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older adults throughout Cabarrus County and, with guidance and assistance from additional <br />resources, determine needs and prioritize action steps. <br />#2 - Encourage expansion of recreational programs and activities to increase social <br />group interactions among seniors <br />The first step to meet this recommendation would be to research intergenerational activities <br />and implement new ideas. Other ideas are that senior centers can offer popular classes at <br />alternate times during the day and /or try opening on weekends to attract working seniors. <br />Utilize outdoor space at parks and facilities other than the senior centers to implement outdoor <br />activities. Develop partnerships to increase the programs and services you can offer to <br />Cabarrus County residents. <br />#3 - Expand communication to seniors about volunteer and community service <br />opportunities throughout Cabarrus County <br />Create a list of volunteer opportunities throughout the county. Use the communication <br />guidelines to create an ongoing marketing plan that uses media and grassroots efforts to <br />inform seniors about available volunteer opportunities. Develop new senior volunteer <br />opportunities throughout the County. <br />#4 - Seek funds for programs through grants, donations and volunteers <br />Establish a senior council donor committee that will support funding opportunities through <br />researching grants, planning fundraiser events and submitting grant applications to support <br />expansion of impacted programs. <br />Transportation and Accessibility <br />The Transportation and Accessibility Subcommittee comprises of Cabarrus County and City of <br />Concord employees. <br />The subcommittee evaluated current transportation services to determine how effective they <br />are in meeting today's demand. Alternative resources and /or ways to increase transportation <br />services were discussed and will continue to be considered as necessary means to better <br />serve the older adults of Cabarrus County. The alternative programs include public <br />transportation services, coordinated volunteer transportation services, family /friend support, <br />and collaborative efforts by any combination of public, private and /or volunteer programs. <br />A review of current publicly provided transportation and associated resources indicates a need <br />that outweighs the level of service currently available. Funding continues to be the variable <br />with the most impact on the ability to meet demand with service levels. Additional routes (KC <br />Rider and Cabarrus County Transportation Services [CCTS]) will require additional vehicles, <br />staff and operational costs associated with fuel and maintenance. <br />Challenges addressed by the Transportation and Accessibility Subcommittee include stagnant <br />funding sources and available resources; rapid increase in demand on services and resources; <br />stereotypical views and /or perceptions of older adults and people with disabilities; <br />3.17.14 DRAFT Cabarrus County Aging Strategic Plan <br />12 <br />1 -2 Page 89 <br />