NEWS RELEASE
May 7, 1998


Governor Engler Announces Grant to Grand/Kent Community Consortium on Successful Aging

Governor John Engler today announced a grant of $109,560 to the Grand/Kent Community Consortium on Successful Aging to fund an educational project aimed at creating opportunities for older persons to remain living in their own homes. The Consortium is a partnership of Calvin College-Grand Rapids Community College Consortium on Aging and the service delivery agencies of the aging network of Grand Rapids and Kent County.

"The majority of older persons would prefer to stay in their own homes and have control and independence of their lives," said Engler. "Until now, most initiatives focused on the 'problems of aging' and failed to provide outreach and education to individuals and their families before a health crisis occurred."

"This innovative project focuses on the strengths of our seniors who want to remain in their own homes, continue working and remain healthy," said Engler.

The project focuses on six specific objectives designed to maintain older persons in their own homes. They are:

• Empowering older persons to maintain independent living in their own homes through an integrated educational approach;

• Involving and training community-based service providers;

• Adapting homes for aging persons;

• Preventing crime/implementing neighborhood mediation;

• Recruiting for jobs/training for jobs;

• Mobilizing outreach strategies that connect these services with the people who need them.

This educational effort will enable older persons, their caregivers and the community to have access to practical information. It focuses on identifying strengths in individuals and provides the education and information needed for people to evaluate their own situations, make better decisions or provide better care.

"This project enhances the mission of the Office of Services to the Aging, which is to promote independence and enhance the dignity of Michigan's older persons and their families," said Office of Services to the Aging Director Lynn Alexander. "I hope to see this type of creativity replicated in other communities across Michigan."

In addition to the funding from the Michigan Department of Community Health, the project will receive over 100 percent local matching funds from participating organizations.

"The local community support for this project is an outstanding part of this project," said Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "The involvement of individuals from community based services, city government, the faith based community and neighborhood organizations demonstrates a true commitment to the continued success of the Consortium."

Participating agencies in the Consortium include Senior Neighbors, Inc., Home Health Services, Inc., Gerontology Network Services, Citizens for Better Care, AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program, Career Transitions, Home Repair Services, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Inc., Rehabilitation Services-Michigan Jobs Commission, Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Housing Development Office.

"Older Americans are the fastest growing segment of our population -- and perhaps the most vulnerable," said Calvin College President Gaylen Byker. "Calvin College is very pleased to be working with Grand Rapids Community College to provide educational services that will help seniors remain independent and safe in their own homes as long as possible."

"This project strengthens our ability to partner with Calvin College and community agencies to provide older people, their families and service providers with knowledge that will promote successful, independent living for persons in their later years," said Grand Rapids Community College President Richard Calkins.

The project operates under the direction of Dr. Holstege of Calvin College's Department of Sociology and Social work and Dr. Riekse of Grand Rapids Community College. Holstege and Riekse have a 25-year record of collaborating on projects that involve older people in our society. Their work has fostered strong working relationships with service agencies in the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Truscott
May 7, 1998 (517) 335-6397