We are thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 310 grantees selected (out of 3,600+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this quick-action grant we will create a community garden.

We are incredibly proud that AARP selected us for this investment to make Still Waters more livable for residents of all ages. AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 310 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp.org/livable.

Through the amazing support of the Summer Youth Program Fund this summer we are creating magical moments for both our seniors and youth from CUMNS summer camp. I know firsthand as a caregiver for my father, I recalled the times I was standing in line at the grocery store and my father lit up when he saw the child in front of us and he started making his bird noises. To me I loved watching him interact with the child, but I would watch as the parent cringed and just stared at my dad in confusion. Both the child and my dad had their own language. They both smiled and laughed as he continued to make these noises. Programs like we are providing at Still Waters break down the barriers and help improve the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical well-being of both the child and senior. This opportunity allows the children time with seniors which they may not have at home uniting the two generations.

It takes a lot of hands to make this annual community event happen. Please start thinking about how and when you may be able to help. Fish Fry volunteer sign-up here.

We look forward to announcing in August our new partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission. We live in an aging world. People globally sixty-five years old and older, now outnumber children under the age of five for the first time in human history! In response to this change, Indiana Arts Commission has begun to offer creative aging programs to maintain and improve the quality of life of older adults. The concept of "creative aging" recognized that rather than diminishing as we age, the creative potential of humans increases in later life. We are excited to partner with them in the fall to provide arts-based programs that help prevent the chronic feelings of loneliness, boredom, and helplessness that challenge many older adults. Creative Aging is the key to aging well.

You can join in person or by zoom! Please email Rachel if you plan to attend online.

Just a reminder that Caregiver Support Group is on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.