The Supportive Communities program is an initiative aimed at creating age-friendly communities where older adults can thrive and maintain their independence. The program focuses on enhancing community resources and services to meet the needs of aging populations, including access to healthcare, transportation, housing, social activities, and other support services.
By collaborating with local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members, the program works to develop strategies that promote active aging and improve the overall quality of life for older adults in Maryland. These strategies include implmenting community-based initiatives, advocating for policy changes, and providing resources and support to local organizations serving older adults.
Community engagement is also a cornerstone of the program, involving older adults, caregivers, service providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of age-friendly initiatives that lead to improved access to services, increased social participation among older adults, enhanced community cohesion, and greater awareness of aging-related issues.
Key Initiatives:
Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program: This bill establishes the Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program in MDOA. The goal of the program is to support villages that take advantage of operational proficiencies and existing systems, skills, and resources to expand services to more residents in the geographic region. MDOA must select the Montgomery County Village Consortium to implement the pilot program for a three-year period.
Village support and expansion projects: The Village concept provides a holistic approach to aging in place by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of older adults within a supportive community framework. It empowers older adults to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.
Aging in Place Grant Opportunity: This opportunity is part of the Department’s strategy to increase the resources and capacity for local Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Villages, and nonprofit organizations serving older Marylanders and their caregivers to provide high-quality services and supports, develop social connection and community engagement, and foster the cultivation of social capital, enabling older Marylanders to thrive in their communities.
Community For Life: is an innovative program developed by the Maryland Department of Aging to support older adults as they age at home. The program’s services are designed to prevent the predictable challenges of aging that can require admittance into a high level of care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
MDOA FY24 Healthy Aging for Supportive Communities Grant Awardees
The Maryland Department of Aging is pleased to congratulate ten non-profit and local government organizations that have been awarded grants to promote resilience, social inclusion, independence, and overall community well-being for older Marylanders. Nearly $283,000 has been granted under Maryland Human Services Code § 10-1101 and 10-1102 (FY2024).
"To win the decade, Maryland needs to be the best place to live and build a healthy life. That commitment extends from our youngest Marylanders to our oldest," said Gov. Wes Moore. "Our administration will continue to partner with non-profit and local government organizations to provide the best possible supports to older Marylanders and ensure we leave no one behind.”
Read the full press release at
https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/PressRoom.aspx.
Banner Community - Baltimore City - $17,052
Objective: Incorporate intergenerational programs fostering connections between older adults and youth. Impact: Bridges the generational gap, promotes mutual understanding, and creates a supportive environment for shared learning and personal growth.
Bethesda Metro Village - Montgomery County - $4,845
Objective: Increase outreach to neighbors through targeted mailing and advertising.
Impact: Aims to boost the number of older adults participating and increase volunteer involvement.
City of Hyattsville - Prince George's County - $30,000
Objective: Community-driven initiatives addressing identified needs.
Impact: Focus on enhancing residents’ resiliency, social inclusion, independence, digital literacy, health, wellness, and food security.
Link Generations - Howard County - $18,395
Objective: Establish a Link Generations program in Howard County.
Impact: Piloting at Arbor Terrace Fulton with student volunteers from Reservoir High School.
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital - Baltimore City - $30,125
Objective: Implementation of an evidence-based Peer Recovery Coach.
Impact: Aids residents with connections to substance use disorder resources, addressing the community’s overdose rate.
Montgomery County Village Consortium - Montgomery County - $25,000
Objective: Expand the village concept in low-income and underserved communities.
Impact: Introduce the “Hub and Spoke” model, spreading staffing costs and supporting the development of new Villages.
Neighborhood Companions - Baltimore County - $25,000
Objective: Provide reliable transportation services and companionship to Turner Station residents over 60. Impact: Aims to reduce isolation and increase social engagement among older adults.
Prevention Of Blindness Washington DC - District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County - $22,500
Objective: Aging Eye Support Services Program empowering older Marylanders with vision challenges.
Impact: Offers continuing health education, improved connections, assistive technology training, and
various support services.
The MD Umbrella Group - Prince George's County - $20,200
Objective: Recruiting and training villages in Prince George's County for healthy aging initiatives.
Impact: Focused on communities in Prince George’s County, targeting specific areas such as Gateway Arts District, Port Towns, Fairmont Heights, Seat Pleasant, and Riverdale Park.
MANO- Maryland Association of Non-Profits Organizations Inc. - Baltimore City - $89,425
Objective: Organizational Technical Assistance (TA) for villages outreach and recruitment.
Impact: Utilizes Maryland Nonprofits' extensive network to conduct targeted outreach and recruitment for eligible nonprofits.
