Events

Officials from Bergen County Administration, Human Services and Senior Services will provide updates on key programs and policies impacting older adults and the provider organizations that serve them. Breakfast available at 9:45 AM, Networking until Noon Register in advance here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7gaueny?source_id=dea59572-69b7-4ccc-b813-1b32894c3e86&source_type=em&c=z7L126jfLwWZ_q7S9KJh-Nk_qWiGayXlAXm6sO5XuDw4U6kWe5hbKQ==

Demonstrating the outcomes of age-friendly community (AFC) initiatives is important for sustaining resources to keep them going. Yet proving the value of AFC efforts can be difficult. Learn from researchers at the Rutgers Hub for Aging Collaboration on how the "Waters of Systems Change" framework can help overcome key evaluation hurdles. Of note, this work is based on years of practice-based research through AFNJ, including interviews with many AFC leaders in our network. View the recording here: https://youtu.be/QYeiiWkmpPo  

Across the country, organizations and advocates at the local, state, and national level are using the tools of the National Center to Reframe Aging to change the way they communicate about aging. Learn how to embrace these tools and strategies to spread awareness of implicit bias toward older people, and influence policies and programs that benefit all of us as we age with gerontologist Katie Squires, PhD, Associate State Director, Advocacy for AARPNJ and a National Reframing Aging Facilitator. View the recording: https://youtu.be/KIUvNz1Y1ss  

Learn the details and implementation timeline for the new Affordable Housing Calculations and important information about Fair Housing & Housing Discrimination Breakfast available at 9:45 AM, Networking until Noon Come and learn from experts about how current considerations in housing are impacting older adults. The N.J. Dept. of Community Affairs recently released Affordable Housing Calculations recommended for nearly every municipality in the state. These calculations will guide development for years to come and may significantly impact affordable senior housing. Regulations regarding Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination are already in place but not always adhered to. These topics are of critical concern to every municipality in New Jersey and, of course, to providers of services to older adults. Find out what they mean and how they impact you and those you serve. Please consider passing this information along to -- and/or bringing with you -- municipal officials who will benefit from this information.

Many towns are expanding their community police efforts, and implementing or working with age-friendly initiatives is a perfect fit! Police partnerships can be part of broader efforts to create age-friendly communities, ensuring that older residents can live independently and safely. Join us to hear how Generations for Garfield has built a successful partnership between residents, the Garfield Police Dept. and the community. Also hear from West Orange about their outreach and efforts with older residents. See recording here: https://youtu.be/re18vu3L6JI

Speakers from Age-Friendly North Jersey and Generations United share their experience with intergenerational programming. From Aging Well West Orange: Laura Van Dyke, Senior Services Coordinator for the Township of West Orange, and Dorothy Sanders, Local Health Outreach Coordinator, Department of Health, Township of West Orange From Fair Lawn for All Ages: Lisa MacClements, Age-Friendly Coordinator From Generations United: Donna Butts, Executive Director, Danica Derriennic, Special Projects Coordinator, Generations United

Speakers: Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, Evesham Township Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Laura Van Dyke, Township of West Orange Older Adult Advisory Board Professor Emily Greenfield, Annabess Ehrhardt, Dr. Althea Pestine-Stevens, Hub for Aging Collaboration at Rutgers School of Social Work

Enjoy this year-end review highlighting the work and activities of AFNJ members

Panel conversation with peer leaders in municipal age-friendly advocacy: Cristina Cutrone, Deputy Mayor, Borough of Fair Lawn Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Trustee, Village of South Orange Barry Lewis, Township Manager, Township of Livingston Moderated by Althea Pestine-Stevens, Rutgers University School of Social Work

Our June 8, 2022 alliance meeting on “Engaging Historically Marginalized Older Adults in Age-Friendly Communities” had two enlightening presentations by Drs. Laurent Reyes and Melanie Plasencia, followed by a lively Q & A session. Some key takeaways included: • The importance of recruiting people with historically marginalized identities as leaders; • Designing events that include elements of cultural importance; and • Recognizing the leadership already occurring in communities.