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{ �1 County Adopts Strategic Initiative on Aging In February, the Board of Commissioners adopted the County's Strategic Initiative on Aging. The project began as a 2013 charge by the Board of Commissioners to develop a plan that assists older adults and their families. The intention is to help the County under- stand how to meet the needs of our older adult population, which includes residents in varying stages of activity, ability, health and need. This closely aligns to the County's mission of visionary leader- ship and good stewardship to provide services to continually enhance quality of life. 0 w '¢ The Active Living and Parks Department led the development of the strategic plan and subsequent initiative. We incorporated the voices of our entire community in a unique and comprehensive public/ private partnership that involves nearly every County department and our local municipalities, faith -based groups, and non -profit and for - profit partners. A community survey provided plan developers with a guide to understanding resident's current and future needs. Staff identified six priority areas to develop the Aging Strategic Plan core: education and information, housing and home improvement, health and wellness, recreation and entertainment, transportation and accessibility, and employment and income. Staff narrowed these to two specific and attainable goals: develop partnerships to identify, evaluate and collaborate on programs and services; and raise aware- ness of the programs and services offered in Cabarrus County. The plan is a gateway to a more - informed public, improved access to services and housing, a healthier and more active aging popula- tion, safe communities and better prevention of abuse and exploi- tation of older adults by the year 2020. Thus far, the Board of Commissioners supported an application for grant funding to bring affordable housing to our area and staff explored new ways to admin- ister transportation services to the aging population. Ongoing work- shops and health and wellness programs tied to the strategic initiative give residents options for finding activities and locations that match their needs. Additionally, the Active Living and Parks Department works with an engaged Senior Center Advisory Council to enhance and add programming at our senior centers and parks that directly serve the older population. Attachment number 1 \n 1 -1 Page 391 Strengthening our Roots