $203,522 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

According to AARP Rhode Island’s website, Rhode Island’s newest grant funded recipients were:

Providence Streets Coalition (PVD Streets). “Walk, Talk & Chalk” will bring people over age 50 and civic leaders together to sketch out – literally – the plan for improving safety, mobility, and access for people of all ages and abilities in Providence. The Providence-based PVD Streets, using AARP’s Walk Audit Toolkit, will organize six walk audit assessments throughout the Capitol City. The goal is to bring aged 50 and over residents to walk with city planners, elected leaders, and neighborhood organizers.

Mount Hope Community Center (MHCC). AARP’s grant funding will allow The Providence-based Mount Hope Community Center to host a weekly seniors’ group that has expressed interest in accessing computers to help them stay connected with family and friends, access online resources, and learn new skills. This grant funding will allow MHCC to purchase laptops and create a more modern computer lab for its members. This project will provide access to technology and trainings to improve our seniors’ quality of life, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote independence and engagement.

Bike Newport. The New Port-based bicycle advocacy organization’s project, “Cycling Without Age Ride,” provides a powerful opportunity for pilots and participants to connect in conversation with each other. Bike Newport will target two principal populations: Disabled veterans of all ages and senior veterans. Bike Newport will collaborate with the Rhode Island Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center in Bristol, RI, to bring the participants together by scheduling ride outings utilizing an electric-assist trishaw called “The Chat”. This project will counteract isolation and provide outdoor adventure and camaraderie for the participating people 50-and over and disabled veterans through piloted rides, with trained volunteer pilots.

West End Community Center. This project will distribute 200 straw bales to participating community members and demonstrate how simple safe and cost effective it can be to grow their own vegetables using this revolutionary urban agricultural method. Last summer the Providence-based organization built a straw bale garden consisting of 10 bales next to its parking lot where gardening brought people coming together in to grow vegetables to share with the community.

Taking a Look at Last Year’s AARP Grant Recipients  

Last year, AARP targeted $ 44,852 to fund four Rhode Island projects located in Central Falls, Woonsocket and Providence.   

Groundwork Rhode Island and its community partners received $ 14,000 to convert an underutilized green space in Central Falls for use by residents of all ages to enjoy, by installing seating and tables for dominos and chess.

The $10,278 grant that the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative received transformed the outside location of the Aging Well senior center into a safe, inviting space for outdoor exercise as well as creating a gathering place for Woonsocket’s age 55 and over community. 

The Providence Streets Coalition’s $12,574 grant allowed the bicycle advocacy group (for a week) to transform a parking lane into a temporary urban bike lane.

Finally, the Southside Community Land Trust used its $8,000 grant to allow its youth staff to continue its work on beautifying outdoor spaces to cultivate herbs and vegetables for seniors in Providence to enjoy.  They also will collaborate with an artist to create a cookbook that preserves senior’s traditional recipes and stories. 

Rhode Island’s 39 Cities and Towns might glean ideas to enhance their communities for older residents by looking at the “best practices” listing of AARP Challenge Grants funded over the past two years.

For more details about AARP’s Livable Community Initiative, email livable@aarp.org.

View the full list of 2023 grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

View the full list of 2022 grantees and their project descriptions at 

https://states.aarp.org/rhode-island/congratulations-2022-community-challenge-grantees

Kleyman Gives Post Mortem Report on 2015 WHCoA

Published in Woonsocket Call on January 17, 2016

In 1958, Rhode Island Congressman John E. Fogarty, a former bricklayer, introduced legislation calling for a White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) to “promote the dignity, health and economic security of older Americans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the enacted legislation and the first conference was held in 1961, with subsequent conferences in 1971, 1981, 1995, 2005 and 2015.

Looking back, the 1961 WHCoA played a major role in the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, even the Older Americans Act. Ten years later, the conference’s recommendation’s for automatic cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security ultimately became law in 1975. The founding of the Senate Aging Committee came from recommendations at the 1971 WHCoA.

A Year Marked with Anniversaries

The one-day 2015 WHCoA (usually three days) was actually held at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but with a much smaller assembly than in previous years at Washington hotels, such as in 1995, which had 2,221 delegates and 2005, where about 1,100 selected delegates gathered. But his time, new technologies allowed others to tune in. The White House could only accommodate a few hundred dignitaries.

Over 700 watch parties were held in every state and thousands of people tuned in on Monday, July 13, 2015, to watch the day-long proceedings by live webcast. Over 9,000 people participated, too, through social media on Twitter and Facebook.

But, Paul Kleyman, editor of the Generations Beat Online (GBONews.org), a E-Newsletter for age beat journalist, noted in the Jan. 17, 2016 issue, that this year’s aging conference had no delegate selection process like previous ones. “As we’ve noted previously, though, more than one expert expressed disappointment that the Obama Administration made little effort to muster bipartisan support among GOP congressional members who might well have wanted some representation on the issue going into the 2016 election season. Historically, governors and members of Congress got to pick local constituents in fields from retirement finance to health services with a prestigious delegate appointment to the conference,” says the seasoned journalist who served as a delegate at the 1995 WHCoA.

A Call for an Expansion of Social Security

The WHCoA’s scheduled date in 2015 fell in the year where advocates in aging celebrated the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. Kleyman notes that the newly released 34 page WHCoA report (with 49 pages of appendices) says, “The 2015 White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) provided an opportunity to recognize the importance of these key programs as well as to look ahead to the next decade.”

President Obama was sent a letter with 74 Congressional cosigners reminding him that over half of today’s older workers are not expected to be able to have sufficient resources upon their retirement to maintain their current standard of living. Although they called for an expansion of Social Security, Kleyman says discussion was “barely audible” at the aging conference.

In addressing the WHCoA attendees, Obama called for “keeping Social Security strong, protecting its future solvency,” pledging to fight “privatization of the program. Kleyman observed that proposed new rules to help workers increase their retirement “stopped short of supporting stronger benefits that they need.”

It’s a Mixed Bag

But, Kleyman says that aging advocates consider the WHCoA’s recommendations a mixed bag. In his E-newsletter article, he references a Jan. 6, 2015 blog penned by Kevin Prindiville who serves as executive director of Justice in Aging. “The report details piecemeal public actions and private initiatives, but ignores the opportunity to lay out an ambitious policy proposal to address pressing systemic challenges,” he says.

Kleyman also zeros in on Prindiville’s observations as to why this year’s WHCoA was of the scaled down. He observed, “To those who followed the WHCOA closely, this was not a surprise. Congress’ failure to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, and the lack of appropriate funding for the conference, meant WHCOA organizers had to produce a conference without a budget. With little infrastructure and support, the White House did not propose any new big, bold ideas to prepare for a population that is literally booming.”

Kleyman says that attendees were pleased to see a recommendation calling for improving the quality and safety requirements in the nation’s 15,000 long-term care facilities and a proposal to allow low-income and frail home bound elders and people with disabilities to use food stamps for meals on wheels.

Meanwhile, attendees were told at this event that physicians would be paid starting in 2016 to counsel patients about their end-of-life care, adds Kleyman, noting that recommendations did not address the nation’s increasing diversity.  Yet, there was no discussion on hospice and palliative care, affordable senior housing issues, and little discussion of elder abuse, the need for adequate transportation and long-term care, he says.

See You in 2025

According to the Census Bureau, in 2050, the 65-and-older population will be 83.7 million, almost double of what it was in 2012. The 2015 WHCoA conference has taken place with a skyrocketing older population, referred to as the “Graying of America.” Can this year’s conference provide policy makers with a road map to shape the delivery of services for years to come? As Kleyman says, probably not. “So it goes, at least until 2025,” he says.