Other Resources

AARP (Nationwide): AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over.  AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.  AARP also provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members.  These benefits include AARP Web site at www.aarp.org, "AARP The Magazine," the monthly "AARP Bulletin," and a Spanish-language newspaper, "Segunda Juventud."   Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.

AdvantAge Initiative (Nationwide): The AdvantAge Initiative helps counties, cities, and towns prepare for the growing number of older adults who are "aging in place" while creating livable communities for people of all ages.

Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (Boston, MA): The goals of the Center for Retirement Research are to promote research on retirement issues, to transmit new findings to the policy community and the public, to help train new scholars, and to broaden access to valuable data sources.

Charity Channel (Web Resource Only): Our Goal: To create a place where nonprofit professionals can connect, learn from each other, share information and work together to advance the cause of philanthropy.  The CharityChannel community is comprised of nonprofit sector professionals from around the world who volunteer their time, advice, information, tips and articles for the benefit of the community.  CharityChannel directs (or "channels") this information through our vast network, approves, edits and/or packages it up, and directs it back out to you by way of: Forum discussion lists, enewsletters, updated news links, book reviews, interviews, job postings, consultants listings and product/service listings.

Chicago Department on Aging (Chicago, IL): The Chicago Department on Aging is creating options for an aging society.  We do this by: supporting older persons to live independently in their own communities and homes for as long as possible; ensuring that those who reside in institutions are treated with dignity and care; and ensuring that older persons have access to full and accurate information to participate in public policy.

Chicago Park District (Chicago, IL): If you have ever watched a movie in the park, taken part in a fishing or camping program or marveled at the beautiful artwork created by youth in our parks, then you are already familiar with some of the responsibilities of the Department of Environment, Culture and Special Events (ECSE).  We create and implement the District's outdoor and environmental education programs, coordinates programs for the District’s twelve cultural centers, provides leadership in the development of after-school, youth employment and summer programs and produces special events and activities for the whole family.

Chicago Public Library (Chicago, IL): We serve our patrons by: Developing and providing access to in-depth and specialized collections and information sources in all formats; Supporting a knowledgeable staff, including subject specialists, to provide patron assistance and education; Facilitating access to the Virtual Library and the Internet by  maintaining the Chicago Public Library website; Sharing our collections systemwide and acting as a major referral resource for branches; Providing the services of a neighborhood library to the downtown community; Presenting a wide range of programs and exhibits; Providing access to specialized services and facilities, such as the Talking Book Center, the Language Laboratory, and the Music Listening/Viewing Center; Meeting the information needs of the government of the City of Chicago; and Collaborating with educational, cultural, and social agencies and the business community to enhance services for our patrons.

Chicago Volunteer Net (Chicago, IL): For information about volunteer opportunities in your community.

Community Resource Network (Chicago, IL): To strengthen communities throughout metropolitan Chicago by providing the central resource network to: Inform and educate the community regarding health and human services and mobilize people and resources through community involvement.

Council for Jewish Elderly (Chicago, IL): Council for Jewish Elderly has at its core a deep and abiding commitment to Jewish communal values and the dignity of the older person. Through dedication to quality programs and services for all older people and their families, CJE acknowledges respect for the individuality and independence of each person it serves.

Creating Community for a Lifetime (Grand Rapids, MI): Four guiding principles will provide a framework for Creating Community for a Lifetime. The initiative will: Promote a holistic, “successful aging” perspective, use an asset-based approach, emphasize community learning, and use an empowerment model to build the community’s capacity to promote successful aging.

Elder Web (Web Resource Only): This award-winning site is designed to be a research site for both professionals and family members looking for information on eldercare and long term care, and includes links to information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues, as well as policy, research, and statistics. Thousands of other sites link to ElderWeb, and it has received numerous Web awards and press mentions.  ElderWeb has been used extensively by journalists and students doing research, and by professionals looking for Internet resources, as well as by family members looking for help for their elderly relatives.

Executive Service Corps (Chicago, IL): Executive Service Corps of Chicago was founded in 1978 to address the growing challenges faced by nonprofit and public service agencies. We wanted to ensure that these groups had the tools and resources they needed to carry out their important work. We began pairing them with consultants who could make a difference -- retired executives and professionals who bring decades of skills, knowledge and life experiences to the nonprofits, schools and governments we serve. 

Experience Corps (Nationwide): Experience Corps^® offers new adventures in service for Americans over 55. Now in 14 cities, including Chicago, Experience Corps works to solve serious social problems, beginning with literacy. Today more than 1,500 Corps members serve as tutors and mentors to children in urban public schools and after-school programs, where they help teach children to read and develop the confidence and skills to succeed in school and in life.  Check out www.experiencecorps.org for more information.

Faith in Action (Evanston, IL): At a time when our need to reach out to each other is greatest, FAITH IN ACTION EVANSTON, an interfaith volunteer program, stands ready to help in the Greater Evanston, Illinois community. Our trained volunteers provide free supportive services to frail, chronically ill, disabled, and lonely individuals of any age or economic status.   The mission of FAITH IN ACTION EVANSTON is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who provide supportive services to Evanston area residents facing ongoing challenges with health or aging issues.

Florida Center for Creative Aging (Tampa, FL): Recognizing the contributions elders have made in the arts to the State of Florida from the legendary personalities of Hemingway and Rauschenberg to the local museum docents and board members, the cultural community attracts talented retirees from around the world creating a vibrant quality of life for all. The Florida Center for Creative Aging reflects the mission of the National Center for Creative Aging that is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging; and to developing programs that build upon this understanding. The arts can serve as a powerful way to engage elders in a creative and healing process of self-expression and life review, enabling them to create works that honor their life history and transmit their legacy.

Foley Center for the Study of Lives (Evanston, IL): Funded by a grant from the Foley Family Foundation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Foley Center for the Study of Lives is an interdisciplinary research project committed to studying psychological and social development in the adult years.  Bringing together perspectives from personality psychology, life-course developmental research, qualitative sociology, and studies of biography and culture, the Foley Center sponsors the research program developed by Professor Dan McAdams and his students and collaborators in the Human Development and Social Policy Ph.D. program and in the Psychology Department at Northwestern University. The researchers associated with the Foley Center focus considerable attention on such prosocial aspects of adult development as generativity, social commitment, altruism, life-long learning, and the development of self-understanding across the adult life course.

Generations on Line (Nationwide): Aimed at the large population of older Americans who cannot afford or choose not to enroll in computer training or Internet training, Generations on Line is both a service for access and product for learning. We provide specially programmed self-training software to senior centers, libraries, retirement homes and other locations where older people congregate. These are free to elders. The cost to the centers is $350 with a small annual maintenance fee. Generations on Line is a national nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Gray Hair Management (Deerfield, IL): Gray Hair Management's mission is to help executives find new positions. As part of their networking and career counseling activities, Gray Hair Management also identifies and works to provide solutions to current issues facing executives in transition. They've done just that with an innovative healthcare solution.

Illinois Civic Engagement Project (Illinois-wide): It is a research and citizen action project:a research project to measure and describe the level and forms of civic engagement of the citizens of Illinois, and a citizen action project to help Illinoisans learn how to enhance and sustain civic engagement for the betterment of our communities.

IRIS Community Resource Database (Illinois):

Life Options of Maricopa County (Maricopa County, AZ): The Clearinghouse provides key documents from the Maricopa County Life Options Institute and were selected to help organizations look at aging in new ways as well as support their planning of places and programs that marry productive aging to civic engagement. These examples include emerging models of practice and programs, discussion of planning strategies, suggestions of additional resources, and links to related organizations and activities. Both the Life Options Blueprint Maricopa County Life Options Initiative Clearinghouse are part of an overall Life Options Initiative, supported by The Virginia G. Piper Trust.

Life Option South Bay (Chula Vista, CA): Life Options South Bay is a public / private partnership coordinated by the City of Chula Vista, Southwestern College and the Chula Vista Coordinating Council. Targeted at active retirees over the age of 50, LifeOptionsSouthBay.com serves as a portal for leads on volunteer opportunities, educational, recreational and health activities, and employment possibilities. The goal of the Web site is to provide the South Bay baby boomer population with a one-stop shop for information on ways to improve their quality of life and make the most of their newfound freedom.

LifeCare, Inc. (Westport, CT): LifeCare, Inc. is one of the largest privately owned employee benefits organizations in the U.S. and the leading provider of Life Event Management^® Services. LifeCare helps clients reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity, and strengthen their bottom line.

Lifespan: Take It On! (Rochester, NY): Lifespan is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing information, guidance and services that help older adults take on both the challenges and opportunities of the second half of life.  We provide many direct services, we advocate and we guide. We also provide community and professional education.

Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (Nationwide): A national, non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. We offer to people of good will the opportunity to join the elderly in friendship and celebration of life. 

Mather LifeWays (Evanston, IL): Mather LifeWays' Community Initiatives is dedicated to encouraging a sense of community and belonging, affirming the strengths and gifts of each person, and supporting the growth potential of individuals throughout their lifespan.  Mather LifeWays' works within selected communities to help neighborhoods become better places for seniors to live, work, learn, contribute and play.  To do this-we hope to bring innovative services and community-based programs that will promote lifelong vitality and successful aging. This website will describe specific programs ranging from Caregiver programs to Cafés to Information and Assistance.

Metropolitan Family Services Chicago, IL): The mission of Metropolitan Family Services is to provide and mobilize the services needed to strengthen families and communities.  For over 140 years, Metropolitan Family Services has been at the heart of Chicago’s city and suburban communities – encouraging family strengths and investing in a comprehensive range of programs which balance caring, professional services with practical measurable outcomes.

National Able Network (Chicago, IL): Each year the National Able Network serves more than 40,000 clients seeking employment counseling, training, and immediate job placement.  Our clients include workers from entry-level to mid-level professionals, teens, and people over age 55, as well as persons with disabilities.

National Center for Creative Aging (Nationwide): The National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and the quality of life of older people. Creative expression is important for older people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of economic status, age, or level of physical, emotional, or cognitive functioning.

National Family Opinion (Web Resource Only)

NC Center for Creative Retirement (Asheville, NC): The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement invites you to share a new vision of life's second half. Do you want to challenge your mind, acquire new skills, share your knowledge and expertise with peers and younger people, stay mentally and physically fit, and give something back to society?  If your answer is yes, then the center is the right place for you. Here, you may participate in classes and even teach a class or two. You can gain in depth knowledge of the community, make new friends, embark on travel seminars, strengthen your body, or explore a subject with university undergraduates -- all within the scope of the center's programs.

The Night Ministry (Chicago, IL): The Night Ministry serves homeless and runaway youth, working poor adults, uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking medical assistance, children who are unsupervised and need a place to gather in safety, and others who have "fallen through the cracks" of our social service systems. Through our core programs - Open Door Youth Shelter, Outreach and Health Ministry, Youth Shelter Network, and Community & Congregational Relations - staff members and volunteers continue to build supportive relationships that empower thousands of individuals to recognize their own self-worth and ability to meet their own needs.

North Penn Community Health Foundation (Lansdale, PA): Seeks to be a catalyst for change to advance healthcare services, education and research; Promotes lasting value for investment in healthcare; Serves as an advocate in healthcare issues affecting the community; and Supports innovative approaches to solutions for the health and welfare needs of the community.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (San Francisco, CA): The San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning has designed an innovative educational program for people 50 years old and above—the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-SFSU). This program offers a topical curriculum, field trips, forums, and other exciting educational opportunities through the San Francisco State University. The Institute's intention is to create a learning community of peers who are interested in their own on-going development as well as the public and intellectual life of San Francisco and the bay area. The program is designed to help aging baby boomers navigate the future and find ways to continue to make a difference in their own lives and in their community.

Pathways (Ocala, FL): Pathways Centers provide opportunities for adults age 55 and better to discover and engage in activities which promote individual and community renewal. Through personal life planning services and creative programming, you can discover what's next for you in areas such as volunteer service, employment, lifelong learning, wellness and social engagement.

Positive Aging Resource Center (Web Resource Only):  Check out positiveaging.org for helpful information on maintaining emotional health, enjoying a healthy lifestyle, staying connected, making life changes, and caregiving. 

RISE: Referral Information and Support Services for the Elderly (Mineola, NY): RISE is an outpatient program designed to help older people and families who must care for an aging relative while coping with the day-to-day pressures of work and family. RISE provides professional assessment of emotional and social needs; outlines options and helps people make the right choices; provides counseling around the issues of aging; offers support groups; and designs a personalized plan to assist with finding appropriate, good care, housing, health professionals, out of state care managers, and answers to clarify complex social systems.

Senior Resource Alliance (Orlando, FL): The mission is to enable individuals to age with independence and dignity. This is accomplished through planning, contract management, program development and advocacy. With an annual budget of approximately $20 million, the agency contracts with local service agencies to provide meals, transportation, homemaker, personal care, home repair, adult day care, and other home and community based services for elders and their caregivers. Each year, the agency reaches out to over 30,000 elders through the Elder Helpline and a variety of health and wellness educational activities. Up to 10,000 elders receive direct services each year.

Senior Vital Living (Montgomery County, MD): The Bethesda Vital Living Center is operated by the Jewish Council on Aging in partnership with Montgomery County. A full array of programs is offered including exercise and strengthening, arts and crafts, health screenings, computer classes, social events, day trips, free seminars and more. The Senior Aides Program, a federally funded on-the-job training program for individuals 55 and over who are low-income and live in Montgomery County, is also located in the Bethesda Vital Living Center.

Senior Web Solutions (Web Resource Only): Senior Web Solutions is in the business of keeping people connected. Our mission is to enhance the lives of the 60-plus population through the use of technology, in particular e-mail and the Internet.

SeniorNet (Nationwide): SeniorNet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of computer-using adults, age 50 and older. SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.

Seniors Connect (Cleveland, OH): North Coast SeniorsConnect isn't just a web site! Staff at the Cleveland Public Library are dedicated to helping you access information and connect to the tools and services that can enrich your lives.  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding the web site or simply need assistance finding what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Successful Aging Initiative (Cleveland, OH): The Cleveland Foundation's Successful Aging Initiative supports and promotes the assets and positive aspects of aging. A multi-phased program, the initiative is focused on establishing elder-friendly communities, lifelong learning and development centers, and increased prospects for meaningful volunteering and post-retirement employment opportunities.

Support Team Network (Nationwide): The Support Team Network is a training and resource center for the development of volunteer Support Teams for persons with health concerns or other special needs.

The Transition Network (New York, NY and Nationwide): In the last few decades, women have had the advantage of vastly greater career opportunities. Many of us, in fact, were pioneers in professions considered off limits to women. We are now reaching the age when we think about transitioning into the next phase of life, eager to make it financially secure, healthy, gratifying and productive. But many of us find the traditional models of retirement wanting. The Transition Network (TTN), recognized the dearth of alternatives and was formed to create new models to help women transition from the career and/or family phase to eagerly embrace the next stage.

White Crane Wellness (Chicago, IL): White Crane Wellness Center is an independent, non-profit organization whose objectives are to offer health and wellness services to older adults seeking ways to improve their health, and to serve as model for a new approach to health and aging.

Winter Park Lifelong Learning Institute (Winter Park, FL): The Lifelong Learning Institute at the Winter Park Public Library is the adult education arm of the Library.  We provide seminars, workshops and programs that support continuous learning for adults beyond the classroom.  Institute programs include offerings in “Arts & Entertainment”, “Health & Wellness”, “History & Current Events”, “How To …”, and “Sage-ing”.  In addition to general adult education, we also offer Sage-ing programs.  Following the teaching s of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Sage-ing offers purposeful life planning for adults with at least 50 years of living experience.  Sage-ing also puts forward a new way of looking at maturing – eldering versus growing older – and encourages continued learning and growth.  The Institute also provides Spellbinders training.  Spellbinders develops skills in reading, creativity and imagination.  “Children’s early storytelling abilities are predictive of their mathematical ability two years later.  Storytelling is equally beneficial to the tellers, giving them a personally rewarding arts avocation and the opportunity for meaningful service in their communities.”

Woman Sage (Orange County, CA and Nationwide): WomanSage is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating and fostering mentoring relationships among midlife women with a news-based Web site, a quarterly journal, annual conferences, monthly salons and small special interest groups.

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago (Chicago, IL): The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is one of Chicago and the nation's largest human service organizations. The Association's annual $84 million budget advances a range of assistance at 21 fitness/community centers, six human service centers, and four resident camps.  More than 100,000 members and a half a million Chicago area residents rely on the YMCA to anchor their community and nurture their residents' growth and well being. Whether teaching children to swim, training adults for the workplace, providing technological access for lower-income neighborhoods, or homemaker services to keep seniors living independently in their homes, YMCA programs and services are an integral part of the community.