Health Foundation Announces Age-Friendly: Go Local Program to Support Groups Making Neighborhoods More Livable and Equitable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2022

CONTACT: Kerry Jones Waring | kjwaring@hfwcny.org | 716-380-7319

BUFFALO AND SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York has announced Age-Friendly: Go Local, an initiative in partnership with the New York Academy of Medicine that will support community organizations in western and central New York who are working to make neighborhoods more livable, equitable, and healthier for older adults and others who live there.

Neighborhood groups and grassroots organizations who are leading or planning locally-focused age-friendly initiatives can apply to receive funding and technical support to help strengthen and grow the impact of their efforts. The full request for proposals, including eligibility requirements and instructions on applying, can be found here.

Questions? Read our FAQ here!

For those who are interested in applying, watch our Q&A webinar:  

Webinar presenters: 

Mario Rubano, Policy Associate at NYAM’s Center for Healthy Aging
Jordan Bellassai, Program Officer, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York

Still have questions about Age-Friendly: Go Local? Email golocal@nyam.org.

The age-friendly communities framework maintains that the quality and availability of certain features of a neighborhood—the “Eight Domains of Livability”—are closely tied to the well-being of older adults and others who live there. Examples of age-friendly efforts include initiatives to make neighborhoods more equitable by increasing greenspace, improving access to fresh food through community gardens, and organizing neighbors-helping-neighbors programs.

Age-Friendly: Go Local is intended for local organizations in the sixteen counties served by the Health Foundation that are working to improve the livability of neighborhoods where there are significant health disparities that contribute to reduced life expectancy. These outcomes are more common in places where systemic inequity and lack of investment have resulted in high rates of poverty, including both urban and rural settings, and where access to services to meet basic needs is more limited.

This program is also intended for groups that serve populations who may not be defined by a common geography, but face similar system-driven disparities, including LGBTQ+ older adults, indigenous communities, immigrants and refugees, and others.

Age-Friendly: Go Local builds on the Age-Friendly NYS/Health and Age Across All Policies initiative, a public-private collaboration with the goal of integrating health considerations across all sectors of state government to improve community health and wellness.

“Across our community, grassroots organizations and local groups are doing on-the-ground work to improve the lives of older adults and build neighborhoods where people of all ages can thrive,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “We are pleased to partner with our colleagues at New York Academy of Medicine to help bolster these important efforts so they can have an even greater impact.”

“The New York Academy of Medicine has a long-standing commitment to age-friendly work in New York. We are thrilled to bring our experience with community groups supporting older adults to this innovative funding program,” said Elana Kieffer, MBA, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging. “We look forward to working with the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York to connect local organizations to the resources they need to make their communities truly age-friendly.”

“The New York Department of State helps create livable communities for all ages, abilities and backgrounds through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, among many other community planning and development programs,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez.  “Our award-winning Age-Friendly NY Smart Growth grant program, administered jointly with our partners at the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, has already set over a dozen counties down the path toward achieving AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability.  The innovative Age-Friendly: Go Local initiative builds on that momentum and further establishes New York State as a leader in livable communities for all ages.  A hearty congratulations to the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York for taking this very innovative next step.”

Age-Friendly: Go Local provides two levels of funding opportunities. Groups that are working on initiatives that already exist or are ready to launch can apply for a grant of up to $25,000. Groups who are exploring the concept of age-friendly communities, and are looking for support with planning, organizing, and community engagement, can apply for a grant of up to $10,000.

The deadline for proposal submission is Monday, November 7, 2022. Potential applicants can contact GOLOCAL@nyam.org with any questions.

View the full Request for Proposals and information on how to apply here.

ABOUT THE HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK

The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care for the people and communities of Western and Central New York. The Health Foundation’s vision is a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. For more information, please visit www.hfwcny.org.

About The New York Academy of Medicine
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is a leading voice for innovation in public health. Throughout our 175-year history, we have uniquely championed bold changes to the systems that perpetuate health inequities and keep all communities from achieving good health. Today, this work includes innovative research, programs, and policy initiatives that distinctively value community input for maximum impact. Combined with our trusted public programming, historic library, and with the support of our esteemed Fellows and Members, NYAM’s legacy as a public health leader continues. For more information visit NYAM.org and follow @NYAMNYC on social media.

About the NYAM Center for Healthy Aging
The Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) works to improve the health and well-being of aging populations. With equal concern for both today’s older adults as well as tomorrow’s, the center works to make both immediate and long-term systemic changes to ensure equity and a healthy life for generations to come. To learn more, visit nyam.org/center-healthy-aging/