Clayton County Senior Services (CCSS) has been recognized for its innovative and impactful programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults in the community. The agency received the 2023 Innovation Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) on March 5, 2024.
What is the Innovation Award?
The Innovation Award is an annual honor that celebrates the achievements of local aging agencies that develop and implement cutting-edge approaches to support older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. According to n4a, the award showcases the best and brightest ideas that can be replicated by other agencies across the nation.
CCSS was one of 16 agencies out of more than 600 applicants to receive the award this year. The agency was selected for its Senior Empowerment Program, which provides comprehensive services and resources to help older adults achieve their personal, professional and financial goals.
How does the Senior Empowerment Program work?
The Senior Empowerment Program is a holistic and individualized approach that empowers older adults to live independently and productively. The program offers a variety of services, such as:
- Career counseling and job placement: The program helps older adults who want to re-enter the workforce or start their own businesses by providing career coaching, resume writing, interview skills, networking opportunities and job referrals.
- Financial literacy and education: The program teaches older adults how to manage their money, budget, save, invest, plan for retirement and avoid scams and frauds. The program also connects older adults with financial experts and resources, such as credit counseling, tax preparation and benefits enrollment.
- Health and wellness: The program promotes healthy aging by offering health screenings, nutrition classes, fitness activities, mental health counseling and chronic disease management. The program also partners with local health care providers and organizations to provide access to quality and affordable health care services.
- Social and recreational activities: The program fosters social engagement and community involvement by organizing cultural events, educational trips, volunteer opportunities and intergenerational activities. The program also provides transportation, home-delivered meals and other supportive services to reduce isolation and loneliness among older adults.
What are the benefits and impacts of the Senior Empowerment Program?
The Senior Empowerment Program has been a success story for CCSS and the older adults it serves. Since its launch in 2021, the program has:
- Served over 2,000 older adults in Clayton County and surrounding areas
- Helped over 500 older adults find employment or start their own businesses
- Increased the income and savings of older adults by an average of 25%
- Improved the health and well-being of older adults by reducing their risk of chronic diseases, depression and anxiety
- Enhanced the social and civic participation of older adults by increasing their volunteer hours, cultural awareness and intergenerational connections
How can older adults join the Senior Empowerment Program?
The Senior Empowerment Program is open to all older adults aged 60 and above who live in Clayton County or nearby areas. The program is free of charge and does not require any eligibility criteria or referrals. To join the program, interested older adults can contact CCSS at (770) 603-4050 or visit their website at www.claytonseniors.com.
CCSS is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services and programs to meet the diverse needs and interests of older adults in Clayton County. CCSS is also the designated Area Agency on Aging for the county, which means it coordinates and funds federal, state and local programs for older adults and their caregivers. CCSS’s mission is to advocate, plan, coordinate and implement programs that promote the health, dignity and independence of older adults.
