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Res. No. 099-07-12484RESOLUTION NO. 99-07-12484 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS' COMMUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME INITIATIVE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, The City of South Miami supports the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Communities for a Lifetime initiative to make Florida a friendlier place to live for people of all ages, that they may be as independent as long as possible, and remain in their homes and in the communities they love; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida has the highest percentage of elders of any state in the nation and our elder population will continue to increase, reaching numbers without precedent in the first part of the XXI Century; and WHEREAS, for this reason the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is working to remove barriers by creating universal standards into their planning and funding processes through an action program called the Community for a Lifetime initiative; and WHEREAS, The City of South Miami and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs share the vision and responsibility to improve the life of all citizens so they can prepare for and enjoy aging in place throughout their life; and WHEREAS, in order to achieve out mutual goals, cities and counties should begin to build together a place free of physical, emotional and social barriers; and WHEREAS, the Commission for Senior Citizens will be the committee designated to work on this project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA THAT: Section 1. The foregoing recital paragraphs are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true, and the same are hereby made part of this Resolution. Section 2. Our community will make every effort to first evaluate and later remove barriers to create a Community for a Lifetime. Section 3. The City Commission hereby directs the City Clerk to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). Page I of 2 Res. No. 99 -07 -12484 Section 4. The Commission for Senior Citizens will be responsible for this project. Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval. PASSED AND ADOPTED this % day of June, 2007 ATTEST: APPROVED: CLERK 44YOR READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM: COMMISSIO VOTE: 4-0 Mayor Feliu: Yea Vice Mayor Wiscombe: Yea Commissioner Palmer: Yea Q -ATTORNEY Commissioner Birts: Yea Commissioner Beckman: absent JAMy DocumentsVesolutionsaesolution Elder's Affairs2007.doc Page 2 of 2 UT • INCORAORATM 1 1927 �aR�Q COMMISSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS You are invited to embrace one of our state's most vital resources - Florida's seniors - by participating in South Miami's COWMIUNrrY FOR A LIFETIME initiative..... Day and dale Dear Mayor Feliu and City Commissioners: Very soon, for the first time in history, the number of older people in Miami -Dade will exceed the number of children. The aging of the baby boomer generation, those born from 1946 to 1964, currently 26 percent of the county's population, has tremendous impact on our elder care resources. For this reason the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is working to remove barriers by creating universal standards into their planning and funding processes through an action program called the Communities for a Lifetime initiative. The Florida House of Representatives on April 28, 2003, voted unanimously to pass House Resolution 9149, sponsored by Rep. Tom Anderson. (Copy attached). This unprecedented action illustrates the state's commitment to the initiative that will provide seniors the opportunity to remain independent in their own communities throughout their lifetime. Creating a Community for a Lifetime designation for South Miami is a process that ideally will involve the entire connnunity. But the first step in the process remains with you. As a civic leader in South Mann, rm asking you to follow the examples of 153 other Florida communities, and pass a resolution in support of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative. By doing so, you will demonstrate to our seniors and other citizens of South Miami, that you are serious about making a difference in their lives. -more- page 2 Here is a brief outline of suggested steps in creating our Community for a Lifetime designation: l) The Mayor and City Commissioners pass a resolution in support of the iniative, and notifies the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA), who in return will award the title and designation and certificate to the city. There are no costs or fees involved. 2) A conw ittee is formed to assess and inventory all of the services and facilities important for senior independence and care in both the city and county. 3) Upon the completion of the assessment the committee identifies areas of more need of attention and incorporates them into a community action plan with a timeline for completion. 4) The completed action plan is sent to DOEA for review and recommendations. 5) South Miami develops on -going strategies to initiate partnerships and collaborations for addressing identified needs in areas such as: Housing Land Use Transportation Community Development Health Cultural and Social Opportunity Education A more detailed outline is described in the attached Communities for a Lifetime "Blueprint" brochure. On becoming a Community for a Lifetime, we would then be on par with Aventura - Miami Lakes - North Miami and North Miami Beach, for providing our elders the option of aging in place with dignity, security and purpose. Moreover, at the same time offering our city government and all our citizens good health, safety and economic benefits. I sincerely hope you will accept this invitation and use it as a starting point to make South Miami flourish and achieve its full potential by embracing our seniors and truly creating a Community for Lifetime where everyone benefits. Resp ly submitted: Russell F. I� V . usen, Chapman Commisiorn for Senior Citizens r INCORPORATED/ 1927 K-0 R COMMISSION FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Dear Mayor Feiiu: Date: Way back when you first declared Nov. 15, 2003, to be "Senior Awareness Day" with a picnic at the new Multi Purpose Center to introduce the South Miami Commission for Senior Citizens, I have been diligently learning how to help our older residents. This has led to the formation of our elder care program called Citizens Helping Individual Retired People (CHIRP), and our volunteer training program called Enriched Seniors in Training (NEST). Both are on -going and working in place. Now with the challenge of our growing and aging city population, your leadership is needed to help make South Miami a Community for a Lifetime. This designation was established by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to communities who are reviving the best ideas from America's past and where neighborhoods of all generations lived and worked together. At the same time sowing the seeds for communities of tomorrow. As of December, 2006, 153 Florida communities like North Miami and Hialeah have been awarded this designation - and now reaping substantial local, state and federal benefits. This resolution culminates a long and sometimes difficult volunteer learning experience for me. The workings of community elder care, as you might know, is exceedingly complex and costly. I have also learned much by serving on volunteer committees of the Alliance for Aging, the area agency for Miami -Dade and Monroe counties. The Alliance for Aging provides about $60 million dollars yearly to elder care facilities in the county. The money is funded by federal, state and local grants and endowments. If you have any questions or comments please let me know, I look forward to working with you. This is a great opportunity to help our elderly neighbors to five in place in their awn city. :Sine , Russell F. arisen, Chairman Commission for Senior Citizens 5821 SW 63rd Court South Miami, Fl 33143 -2151 tel: (305) 661 -3315 N a � 'W 9 �ORIA1' Florida House of Representatives House Resolution No. 9149 By Representatives Anderson, Adams, Allen, Altman, Ambler, Antone, Arza, Atdcisson, Ausley, Barreiro, Baxley, Bean, Bendross- Mindingall, Bense, Benson., Berfield, Bowen, Brandenburg, Brown, Brurnnier, Brutus, Bucher, Bullard, Byrd, Cantons, Carassas, Clarke, Cretul, Culp, Cusack, D. Davis, M. Davis, Dean, Detert, Domino, Evers, Farkas, Fields, Fiorentino, Galvano, Gannon, Garcia, Gardiner, Gelber, A. Gibson, H. Gibson, Goodlette, Gottlieb, Green, Greenstein, Harper, Harrell, Harrington, Hasner, Henriquez, Hogan, Holloway, Homan, Jennings, Johnson, Jordan, Joyner, Kallinger, Kendrick, Kilmer, Kosmas, Kottkamp, Kravitz, Kyle, Littlefield, Llorente, Machek, Mack, Mahan, Mayfield, Mclnvale, Meadows, Mealor, Murman, Murzin, Needelrnan, Negrona Patterson, Paul, Petennan, Pickens, Planas, Poppell, Prieguez, Quinones, Reagan, Rich, Richardson, Ritter, Rivera, Robaina, Roberson, Ross, Rubio, Russell, Ryan, Sansom, Seiler, Simmons, Slosberg, Smith, Sobel, Sorensen, Spratt, Staasel, Stargel, Troutman, Vana, Waters, Wiles, Wishner and Zapata A resolution encouraging Florida's communities to adopt Governor Job Bush's Communities for a Lifetime initiative in order to retain our seniors and attract more retirees to Florida. WHEREAS, Florida residents aged 60 or older make up 23 percent, or 3.8 million, of the current population. of the state, comprising the highest perccntage of elders living in arty state of the nation, and their numbers are expected to experience unprecedented growth during the first part of this century, and WHEREAS, the Governor's Destination Florida Commission, in its report of February 14, 2003, cites the positive impact seniors have on the state's economy, including $2.8 billion in taxes they provide above their costs to state and local governments and their assets in deposit, which are estimated at $320 billion, and WHEREAS, the Communities for a Lifetime initiative was established in an effort to create a safer, more friendly environment for the seniors of our state, and WHEREAS, to date, some 55 cities and counties have adopted the Communities for a Lifetime initiative in an effort to better enable our elder residents to five in dignity, security, and independence, and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of all Floridians to work together to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere to which the senior members of our society are attracted and in which they may Iive comfortably and independently in their Homes and communities, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida: That the House of Representatives applauds the Communities for a Lifetime initiative and jirges cities an counties throughout the state to adopt its goals and methods in order to provide the ideal climate in which Florida's resident seniors may live and to which elders throughout the country are attracted and welcomed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that cities and counties are ciicoraraged to contact the Department of Elder Affairs as an excellent source of information and assistance in this matter. This is to certif the foregoing was adopted on April 28, 2003. 05il-0/2007 ! _.-12 1 + 2 3-2 DOFA D�SAS-,ER PLNG COUnft 7 Hifisborough LY .tic ani of Coum Comm"'-siows �W&&O)z FWzE 92 HVIIWPEAS, Hi�`Sborough Ck)U,0 3u Oats the Fi()-id.a Dena-11, kI .he!piflg ii7 Make. Man'& a friendliLr place to live fjr ,? all ae,- p1, c, -f , Ca. Where the c,--n be L-idepejadent av long as, r-:- is It, it 11, Ps and the COMMUnItes they love; and 'd 'i Ader midents in e-)e n fi , , WHEREAS the State of Flor; it has t,�e lJtefest L 'A,ith nearly 18090") w i-esiding in HilLibom ugh mmt� wb .ere the median age cpf clients served c its Aging S,�nkkls Dapa;t-nem is W, sr-,d is conffiju�rllg to ;:TOW 1-11 pot"t 607i at s-P unp eced,:,nre.,J, P6ce eming the ii. 'y part of ,. e '214i canmri; i-nd Ccwuly through its Agin ed nique ­9 SurVice� DeparttmepA has E 3t i Sh dU and Jong tmetyn "aging in Place', ini tive + at develops models of lsealtby aging and cite by won ng -iprl .1 natia�.ml organizations- su'dh Ilbe smiery for Ach-anceTnem of C-Cronlologics: Society', thp '.Na- �oral Association a[ Atei Agencies cta ---rtJers for Lrvmble Commuriiti,�s, and and Pa WHEREAS, a key i4��-ar for iftowi a-.! railents to maintain thcmr digrin, sci7uritv and jrnd p,,- dence is a cof11m117it) abk, to ewlual�. assess and I create AS ictkires 0 C rut' s lik-dme, 4-id WHE1tRA4 bo.i:h 1401sbo.-OuO CO'U11V a the Floc -4a of-Elder A-fiairq share d visior and respor"5ibilir; YO improws the e of a13 did7&ns; and WHERRU to achieve r-`3e -E: ttJntal g p8j; cW:,Fs and couDtiels ,:hceulibegl.T) z,,-, build together a place ;tee of ph-vsicai, em.otickjal and social bamers. NG;4,r fmagFORF, BE I TAROCLAWEDthat the & and of Courrn, of Hillsborough Cwrt� Forkia, does hereby set a:;de,,fiz month o-flMay 2006, as &ffmwPwY got in Hill boroug'a County, and urges all ze5idlmri to malke evety effort to evahlatt 47,1d be-friers to mam & better living ems roi- .iment lull our eldles, Execw -d this 3rd day of? a , 2(3o& vii chi - B z W W r L .�1 u fly pp Qj .fir O p u �'V -a 1� 4 v G o w °y G o 41 v ct5 O "'D .G .O '� ^+r� C✓i O Q + ` O ` N QS va '� r `a ' sQJ Cc' O" :� ° °' O. O 1W caul CU p GA 7� '� N a� 7 �o O>J CJ a N od t G �� m v '� rG� v^ 1-4 cn "C bA" G p 7G ,V �} RJ = y L cry cu m bA•v (WO .8 G "' u O p W ,o ri a� O v c� u v c� G c� w U r� w' cn o �•� G vi © L4 C4 ct CD 1 C' cc r, 0 O �+ a €+ Q n bz p OctS bQ O r '� OaO cn, v n td cu O p �� ,� 7 47 V� - G r G 41 t4 G to "C� �' RS � cn 41 �, 7 O -0 4J 0 �•+ 1 d U :P w v bA CC zi v' N G �" O G G O "Cf bbo O O 'w . � � w0 f2 +- o ' D r -.l Q � ^' 0 � � + r awl oU 0 R, u O '� cd W� O .0 r4l o a o us N v v bA ± q� c� � G. O a.+ 8A o p' v rn r v a, w w. G O G 0 U O as cn bz bil p "' a O~ G. r U� U e � o u bo ca +.+ - Nu — :i=1 G o 0 5 PARTICIPATING CITIES, TOWNS ;j AND CQUTIES cC11� L —11 FES FOR- A OF =11-11�� Alachua County City of Lauderdale Lakes Duval County City of Alachua City of Sunrise City of Jacksonville Alachua County Carty of Tamarac Duval County City of Gainesville City of Wilton. Manors City of Parkland Flazler County Bradford County City of Coconut Creek City of Bunnell City of Starke City of Hollywood City of Palm Coast Brevard County Charlotte County Franklin County Brevard County Charlotte County City�of Carabelle City of Cape Canaveral City of Cocoa Citrus County Gadsden County City of Cocoa Beach Citrus County Gadsden County Town of Indialantic City of indiau Harbor Beach Clay County Gilchrist County Town of Malabar City of Keystone Heights City of Trenton City of Melbourne Town of Penny Farms Gilchrist County Town of Melbourne Beach Town of Melbourne Village Collier County Gulf County City of Palm Bay Collier County City of fort St. ibe Town of Palm Shores City of Marco Island Gulf County City of Rockledge City of Naples City of Satellite Beach Hardee County City of Titusville Columbia County Hardee County City of West Melbourne City of Lake City City of Wauchula Broward County De Solo County Hendry County Broward County City of Arcadia Hendry County City of Cooper City City of Coral Springs Dixie County Hernando County City of Deerfield Beach Dixie County Hernando County Page I of 3 Highlands County Levy County Okaloosa County Highlands County Town of Bronson City of Crestview City of Sebring City of Destmi Madison County Hillsborough County City of Madison Orange County. City of Temple Terrace Town of Eatonville City of Tampa Manatee County City of Maitland Hillsborough County City of Bradenton City of Oakland City of Plant City Manatee County City of Ocoee Orange County Jackson County Marion County City of Orlando Town of Malone City of Ocala City of Windermere Jackson County Marion County City of Winter Garden City of Winter Park Jefferson County NMpr#irI City of Monticello Martin. County Osceola County Jefferson County City of Stuart Osceola County City of St. Cloud Lake County Miami -Dade County City of Mascotte City ofAventura Palm Beach County Lake County City of Hialeah City of Belle Glade City of Miami City of Delray Beach Lee County Miami -Dade County Town of Hypoluxo City of Cape Coral Town of Miami Lakes T ovM of 7upiter Lee County City of North Miami City of Lake Worth City of North Miami Beach Village of North Palm Beach Leon County Village of Palm Springs City of Tallahassee Nassau County Village of Royal Palm Beach Leon County Nassau County City of West Palm Beach - -- -- - - Page 2_of3- - - ---- - Pasco County Sarasota County Volusaa County City of New Port Richey Sarasota. County City of Daytona Beach Shores Pasco County City of Venice City of Deltona St. Lucie County Polk County City of Edgewater Pinellas County Seminole County City of Ormond Beach City of Clearwater Seminole County Volusia County City of Dunedin City of Casselberry City of Deland City of Gulfport City of Lake May City of Orange City City of Oldsmar City of Oviedo Town of Redington Shores City of Winter Springs City of Safety Harbor City of Sanford City of Seminole City of South Pasadena St. Johns County City of St. Petersburg City of St. Augustine City of Tarpon Springs St. Johns County City of Hastings Palk County City of Bartow S#. Lucie County. City of Fort Meade City of Fort Pierce City of Lake Alfred. City of Port St. Lucie City of Lakeland St. Lucie County Polk County City of Winter Haven Sumter County Sumter County Santa. Rosa County Town of Jay Taylor County City of Milton Taylor County City of Perry - - - -- Page 3_ of 3 - -- BLUEPRINT If you are planning for a year, sow rice; If you are planning for a decade, plant trees; If you are planning for a lifetime, educate people. - CHINESE PROVERB DEPARTMENT of k w ELDER AFFAIRS Buses, GOVERNOR QI E- GREEN, SECRETARY FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS COMMUNITIES FOR A LIFETIME Building Communities for the Future What is the Communities for a Lifetime initiative? Communities for a Lifetime is Governor Jeb Busks statewide initiative that assists Florida cities, towns and counties in planning and implementing improvements that benefit the lives of all their residents, youthful or senior. This initiative recognizes the diverse needs of residents and the unique contributions individuals can mare to their communities. Participating Communities for a Lifetime use existing resources and state technical assistance to make crucial civic improvements in such areas as housing, health care, transportation, accessibility, business partnerships, community education, efficient use of natural resources, volunteer opportunities and recreation. Participation in the initiative is strictly voluntary. What is the goal of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative? The goal of the Communities fora Lifetime initiative is to help Florida communities become better places for seniors to live, providing all residents the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to the betterment of their communities. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS The ongoing process of self-assessment and improvement can help a community achieve the following goals: • To create an inventory of services and opportunities that encourages independence and quality of life for older adults in your community. This inventory can be used to market the community to current residents as well as potential newcomers. • To initiate partnerships with a wide variety of sectors in the community (government, business, not- for - profit and education) in order to promote the development of senior friendly com- munity amenities, Why is the state of Florida promoting Communities for a Lifetime? Communities for a Lifetime is intended. to be a resource for Florida communities challenged by: • New technologies; • A changing workforce and economy; • Rapid population growth and the resultant strains on community resources; • Growth of the elder population as a result of new residents and the aging of baby boomers; • Inaccessible community facilities and resources; • A fragile environment; and • A desire for a community spirit that nurtures families and promotes traditional intergenerational neighborhoods. The capability of communities to respond to these and other challenges varies greatly. The state of Florida recognizes that many communities are already planning and implementing innovative practices that could serve as models for other communities struggling with these challenges. Therefore, one function of the Communities for a Lifetime initiative will be to serve as a clearinghouse of information for purposes of sharing "best practices" with all participating cities, towns and counties. Communities for a Lifetime provides individual communities with the ability to draw on the expertise of their state and local partners in planning to meet common challenges. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS What is the Communities for a Lifetime initiative going to cost? Partnerships created during a community evaluation process and strategic alliances initiated afterwards can maximize existing funding and resources. Communities for a Lifetime is not intended to impose additional financial burdens on participating Florida communities. The purpose of this initiative is to assist local elected officials, community leaders and residents in working together to plan the most effective use of existing funding to achieve Communities for a Lifetime goals and benefits. How can residents create a Gommunt, for a Lifetime? Creating a Community for a Lifetime is a process, taking time and requiring involvement by many stakeholders and partners, including community leaders and interested citizens. A brief outline of short -term community goals and suggested steps in the process includes: • Local government passes a resolution or proclamation in support of the program and notifies the Department of Elder Affairs; • The community forms a committee to inventory and assess elements important for senior independence and care; • Upon completion of the self - assessment, the committee identifies areas in need of attention and incorporates them into a community action plan with a timeline for completion; • The completed inventory is sent to the Department of Elder Affairs for review and recom- mendations; and • The community develops strategies to initiate partnerships and collaborations to address identified needs. What should be evaluated? Participating Communities for a Lifetime review each area of the seven Areas of Discovery listed below in relation to the initiative's vision and values: PHYSICAL SPACES Accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards) — accommodations have been made to allover for individual mobility, regardless of functional impairments; Housing — universal design — the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design; • Energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems, appliances and lighting; and • Use of environment friendly construction materials. u FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS Shmmerhead Weld wit mak Showering eerier i m*sd tabs in the sbowerandadd support at am mutt Sink iu& do � need twisting Bath and Shm -erl iat Seat and nd6ermaf Wen foltsafety stair lift - - eutsAe fights Rddwn Doors Redumstheriskofa Weventacddents Averlicaliysplit l.eterkmb! 0 on steep stars anddeter ddews refiigeraf�fi� wide door makessasmsseasier alloweasyp: lightsuikh Rocker switches need phntg St—V Space Shmeritemsshouldhe comxtient and easy to reach An eleckic open, M.,. =-t act T®e graplues Sow% Helps make the more accessue Shopping — easily accessible shops, supermarkets and drugstores where employees take into con- sideration the needs and preferences of older residents_ TRANSPORTATION Accessibility — to goods and services means having available means of transportation that are convenient and affordable; • Synchronized traffic signal timing and upgraded crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow patterns; • Larger, easier to read signs; • Encourage the use of environment friendly transportation modes, such as bicycles where appropriate; • Selection of energy - efficient mass- transit; • Community designs reducing need for individual automobiles; and • Consideration of older out -of -town travelers at major airports, train stations and bus terminals. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS LAND USE Parks, trails, waterways, greenways — efficiently planned communities to maximize green space and community areas while facilitating easy access to businesses and services; • Regional planning aiming at accommodating people with varied needs may reduce vehicle miles traveled and could lead to improved air quality, especially important to seniors and children; • Efficient use of natural resources; • Parking lot designs that are more aesthetically pleasing and reduce water run -off; • Energy efficient building and landscaping designs; • Increased use of native plants in landscaping leading to water conservation and less nutrient runoff into waterways; and • Walkable communities with improved sidewalk accessibility, better lighting and neighborhood watch organizations. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Walkable communities have many benefits. Business partnerships — public/private partnerships to enhance the availability of consumer services; Friendly businesses — enterprises that accommodate the needs of people with special considerations, such as mothers with strollers and people with walkers. Examples include expanding the aisles, wider doorways and easily opened doors; Employment — ample employment opportunities for people of all ages allowing meaningful work to enhance the quality of life. Some people prefer to continue working beyond retirement age, while many others find it is a necessity; Volunteerism — volunteers enhance their own lives as well as the lives of those they serve. With committed volunteers, many agencies and organizations can offer a wider variety of services that would otherwise be unavailable; and Safety — trained fire fighters and law enforcement officers sensitive to the needs of elders and caregivers. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS HEALTH Physical --- access to timely health care services ---- including medical and non - medical services — and opportunities to pursue healthy living through use of community facilities such as walking trails and parks; and Mental — access to timely and age - appropriate mental health services that complement health services to help keep the population active and involved in the community. EDUCATION Lifelong learning — living with vitality includes a spirit of continuous learning at all ages. Opportu- nities to take classes and explore new subjects should be available for all residents. • Crime prevention education — opportunities to learn about consumer safety and security from advocacy groups and law enforcement personnel; and • Health and wellness education — senior health fairs and educational events. CULTURAL AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Recreation — opportunities for leisure activities for people of all ages and with. a variety of interests including indoor and outdoor pursuits. Parks and other common areas are accessible to individuals with varied disabilities; Spiritual — residents can pursue spiritual growth and nurturing from the faith perspective of their choice with confidence and without fear of reprisal; and Intergenerational Activities — the purposeful bringing together of different generations in ongoing and mutually beneficial activities such as mentoring and volunteerism. Youth and seniors share their talents and resources, support- ing each other in relationships, which benefit the individuals and the community. After self-assessments of the seven Areas of Discovery have been conducted, the Communities for a Lifetime initiative will enter into its next phase, providing participating cities, towns and counties with information and technical assistance to plan and implement community modifications, services and resources addressing issues identified in the self- assessment. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS Where can we get assistance? DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS' ROLE Department of Elder Affairs staff members ate available to help your community organize and facilitate the Communities for a Lifetime process. Some of the areas the Department of Elder Affairs may assist communities include: j • Conducting special events with the Governor and /or Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs participating when possible and appropriate; • Providing a Communities for a Lifetime Blueprint (this document) and a variety of informa- tion, materials and resources (local and state) to assist the community in the self-assessment process. Items include the Communities for a Lifetime logo, sample proclamation and a facilitator's guide; • Awarding recognition certificates; • Hosting conference calls and providing training opportunities for communities involved in the process of assessment; • Coordinating state level efforts and assistance in setting priorities on specific issues; • Providing training, recognition and state support of local efforts; • Identifying strategies and best practices of participating communities that promote senior independence and care; and • Maintaining Communities for a Lifetime Web site with contact and resource information. Who are the stakeholders /partners and what are their roles? Becoming a Community for a Lifetime requires teamwork and a partnership that has the commit - ment of community leaders and residents. Initiating strategic alliances and collaboration of all sectors of the community is critical. Through this partnership the community can identify its strengths and weaknesses and plan for its vision of the future. The establishment of local, committees or coalitions is necessary to reach this goal. Local communities must identify and involve the stakeholders, potential partners and organizations that can contribute to the process and are critical for success. 'FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS The following is a list of some of the recommended critical partners: CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS (CEO) - The CEO is the member of the governing body of munic- ipality or county or an elected county official chosen by the governing body of the community (i.e., the mayor, city or county manager or other elected official). The commitment to become a Community far a Lifetime begins with the support and leadership of local government. BUSINESS LEADERS - Initiatives such as this one cannot succeed without the partnership of business and business leaders who not only are committed to contributing back to the community but who recognize the economic value and business sense of becoming a Community for a Lifetime. REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCILS AND METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS - Effective planning and development requires collaboration outside the boundaries of the local commu- nity. Local communities and cities must work in conjunction with counties and regions_ Services offered by staff include technical planning assistance, grant and loan planning assistance, transportation plan- ning assistance, emergency response planning assistance, economic development activities, community visioning and more. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS PLANNERS - Because local governments employ the majority of urban and regional planners, they are often referred to as community, regional or city planners. Planners develop long and short -term land use plans to provide for growth and revitalization of urban, suburban and rural communities while helping local officials make decisions concerning social, economic and environmental problems. DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS - These are the professionals most often involved with producing housing and other community facilities. Their involvement can result in creative, cost efficient community and residential designs that meets current and future Communities for a Lifetime needs. Other groups, organizations or community disciplines involved in making a community one that prepares for and values all of its residents include: • Health care organizations and the medical community; • Chambers of Commerce and other civic organizations; • Local citizensivolunteers; • Growth management and environmental staff; • Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and other aging network organizations; • Faith -based organizations; • Local parks and recreation; • Public safety; and • Education. Communities can also take advantage of the resource of technical assistance and information available from statewide agencies such as the Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Community Affairs, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, Department of Environmental Protection, Agency for Workforce Innovation and Enterprise Florida. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS What are the benefits of the Communities for a Lifetinie initiative? Communities for a Lifetime may help children grow and prosper while also providing seniors an opportunity to remain independent in their own communities. Caregivers for those of any age will receive the support they need thereby meeting the needs of children and enabling elders to age in place with dignity, security and purpose. y Individuals, communities, governments and businesses may benefit by: • Increased safety through improved coordination of transportation, community planning, universal home designs and neighborhood interaction; • Improved physical and mental health of residents through better access to social interaction, recreation, increased activity levels and facilitation of other behaviors known to impact quality of life issues; and • Effective community planning and design encouraging mixed -use development co- locating the places where people live, work, learn, shop and play. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS N DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS STATE OF KORIDA 4040 Esplanade Way Tallahassee, Florida 32399 850- 414 -2000 ph 1 850 -414 -2004 fax 1 850 - 414 -2001 tdd http : / /www. elderaffa irs. state. fl. us http.-Ilwww.communitiesforalifetime.org E-mail: communitiesCelderaffairs.org Revised March 2004