Welcome to SARPC's digital newsletter. Our goal is to publish a newsletter bi-monthly that provides highlights of projects and activities being undertaken at the agency. If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
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In This Issue
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
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STAY CONNECTED TO SARPC ON FACEBOOK
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we have entered into the height of Hurricane Season many of us have experience in dealing with these potential disasters. BE PREPARED!!! As a matter of fact our building, the GM&O flooded during Hurricane Katrina with over four feet of rising water in our building. What a mess!!!
Thankfully, we were able to provide programs and services in our three County region without much down time. During the aftermath we were able to work with FEMA and many other federal, state, and local agencies in the cleanup process, food distribution, disaster shelter management, and many other emergency programs and services.
SARPC continues to “step up to the plate” during times of disaster including the COVID crisis, tornados, hurricanes, etc. We are very fortunate to have a highly professional staff and a great Board of Directors that support us in so many ways. THANK YOU SARPC BOARD!!!
John F. (Rickey) Rhodes
Executive Director
rrhodes@sarpc.org
Direct: 251-706-4667
Cell: 251-421-9400
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Mobile MPO Updates
The Mobile MPO Policy Committee met on September 14th to adopt the FY 2023 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) which details the planning activities the we will be engaged in in the coming year. It includes a roadway congestion freight study, a study to look at transportation issues for game day and special events at the University of South Alabama, an interstate and bridge signage study, and a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Staff will also begin work on the next Long Range Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program for FY 2024-2027.
Topics of discussion included the Carbon Reduction Program Funding, STP Attributable Funding, CRRSAA Funding, Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funding, and FTA 5310 Funding.
Carbon Reduction
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) has apportioned a $1,093,970 annually to the Mobile MPO for a new program focusing on Carbon Reduction. This money can be used for a variety of projects, and the current fiscal year apportionment must be authorized this fiscal year. As per our discussion at the TCC/CAC meeting, the Carbon Reduction funds are pretty flexible; HERE is the fact sheet. The Mobile MPO is apportioned about $1M annually, it is 80/20 match. The Fact Sheet notes special rules for “Transportation Management Areas”, or TMAs. A TMA is an urban area with a population of over 200,000; we are a TMA. Again, the necessity to have this fiscal year’s apportionment authorized by October 1st is a recommendation from the State, so Obligation Authority does not become an issue. If a Mobile MPO member government has a project in mind, Here is Project Proposal Form that details the information needed to apply for these funds.
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100 % Funding for Resurfacing of Local Roads Through the Mobile MPO with CRRSAA, LINK TO MAP HERE
In accordance with the Highway Infrastructure Program Funds Pursuant to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) dated January 15,2021 from the Federal Highway Administration, the Mobile Transportation Management Area (TMA) through the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is apportioned $3,193,942 (FY 2021). ln consultation with the State of Alabama, it is the intention of the Mobile MPO to use the Mobile TMA apportioned CRRSAA funding ($3,193,942) for a one time resurfacing program. This funding can be 100% federal funding with no matching requirements; this presents a rare opportunity for the Mobile MPO.
The cities of Creola, Satsuma, Saraland, Chickasaw, Prichard, Semmes and Bayou la Batre have provided a prioritized list of roads that need to be resurfaced within their jurisdiction.
ALDOT is working to finalize roadway plans for the CRRSSA program. As we have all observed, construction and fuel costs have significantly inflated over the last several months- as much as 40% in certain roadway construction materials. In an effort to maximize the number of roads to be resurfaced and stay within the allotted budget, the Department has asked the design consultants to see if cost-saving measures can be taken. This cost-savings review has caused a slight delay in the original schedule, however, those decisions are being finalized at this time so that a path can be determined on how to move forward within each municipality in terms of addressing their needs. The Department plans to receive bids in late summer for these projects. The new cost estimates are:
- Resurfacing Dead Lake Rd. From Sr-13 (Us-43) To Exit 22 Of I-65 In The City Of Creola $359,742
- Resurfacing Grand Blvd. Hill St. 4Th St. Howell St. And 5Th Ave. In The City Of Chickasaw $216,006
- Resurfacing Old Hwy 43 From Baker Rd. To Juniper Ave. And Two Intersections On Harrison Ave. At Thomas Rd. And At Norton Dr. In The City Of Satsuma $239,132
- Resurfacing Semmes Court Semmes Dr. North Semmes Dr. East Rowell Court Rowell Lane Whistestone Dr. And Graystone Dr. In The City Of Semmes $316,988
- Resurfacing Short Lott Rd. Sugarmill Rd. Oak Cliff Dr. Clancey Dr. Gatti Ave. Meaher Ave. Garrison Ave. Rich Ave. Meadow Ave. And South Atmore Ave. In The City Of Prichard $638,218
- Resurfacing State Docks Rd. From Shell Belt Rd. To City Owned Property Powell Ave. From Little River Rd. To Seafood House Rd. And Lottie Ave. From E. Alba St. To Hemley Rd. In The City Of Bayou La Batre $285,328
- Resurfacing W. Everett Ave. Russell St. Beckman Ave. Ruben Ave. Ponce De Leon Cedar St. And Lucille St. In The City Of Saraland $415,542
RPO Updates
The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) hosted a meeting of the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) Committee this past Wednesday at the Baldwin County Central Annex in Robertsdale.
The meeting was well attended and there was an extensive discussion of current and future transportation projects in the rural areas of our region led by the ALDOT Southwest Regional Office.
Other items on the agenda included:
If you have a project that you would like to add to the transportation plan call Tom Piper at (251) 706- 4622.
Transportation Improvement Program( TIP)
The TIP represents a four year program (2020-2023) for improvements in the various transportation systems located within the Mobile study area as identified in the Mobile MPO's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP establishes the transportation programs that are needed to meet travel demand by the study year and study area. LRTP projects that become funded are moved into the TIP and submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), where they are programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). For MPO projects, TIP project selection is based on priorities established by MPO member governments and the availability of funds through the Surface Transportation Attributable program. For other projects, ALDOT has discretion of project funding based on availability of funds from various types of funding categories. Most often, projects in the TIP are derived from the LRTP. The TIP guides ALDOT in its annual allocation of funds for transportation improvements and becomes a part of the STIP.
ArcGIS Online is now being utilized by MPO staff to map all federally funded surface transportation projects within our area. Check it out.
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Current Projects
The Community Development Department has been busy working on numerous projects throughout our Region. In addition to attending monthly planning commission meetings and assisting our cities and towns with all their planning needs, SARPC planners have been working on the following projects:
Please contact any of the staff members of the Community Development Department if you have questions about any of our projects, funding opportunities, training events, or other planning or mapping needs.
Announcements
SARPC has completed and adopted the 5-year update of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Check the home page of our website at www.sarpc.org to view the 5-Year CEDS update. There is an option to view the CEDS as a pdf, or a NEW INTERACTIVE VERSION. Check it out!!
Just so you know, SARPC is designated by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as the Region’s Economic Development District (EDD). Per EDA requirements, SARPC is required to publish a new CEDS every five years with annual updates in between. We are here for you as your EDD, ready to serve in any capacity needed. Our planning staff is available to assist you with any grant writing or management needs you might have. Please contact our Community Development Department if you have questions or need assistance.
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Open Funding Opportunities
The following funding agencies are currently accepting grant applications for community development projects, transportation and infrastructure projects, job creation, workforce development, and economic development projects, and more. Please contact Nicole Taylor in our department for more information or if interested in applying for any of these opportunities at ntaylor@sarpc.org or (251) 706-4659.
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)
The State was recently awarded $311,732,000 via the federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-43) to improve the disaster recovery and mitigation efforts in the State’s most impacted and distressed areas resulting from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta that occurred in 2020, which includes all of Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as the 36502 zip code in western Escambia County. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated the CDBG Disaster Recovery funds and ADECA is the State Administering Agency for these funds. The grant will provide funding to communities to build long-term resilience to natural disasters and meet impacts of climate change – with a specific focus on low-income and moderate-income populations – by directing expenditures on disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation.
ADECA is in the early stages of developing a plan to guide the grant process for these funds. In the coming months, the agency will lead public meetings to gather feedback as part of the plan’s development. The final plan will include details on the types of recovery projects, eligibility for local governments and the application process. After the plan is approved by HUD, ADECA will begin the application process.
ADECA is hosting a public hearing on October 6th in Selma. The purpose of this public hearing will be to provide general program information and to receive input from interested parties. The State plans to discuss (1) the amount of federal grant funds made available to the State via the CDBG-DR Program, (2) the proposed distribution of the grant funds and the range of activities that may be funded, and (3) other administrative details. A link to the pdf about this public hearing is here:
Additionally, ADECA is currently soliciting proposals from interested professional consulting firms and individuals to perform general grant program coordination and program management services that will assist ADECA in the administration of this CDBG-DR grant. A link to the pdf about this opportunity is here:
Check this website often for updated information as the plan is developed.
Economic Development Administration (EDA):
The EDA will be announcing a new round of funding through their Public Works Program and others in early October for FY2023 projects. Visit the EDA’s website at: www.eda.gov for the latest updates on funding announcements or grants.gov.
The EDA’s Public Works program empowers distressed communities to revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, and generate or retain long-term, private sector jobs and investment.
Delta Regional Authority & U.S. Department of Labor Announces $17.1M in Workforce Employment and Training Grants to Rural Delta Communities
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), is offering a $17,187,500 investment to 13 programs designed to provide employment and training services to regional and local workforces. Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the fourth round of Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative grants – ranging from $835,499 to $1,441,292 – will fund projects to invest in education, training and career support services in the Appalachian and Delta regions. (Escambia County is the only county in SARPC’s Region that is included in the DRA’s jurisdiction). Recipients will align community-led economic and workforce development strategies and provide services to residents of the two regions including those who are dislocated workers; new entrants to the workforce, including students or the long-term unemployed; incumbent workers looking to improve their career prospects; and individuals affected by persistent poverty. For more information on the program, visit: www.dra.gov.
Planning Resources
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EDA & USDA: The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development just released a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
This joint planning resource guide for rural America will better equip communities with an easy to access and easy to use tools to maximize the work of providing greater and inclusive economic prosperity across our country. The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:
• Planning and technical assistance
• Infrastructure and broadband expansion
• Entrepreneurship and business assistance
• Workforce development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.
VIEW THE JOINT PLANNING RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RURAL AMERICA HERE:
The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments access resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 56-page document includes information for programs related to transportation, high-speed internet, water, power grid and clean energy, resilience, environmental remediation, and place-based initiatives. Visit:
US CENSUS BUREAU
Data.census.gov is the primary platform to access data and digital content from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census continuously updates data.census.gov with new data from the most popular survey and programs that provide the following data needs:
• Educational materials
• Learn about Microdata Access and the Census Data API
• Request a data.census.gov training: ced.cedsci.outreach@census.gov
• Request a training for your local area: census.askdata@census.gov
• Ask your questions: census.data@census.gov
Training Opportunities
CERTIFIED ALABAMA PLANNING AND ZONING OFFICIAL (CAPZO)
UNA Center for Learning and Professional Development & The Alabama Planning Institute offers regular training opportunities via ZOOM. For more information on upcoming trainings, send email to lgatlin@una.edu or call 256-627-3566 to check on your certification or recertification.
CAPZO Certification gives evidence to your community that you have gained the knowledge and skills needed to serve most effectively in your appointed planning position. Your community, in turn, benefits from having its staff, local officials, PC, and BZA members with a solid foundation in the operations of the commission and the board.
WHO SHOULD BECOME CERTIFIED? Local Planning Commission Members, Board of Adjustment Members, Mayors, City Council Members, Zoning & Building Staff, City Clerks, County Commissioners, County Administrators, County Engineers, City & County Attorneys, or anyone involved with local planning and growth issues.
For more CAPZO information, visit:
Other News
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) hosted a retirement reception in September in Montgomery for Mr. Shabbir Olia, Director of the Community and Economic Development Division at ADECA. Shabbir served at ADECA for almost 50 years and his presence will be missed by all who worked with him in government planning in Alabama. During his tenure, he has been a valuable resource for economic and community development throughout the State. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the residents of Alabama were receiving federal funding to make improvements to their communities. He has been an available and patient advisor to all who have had the pleasure to work with him. The contributions he made to the State’s communities and the lives of Alabamians are too numerous to count. If your city or town has received funding from ADECA for a project, Shabbir was most definitely involved in helping award and administer the funds!
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SARPC would like to thank Mr. Shabbir Olia for his many devoted years of public services to the State and citizens of Alabama. We wish him much happiness and many blessings in his retirement. We will miss you Shabbir!
Upcoming Events
The Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association will hold a joint planning conference with the Mississippi Chapter of the American Planning Association on October 23-26, 2022 in Gulf Shores-Orange Beach. This year’s planning conference will be paired with the Alabama Association of Regional Councils (AARC) conference. Make plans to attend this exciting planning conference. Registration details will be announced soon at: https://alabamaplanning.org/
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Employment and Economic Development Services |
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SARPC Staffing Service
Sydney Snow, Program Assistant, attended the 2022 South Alabama Nonprofit Summit on July 26th at the University of South Alabama. This event was coordinated by several organizations, including Scanland Consulting Inc., the University of South Alabama College of Business, the Alabama Coastal Foundation and the South Alabama Coalition of Nonprofits. While attending the Nonprofit Summit, Ms. Snow followed the Communications track. This track included the following classes:
- Building a Usable Communications Plan—Sharee L. Broussard, Mobile County Commission Director of Public Affairs and Community Service
- Social Media: Surviving the Pandemic—Kelly Finley, News Director/Anchor: The Sound of Mobile and President/CEO, KFin Productions
- Effective Communication Across Generational Lines—Karen Simmons, Owner/Advisor at CFO Consulting Services.
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Pictured above are the sponsors for the 2022 South Alabama Nonprofit Summit.
Ms. Snow attended a Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon on August 9th at the Saraland Civic Center. The luncheon featured guest speaker Brandon Maye—author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and former football player. Mr. Mayes gave a motivational speech that included his journey through life and the 5 steps to success he has developed through his experiences.
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Pictured above is Sydney Snow with Brandon Maye and decorations at the Saraland Area Chamber Luncheon.
Mrs. Nicholls attended a SHRM meeting on August 12th. The topic of the meeting was “Interview Do’s and Don’ts.”
Ms. Snow attended the Mobile Chamber Business Expo on August 18th at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. While attending the meeting, she met with local organizations to spread awareness about the different programs offered by the Employment and Economic Development Services department.
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Pictured above is the SARPC Staffing Service table on set-up day (left) and the day of the Business Expo (right). |
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Ms. Snow also attended the Mobile County Municipal Association monthly meeting on August 19th. The meeting was held at the Citronelle Community Center and featured guest speaker Representative Shane Stringer. Tom Piper, Transportation Planning Director, and Susan Broadhead, Nutrition Coordinator, were also in attendance. She also attended the September 15th meeting at AM/NS Calvert. The meeting featured guest speaker Valerie Gardner, AM/NS Calvert. Tom Piper was also in attendance.
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Pictured above is Sydney Snow, Tom Piper and Susan Broadhead (left to right) at the August meeting. |
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Mrs. Nicholls has attended many job fairs over the past few months to spread awareness about SARPC’s Staffing Program and locate those looking for work. On August 23rd, she set up a table at the Foley Career Center. On September 6th, she attended a career fair held at Faulkner University. There were 8 vendors in attendance, and SARPC was the only non-profit vendor. She also attended the Southwest Chamber Job Fair on September 13th at Fort Whiting. Over 40 vendors attended the event, and Ms. Nichols spoke with 13 people—including veterans, college graduates and those being served by the Alabama Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Mrs. Shannon Diabin, Director of Employment and Economic Development Services, attended the Baldwin County SHRM conference in Fairhope on August 19th. The conference included speakers such as:
- Keynote Speaker: Cierra Belser, Excelsior staffing – “Turning the Great Resignation into the Great Reengagement”
- Tae Phillips, Ogletree Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart – “Back to the Basics in a Post-COVID Employment World”
- Dr. Valerie James, VisionSpot Enterprises – “The Five Pillars of Organizational Excellence”
- Joel Sterling, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation – “Disability Etiquette – Tips & Tools”
Mrs. Nicholls and Ms. Snow attended the “Accelerate Your Workforce: ‘How and Why College Students Intern’” at the Mobile Chamber of Commerce on August 23rd. While at the meeting, Ms. Snow spoke about her experience interning at the University of Mobile and SARPC.
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Pictured above is a photo taken at the “Accelerate Your Workforce” event hosted by the Mobile Chamber. |
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Ms. Snow attended the Boy Scouts of America Board Meeting at the Athelstan Club on September 14th. She was featured as the guest speaker and spoke about the SCSEP program offered by SARPC. She was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation to SARPC for their outstanding service to youth.
Terri Pringle, Former Director of Employment and Economic Development Services, is retiring after 22 years of service. SARPC will be hosting a retirement party for Ms. Pringle on September 29th.
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When starting a small business, it is not all about the money. It is about having a plan. This is especially true when applying for funding. Not only is a business plan required by the lending organizations, it used to keep the business on track and maintain success.
This plan is not a document to be left on the shelf. It should be a guide to refer to as the days and years pass. This document reveals the targets that should be met to insure continued revenue and increase revenue trajectory. The business plan should also be reviewed and edited as the business and economy change and grow.
For assistance with compiling a business plan for a start-up or existing business, call the Small Business Development Center at 251-460-6078. Their services are free, but the value is enormous!
Once the business plan is complete, you are ready to seek funding opportunities. Make SARPC’s Revolving Loan Fund your first stop. Call us today at 251-652-0585. We look forward to serving you!
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
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The Senior Community Service Employment Program is excited to announce our partnership with a new host agency—the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.
SCSEP is continually seeking to add more host agencies. To be a host agency, the entity must be a government entity or a nonprofit organization.
The host agency would have a SCSEP participant on assignment for 19.75 hours per week. It is requested to give an in-kind amount of $1,150 per participant; however, it is not required. The host agency provides the training, while the SCSEP Program pays the stipend of $7.25 per hour—which is paid directly to the participant. SCSEP is responsible for worker’s compensation insurance and all related employment taxes.
Additionally, SCSEP is seeking seniors interested in enrolling in the program in the following counties: Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile. To be eligible, persons must be 55 years or older, unemployed and fall within 125% of the federal poverty income level.
If you are interested in becoming a host agency or know someone who may benefit from participating in SCSEP, please call 251-652-0585 for more information.
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The Area Agency on Aging is growing, expanding programs and is welcoming new staff
The fastest growing programs at the Area Agency on Aging have been the Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Wavier program, the Senior Nutrition Program and our Aging and Disability Resource Center, with expansions also experienced in many other programs brought on by demands from a growing older population and the impact of COVID-19.
SARPC has the second largest Medicaid Waiver Program among the Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama with 1,100 persons served, expected to rise to 1,300 person in a year. This is coupled with a Personal Choices program that allows persons on the program to hire their own workers, comprising about half of all clients served. The Medicaid Waiver staff has grown to 50 persons with another 5-8 staff positions expected to be added in upcoming months. Interested persons with college degrees should send their resumes to bevans@sarpc.org.
Likewise the COVID pandemic resulted in more requests for home delivered meals, with frozen door to door home delivered meals doubling to individuals who need meals but do not live close to a senior center that offers hot meals. From October 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022 SARPC has provided a total of 559,069 meals to 4,722 persons with 27 senior nutrition centers operating of which 39% or 1,856 were handled by the Area Agency on Aging staff. We currently have 1,126 seniors receiving frozen home delivered meals managed by our staff, a very large program. Ivy Walker will join Susan Broadhead in managing the Senior Nutrition Program and its 27 centers on October 1st, along with Catherine Davidson who works with the home delivered meal program.
As the Area Agency on Aging adds programs or expands services, the call volume to our office increases, resulting in the need to add additional staff to our Aging and Disability Resource Center to be able to answer the phones in a timely manner. Two new staff have joined our ADRC team, De’Nisha Allen and Rebecca Walden, and we anticipate adding two more in the near future. Interested persons should send their resumes to the ADRC Coordinator, Kim Johnson, at kjohnson@sarpc.org.
Other staff to recently join the AAA include Guy Martin Lee who has been hired as the new South Alabama RSVP Manger. The Area Agency on Aging extends Congratulations and a Happy Retirement to Charles Smith, who will retire October 31 as RSVP director. Our RSVP program serves Baldwin and Escambia Counties and has offices in each county. One of its largest projects is the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program with multiple sites in each county.
We also extend congratulations to Courtney Chance who will manage our new Benefit Enrollment initiatives. SARPC’s Area Agency on Aging was recently awarded both National Council on Aging SNAP Enrollment and AARP Foundation MIPPA grants effective October 1, 2022. The Area Agency on Aging manages a statewide project in partnership with the other Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama to address senior hunger and benefit access. SARPC’s AAA was one of only four agencies in the nation awarded a $200,000 NCOA grant that pairs savings from SNAP with other benefits such as the Affordable Connectivity Program, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid and SenioRx prescription assistance program to help seniors achieve more economic security and the ability to meet their basic needs for food, health care and housing. Likewise SARPC’s AAA was one of a handful to receive an AARP Foundation MIPPA (Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Ac) grant to expand participation in this program among those eligible but unenrolled. These grants will work with the Aging and Disability Resource Centers and all Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama to screen older adults for benefits and assist them with necessary applications.
Other newer initiatives include Vaccine Access project, and expansion in visits to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, robotic pets for those with dementia, and an expansion in the Public Health Workforce that allows the AAA to hire a Communications Manager. The Area Agency on Aging welcomes its new Communication Manager Barbara Estes on October 10, 2022.
Census Reports Show Rise in Poverty Among Older Adults
This week, the U.S. Census Bureau released its annual reports on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the U.S. While the overall poverty rate was approximately the same as 2020, there was positive news in the rate for children, which declined significantly. However, people age 65 and older were the only age group to see a statistically significant rise in poverty at 10.3% in 2021, up from 8.9% in 2020. This translated into almost 1 million more older adults living in poverty in 2021. Another measure of poverty—the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM)—found a higher poverty rate of 10.7% for older adults. The SPM is considered by many to be a more accurate measure of poverty because it includes noncash income and other expenses, such as medical costs, not counted in the official measure. Older adults were again the only age group in the SPM with a statistically significant rise in poverty for 2021. As has historically been the case, under both measures, older adults of color experienced significantly higher levels of poverty than white seniors. 2021 poverty rates for Black, Native American, and Latino older adults were approximately double that of white seniors.
The AAAs Benefit Enrollment Center/ADRC, SNAP Outreach grants, hunger initiatives, State Health Insurance Program/ Medicare Extra Help and the SenioRx prescription assistance program all focus on assisting older adults obtain available public benefits they are eligible to receive to help them achieve more economic security.
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Medicare Annual Open Enrollment is October 15 to December 07
Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 251-706-4680 for help choosing your 2023 Medicare plan and exploring your options and new benefits being offered by Medicare Advantage Plans. Our State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides impartial and unbiased information with your best interests in mind. We are funded by the U.S. Administration on Community Living and Administration on Aging.
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Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is a time to celebrate! The official day is September 11, 2022!
It’s a day when we stop to honor grandparents and grand-friends for their contributions to our families, neighborhoods and communities. Alabama Cares Support for Caregivers/ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program is offering a special event to celebrate Grandparents Day on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the West Regional Mobile Library. Grandparents in the family are like cheerleaders always inspiring grandchildren, in developing their imaginations and dreams, nurturing their spirit, and encouraging their intellectual growth while giving them a sense of self-worth. They are mentors and heroes that many children seek to pattern their lives after.
Join us for special day. Contact Ms. Violetta Simpson (251-706-4633) for reservations. The event is free, but seats are limited.
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Area Agency on Aging hosting Senior Resource Fairs
The Area Agency on Aging held Senior Resource Fairs in Tillman’s Corner on June 30 and in Prichard on September 8 and will do more of these small events throughout the region until the return of our large Senior Expos in October 2023. To host a Senior Fair in your area call Marcella Nettles, AAA Outreach Coordinator, at 251-706-4663
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Pictured is the entrance to the Senior Resource event held at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center and James Robertson(center) at the SHIP State Health Insurance Program table at the Clarke Family Life Center in Prichard with SHIP volunteers Anthony Thames (L) and Belinda Harris (R). |
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For more information about SARPC call 251-433-6541 |
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