Eight partnerships in the Tampa Bay Region were each awarded a “JumpStart the Conversation” grant on August 24, 2007. The winning projects exemplify the use of new or unique partnerships to help the Tampa Bay Region prepare for the aging of the baby boomers and the expected population growth of older Americans. Click Here to view the jumpstart grants below.
The grants were provided in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Forum -- the first of 12 regional workshops around the country focused on creating livable communities for all ages. The workshops are part of the national Aging in Place Initiative undertaken by Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), with funding provided by MetLife Foundation.
The Tampa Bay region workshop, titled Crossing the Line: Developing a Livable Tampa Bay Region for All Ages, was hosted by Hillsborough County and held earlier this summer at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa.
At the workshop, Hillsborough County community leaders gathered to begin a dialogue across all sociological sectors, seeking new public-private partnerships to help the area prepare for the aging of the baby boomers and the expected population explosion of older Americans in the coming years. The local discussion complemented the dynamic national conversation taking place on aging and highlighted the work underway in the Tampa Bay region to make it a first-rate place to grow older.
As a result of the workshop and grant opportunities, Hillsborough County officials believe that the region will have a renewed sense of urgency to approach community livability for all, as well as an energized group of organizations and individuals collaborating to face the challenges that accompany this time of change.
Tampa Bay Region Jumpstart Grants:
- Krewe of Saint Florian, Tampa Fire Rescue, West Central Area Agency on Aging
To host a meal and present the need for fire and life safety for seniors. As part of this project, Krewe of St. Florian and Tampa Fire Rescue will provide and install fire alarms in senior homes, which will be identified by faith-based organizations. The meal will gather and educate church leaders and encourage churches to establish a safety marshal for their community. - Largo Volunteer Corps Advisory Board, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Largo Community Center
To host a joint conference on November 1, 2007, to help combat a prevailing attitude among many volunteers that volunteering to help Alzheimer’s patients is a futile pursuit. The conference will focus on the benefits of volunteering in your community and especially of volunteering to help those afflicted with memory impairment conditions. - Pinellas Association for Retarded Children and Area Agency of Aging of Pasco-Pinellas
To launch Project Tricare. The project will empower aging caretakers and PARC staff by developing educational session and workshops for both staff and families. The aim of this project is to increase attendees’ knowledge of area services and support systems for seniors with developmental disabilities. - Polk Arts Alliance, Winter Haven Public Library and Focus on Leadership Alumni Association
To create an oral history project that will work with arts organizations, libraries, historians and civic groups to explore the recording of oral histories of local seniors and at-risk youth as a means to creating "community.” The project aims to promote mutual respect and understanding of this diverse community. - Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence (SCOPE) and the leadership council for Sarasota: A Community for All Generations
To hire a staff member to plan, coordinate, manage and facilitate three or more meetings of key leaders and community partners. The meetings aim to develop a plan or strategies for additional transportation options for older adults who can no longer drive. - Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, United Way of Tampa Bay,University of Tampa and several senior independent living facilities
To launch Spic & Span for Seniors, a project aimed at stopping the needless displacement of elders. The project will engaged groups of volunteers to clean senior apartments, at no cost, so that participating seniors are able to remain in their own homes. - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County
To launch a Senior Arts and Cultural Volunteers project that will engage senior arts and cultural volunteers in a discussion and survey formatted workshop. The workshop will focus on the perceived obstacles to volunteering, how active seniors have overcome obstacles, and how to improve access to the vibrant arts and cultural community. - West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging and Hillsborough County
To host a series of meetings to engage the various players in the Tampa Bay Region who can shape policies and programs to positively impact the lives of older adults. The project aims to create a new line of communication so that the area might better coordinate its efforts to prepare for the aging of the baby boomers.