SCOPE community session - join the discussion

I am looking forward to the community sessions we have scheduled in March to discuss the Aging with Dignity & Independence initiative and I hope you will join me. The five opportunities to participate are listed below – all at Sarasota libraries.

We will share what was learned and encourage your discussion and thinking about the six themes identified from our local community-based research.  As a recap, the research engaged more than 500 people through focus groups, surveys and forums, and was possible through a collaborative partnership with The Patterson Foundation, SCOPE and USF Sarasota-Manatee.

The initiative’s goal was to examine the local lived-experience of older adults, and use it as a springboard to develop innovative approaches for preserving their dignity and independence. Along with the themes, the final report provides ideas for change generated by the participants and Advisory Committee, as well as promising practices from across the country. There is something for everyone in the report. Solutions for improvement have relevance for each of us personally as well as for various sectors – business, nonprofit services, health care, faith organizations and neighborhoods.

Over the past few months I made presentations to elected officials, nonprofit service providers, healthcare organizations and business groups. Each was an opportunity to spark a new discussion. Some groups opted to set aside time at future meetings for more reflection on how the report informs their work, and what changes they may wish to consider.

Please join me, learn more and get inspired.  When we make our community better at preserving the dignity and independence of older adults, we really improve quality of life for all ages. Where might you and your circles of connections and relationships make a difference?

To register call SCOPE at 941.365.8751 or email scope@scopexcel.org with “RSVP – ADI Sessions” in the subject line.  Visit our website for more information about this initiative.

Aging with Dignity & Independence - Community Sessions

March 16 2012    1:00pm – 2:30pm

Venice Library, 300 S Nokomis Ave, Venice

March 19 2012   10:30am – 12:00pm

Selby Library, 1331 First St, Sarasota

March 22, 2012   10:30am - 12:00pm

Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W Dearborn St, Englewood

March 28, 2012   6:00pm – 7:30pm

North Port Library, 13800 S Tamiami Tr, North Port

March 29, 2012   6:00pm – 7:30pm

North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota