Alliance  funding priorities in the next two years are:
 

          --  Continue the Transition Counselor and the Wisdom Works programs

          --  Provide a computer lab at Culpepper Garden Senior Center

          --  Fund an architectural assessment of senior center facilities 

           -- Develop a caregiver assistance program.

Transition Counseling Services
Life is a series of transitions, and retirement is one of life’s more important ones. In 2007, the Alliance received a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation to develop transition counseling workshops to help seniors “flourish after 55.”  The program began in December 2007.  Through the end of May 2008 the Transition Counselor held  27 transition programs attended by 315 participants.  These initial programs took place at five of the six centers managed by OSAP.  The Counselor is now conducting a series of programs to train volunteers as peer advisors.  So far, nineteen individuals have participated in the training.  The Counselor will work with the peer advisors and center directors to identify individuals at the centers who could benefit from individual advisory sessions.

Wisdom Works Program
Wisdom Works is part of a national movement to address the interests and needs of Baby Boomers/young seniors/people in retirement transitions.  In 2006, Arlington was awarded a grant from the National Council on the Aging/National Institute of Senior Centers and the MetLife Foundation to increase civic engagement through senior centers. Arlington’s Wisdom Works project demonstrated how to use senior centers as a home base for mobilizing senior volunteers, and for building better mechanisms for helping seniors connect with employment and volunteer opportunities, senior services and benefits and with each other.  The Connections Café at Walter Reed Senior Center is one outcome of the program.  The success of Wisdom Works thus far has been very promising and the Alliance is seeking funding through grants and contributions to continue it.

Supporting Arlington Senior Centers

If you want to find out more about AASP, to volunteer (we’d love to have you join us), or to help with a cash contribution, please give us a call at 703-994-2571, or e-mail us at Board@arlington-alliance.org.