The USAging’s Strengthening Social Connection in Communities (SSCC) has announced funding for 11 organizations to replicate and sustain evidence-based and evidence-informed social connection programs, partnerships, and referral processes in communities.
The goal of SSCC is to improve the health of older adults and their caregivers through community-based social connection programs that support Age-Friendly Ecosystem initiatives. SSCC is co-managed by USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute and engAGEDcenter: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation, the RRF Foundation for Aging, and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York.
We are proud to be one of the key funders for this important opportunity, supporting three western New York grantees that are developing social connection programs for people with cognitive impairment or mental health concerns such as depression.
Congratulations to our 2026 western New York grantees:
- Ardent Solutions – Based in Allegany County in central New York, this rural health network will use the PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) problem-solving treatment to reduce depression among older adults for a better quality of life.
- Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action – Serving Erie and Niagara counties, this organization will use the Wits Workout brain health resource tool to help older adults stay mentally active, enjoy the company of others, and connect to the community.
- Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties – The organization’s Good Mind Circle: Haudenosaunee Peer Connections project will address social isolation among Native elders and uses the Circle of Friends intervention technique.
Learn more about USAging’s Strengthening Social Connection in Communities grant program.
