Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

The organizations we work alongside are called ‘partners’ because they play a huge role in the lives of the community members that they help, and they foster connections that are invaluable.

Read the 2023 Impact Report here: https://www.aaawm.org/impactreport2023

If you love strawberries, you’ll love this easy breakfast! 🍓

The deadline to apply for the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Back to School Support program is quickly approaching! ⏰ Learn more about the program and application process here: https://www.aaawm.org/backtoschool

Sometimes the next step isn’t always clear, but with the right guidance and support seniors are able to find the right path for them.

Read the 2023 Impact Report here: https://www.aaawm.org/impactreport2023

Last month we were able to participate in Older Michiganians Day and support the issues that are most important to seniors like the long-term care ombudsman program, caregiver support, and increased access to home and community-based services.

Interested in staying up-to-date with advocacy efforts? Check out Advocates for Senior Issues: https://www.aaawm.org/afsi

While the summer sunshine is a nice treat, it can also create a dangerous environment if the temperature gets too high.

Learn more about heat safety: https://www.ready.gov/heat

Support from partners, like the Allegan County Community Action, allows community members to “age their way”.

Read the 2023 Impact Report here: https://www.aaawm.org/impactreport2023

Exciting Opportunity for Seniors in West Michigan!
Join us for the Career Workshop Series for Seniors, presented at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan in partnership with West Michigan Works!

Whether you're looking to re-enter the workforce or brush up on your skills, we've got you covered with these essential workshops:
📄 Resume Building: Learn the best practices for crafting a standout resume. We'll guide you through the content and proper format, and you'll have the chance to apply this knowledge to your own resume.
💻 Computer Literacy: Enhance your computer skills to aid your job search. From navigating job sites to applying online.
💼 Interviewing Skills: Discover what you wish you knew before the interview. Get tips on answering various questions and making a great impression.
📍 Location: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, 3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable skills and boost your confidence in the job market. Workshops are specifically designed for seniors.

❗️Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day❗️By knowing the warning signs of elder abuse you can help prevent it from happening. Learn more at: https://www.aaawm.org/article/6-ways-to-prevent-elder-abuse

This year marks 50 years of Area Agencies on Aging! With this milestone comes a moment to reflect on how aging services have transformed over the years and the impact that these programs have made on older adults in West Michigan.

Stay tuned for more stories of 2023 or read the 2023 Impact Report here: https://www.aaawm.org/impactreport2023

June marks the beginning of Pride Month which is a perfect opportunity to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing struggle for equality, and to celebrate their diversity and resilience.

Learn more about how you can support the LGBTQ+ community here: https://www.aaawm.org/article/celebrating-pride-month-and-supporting-lgbtq-seniors

In conjunction with Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we're hosting an event for professionals in the industry on Tuesday, June 18th! This free event is limited to the first 50 registrants and there are still a few open spots left! More information can be found at www.aaawm.org/elderabuse-event

The lunch registration deadline has now passed. You are still welcome to attend the event any time between 11am and 1:30pm, but we are unable to accommodate lunch for non-registered guests.

TODAY is the LAST CHANCE to register for our Annual Community Celebration next week if you'd like to be included in lunch! You can call (616) 456-5664 or visit www.aaawm.org/celebration to register!

June marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Month with June 15th being the dedicated day. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. It's estimated that one in six older adults experience elder abuse. Watch our recent interview with AARP Michigan to learn more:

How to recognize elder abuse and receive support Kristyn Vander Zouwen from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan shares ways to recognize elder abuse and receive support for yourself or a loved one. (Sponsored)

We've reached the ONE WEEK mark for our registration deadline! Join us at our free Community Celebration taking place on Thursday, June 13th where you can visit partner booths, learn more about resources, and enjoy lunch! You can register online at www.aaawm.org/celebration or call (616) 456-5664.

We're excited to bring back our Back to School Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program for the 3rd year! Working to support grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren with a $250 Meijer gift card for back to school supplies. The deadline for applications is Monday, July 8th. You can visit www.aaawm.org/backtoschool to learn more and get connected to participating agency partners.

This week kicks off the Engaging Wellness Open House series! Where other physical activity programs can fail to recognize the challenges and privileges of growing older, our programs specialize in endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, and fall prevention. Join us at one of these Senior Health and Fitness Events offered by our Engaging Wellness partners near you. See the list: https://www.aaawm.org/article/engaging-wellness-programs-mark-senior-fitness-day-with-open-house-series

The power to create change is one of the most important tools in any citizen’s tool belt and one of the best ways to make an impact is through advocacy. When it comes to older adults, Advocates for Senior Issues (AFSI) is a key organization in empowering seniors.

Recently AFSI and members of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan visited Lansing, Michigan’s capitol, on Older Michiganians Day on May 1st, to join in on state-wide advocacy efforts. You can learn more about this visit and their current agenda of senior issues to push for at https://www.aaawm.org/article/the-impact-of-advocacy-supporting-strengthening-resources-for-seniors

May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our society and culture. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has selected “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” as their theme for the series running from 2021-2024.

As we dive deeper into this history and honoring the future of these groups, we have compiled a list of resources for you to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander’s history and culture.

https://www.aaawm.org/article/join-the-area-agency-on-aging-of-western-michigan-in-recognizing-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month

Our Annual Community Celebration is coming up on June 13th as a chance to celebrate the incredible work our partners do to support seniors year-round!

Register now and receive a FREE lunch:

Annual Celebration 2024 Join us for our annual celebration showcasing resources from our wonderful partners!

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can support heart and brain health! 🐟

Thanks to Staci Gerken, a registered dietitian nutritionist and contract specialist at AAAWM for the recipe!

Tech Tip Tuesday: Phone scams can be tricky so it’s important to always stay on guard. Find more tips here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam

Get Moving in May! 🏃‍♂️ Engaging Wellness is offering an open house series this month in celebration of National Senior Fitness Day.

Click the link to find your closest open house event: https://www.aaawm.org/article/engaging-wellness-programs-mark-senior-fitness-day-with-open-house-series

Your voice matters! We’d love to hear your thoughts on our Fiscal Year 2025 implementation plan. Find a time to join us, or learn more by reading the summary here: https://www.aaawm.org/event/annual-implementation-plan-public-hearings

Join the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan for our Annual Community Celebration! This event is open house-style and is perfect for learning about available resources and enjoying lunch, giveaways and games.

For more information and to register visit https://www.aaawm.org/celebration

Day 4 of Senior Action Week! Help tackle the senior services waitlists with funding for the Silver Key Coalition. Learn more: https://4ami.org/event/older-michiganians-day-senior-action-week/1

It’s a beautiful day to advocate! We’re here in Lansing today, alongside Advocates for Senior Issues, AARP Michigan, and other Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan, advocating for senior issues as part of Older Michiganians Day!

You can learn more about this year’s legislative platform priorities here: https://4ami.org/event/older-michiganians-day-senior-action-week/1

Day 2 of Senior Action Week focuses on resources for informal caregivers, which are those individuals helping a family member, friend, neighbor, etc. in an unpaid capacity. For many caregivers, this is a role they were thrust into so education and resources can make a large difference in navigating their loved one's care.

Further details: https://4ami.org/event/older-michiganians-day-senior-action-week/1

It’s not uncommon for caregivers to feel overwhelmed, but luckily, many resources and tools are available to help those who look after others.

To discuss available caregiver resources, our Contract Administrator Heather Mauney joined Jennifer Feuerstein on Real Possibilities with AARP Michigan.

You can watch the interview here: https://www.woodtv.com/abc4/daily-buzz/encore-years-by-aarp/a-caregivers-guide-to-resources-and-support/

This week kicks off Senior Action Week in conjunction with Older Michiganians Day! The first priority of the week is to support the Long Term Care Ombudsman program, you can learn more about this initiative and add your support at https://4ami.org/event/older-michiganians-day-senior-action-week/1