Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 11-27-2007 regular agenda — reading text

I\ h"" 1.~.. "~::'.: , '-...._.... I want to applaud the community leaders in the more than 160 cities, towns and ELDER counties who have embraced the Communities for a Lifetime initiative. I know that AFFAIRS these leaders have considered the unique needs and contributions of their older STATE OF FLORIDA residents. Furthermore, because the initiative has expanded to include the needs of all residents, I feel confident that the quality of Hfe will improve for everyone. CHARLIE CRIST GOVERNOR In addition, participating Communities for a Lifetime are best positioned to develop a strategy to address some of the most critical issues facing today' s leaders. Whether it is economic development, growth management or the need for more affordable housing, the Communities for a Lifetime initiative can help develop the partnerships needed to address these complex challenges. In the same way, partnerships among a wide variety of community organizations are necessary to ensure that no resident is isolated and at risk. As coUaboration takes place, the community also becomes more aware of the ways that seniors in the E. DoUGLAS BEACH, PH. D. SECRETARY community enrich our schools, parks and service organizations through leadership and hours of volunteer service. These volunteer efforts enhance intergenerational relationships, as well. Communities for a Lifetime are inclusive communities - inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. When a community comes together and honors this service and addresses the needs of older residents, the entire community gains a sense of well- being. If your community is not currently working toward becoming a Community for a Lifetime, I encourage you to learn more about the initiative. Tapping the wealth of wisdom and life experience of older adults is key to making our communities a better place for people of all ages to live. E. Douglas Beach Secretary 4640 ESPLANADE WA V TALLAHASSEE FLORIDA, 32399-7000 phone 850.414.2000 fax 850.414.2004 TDD 850.414.2001 http://elderaffalrs.state.n.us 3  Overview Communities for a Lifetime is a statewide initiative, begun in 1999, that assists Florida cities, towns and coun- ties in planning and implementing improvements that benefit their residents, youthful or elder. Communi- ties use existing resources and state technical assistance to make improvements in housing, health care, transportation, accessibmty, business partnerships, community education, employment, volunteer opportu- nities and recreation. The goal of the initiative is to help Florida communities become better places for elders to live, providing all residents the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of their communities. The ongoing process of self- assessment and improvement can help a community achieve the following goals: To create an inventory of services and opportunities that promote the independence and quality of life for older adults in the community. To initiate partnerships to promote the development of senior friendly community amenities. I' The Benefits Communities for a Lifetime helps children grow and prosper and provides seniors an opportunity to remain independent in their communities. Caregivers for those of any age then receive the support they need and elders are enabled to age in place with dignity, security and purpose. Individuals, communities, governments and businesses benefit by: Coordination of transportation, community planning, universal home designs and neighborhood interaction; Improved physical and mental health of residents through better access to social interaction, recre- atio~! increased activity levels; and Effective community planning and design, encouraging mixed- use development and co- locating the places 'where people live, work, learn, shop and play. Partnerships ~reated during the evaluation process can maximize exist- l, ing funding and resources. The purpose of this initiative is to assist local 1i'I" ., I; elected officials, community leaders and residents in working together Y" to plan the most effective use of existing funding to achieve Communi- P/~' I ~\ ~.,~,...:.~ p ties for a Lifetime goals and benefits. 1. 4 l", ~' r 1 , : :;=~ c-- it The Process Creating a Community for a Lifetime requires the involvement of many team members, including commu- nity leaders and interested citizens. . J A brief outline of short-term community goals and suggested steps in the process includes: Passing a resolution or proclamation in support of the program and notifying the Department of Elder Affairs (see page 24 for sample proclamation); Forming a committee to inventory and assess services important for senior independence and care; Completing a self-assessment by identifying activities and opportunities currently available in the community; Developing a community action plan with a timeline for completion; Sending the completed action plan to the Department of Elder Affairs for review and recommenda- tions; and Developing strategies to begin partnerships to address identified needs. The Team Members Be.coming a Community for a Lifetime requires teamwork and a partnership that has the commitment of community leaders and residents. Through partnerships, communities identify their strengths and weak- nesses and plan to vision for the future. The following is a list of recommended team members: County and or city elected officials and staff Business leaders or the local Chamber of Commerce Regional planning councils Developers, builders, architects Health care organizations and the medical community Housing officials Transportation officials Volunteers Senior centers Area agency on aging and other aging network organizations Parks and recreation AARP Employment organizations Faith- based organizations Public safety (police, fire) Education (universities, community colleges) Social service organizations (adult day cares, Alzheimer' s groups, congregate meal sites, legal services, Social Security, etc.) Cultural organizations 5  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Where can communities get assistance? Department of Elder Affairs staff members are available to help your community organize and facilitate the Communities for a lifetime process. Communities can take advantage of the resource of technical assistance and information available from statewide agencies such as the Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Community Affairs, Department of Transportation, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of Health, Department of Children & Families, Department of Environmental Protection, Agency for Workforce Innovation and Enterprise Florida. I Some of the other areas in which the Department of Elder Affairs may assist communities include: r I Conducting special events with the Governor and/ or Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs participating, when possible and appropriate; Providing a Communities for a Lifetime Blueprint (this document) and a variety of information, materials and resources (local and state) to assist the community in the self-assessment process. Items I include the Communities for Q lifetime logo, sample proclamation and a facilitator' s guide; Awarding recognition certificates; Hosting conference calls and providing training opportunities for communities involved in the process of assessment; Coordinating state level efforts and assistance in setting priorities on specific issues; Providing training, recognition and state support of local efforts; Identifying strategies and best practices of participating communities that promote senior independence and care; and Maintaining the Communities for a Lifetime Web site with contact and resource information. The Department of Elder Affairs Communities for a Lifetime bureau will assist your community in connecting with inform~tion and resources. The bureau includes professionals from the fields of health and well ness, volunteerism and intergenerational programs, transportation, housing, employment, and community rela- tions. ,; 6  COMMUNITY PROFILE As you begin the self-assessment process, it may be helpful to begin with a broad overview by taking a look at some general informational issues pertaining to the community. I 1. Describe your community' s geography, economy and population trends. 2. Describe a few of the community' s unique features that provide a high quality of life for residents. 3. Find out what organizations produce a directory of services for older adults. How is it made available to residents? 4. What do you hope to accomplish with