ATLANTA – Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden announced today a statewide competition aimed at encouraging Georgians to share innovative ways to support and engage adults who are older or have disabilities.

Competition winners can win a free pair of tickets to the state’s 2017 ADRC Healthy Communities Summit.

“This year’s Older Americans Month theme, ’Age Out Loud,’ is more than a catchy motto,” said Abby Cox, director of the Division of Aging Services. “It’s a call to action for aging services providers, faith-based organizations, and civic groups to create dynamic partnerships that give older Georgians tools to thrive.”

About the Statewide Competition

The Division of Aging Services invites faith and civic groups of all sizes to answer the following question online: “What will your organization do within the next 12 months to make your congregation or neighborhood more age-friendly?” Participants must visit www.aging.ga.gov by midnight on Sunday, May 21 to enter. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 23.

Five organizations will receive a pair of “ADRC Healthy Aging Summit” tickets valued at $250 each. Travel to and from the conference is not included. Ten runners up will receive a hard copy of the book No Surprises: Harmonizing Risk and Reward in Volunteer Management, developed by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. 

All participating organizations will receive a free subscription to Georgia Interfaith Aging Action, a quarterly guide filled with DAS program news, resource links, and easy volunteer ideas for every organization.

About the ADRC Healthy Communities Summit

The 2017 ADRC Healthy Communities Summit is being held June 7-9 in Augusta. ADRC Healthy Communities Summit participants share innovative ways to support independence, dignity, and wellness for older adults and people with disabilities. Sessions feature assistive technology, nutrition, therapeutic play, Medicare, housing, transportation, mental health, abuse prevention, caregiving, and other topics that affect quality of life.

Georgia’s ADRC, the Aging and Disability Resource Connection, is a statewide network of counselors trained to link Georgians to information and services that promote independence. It is administered through the Division of Aging Services and 12 Area Agencies on Aging.

To learn more about Georgia’s ADRC, visit www.GeorgiaADRC.com or call the Division of Aging Services at 866-552-4464. For program and service descriptions, free publications, volunteer opportunities, and more visit Aging Services online at www.aging.ga.gov.