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Materials from 2021 Virtual Forum
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2021 Virtual Forum Held
Online Event Took Place October 22, 2021
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) – The Santa Barbara County Adult & Aging Network (AAN) invited the public to attend a regional online forum to learn about California’s Master Plan for Aging, and contribute ideas and perspectives as priorities were discussed for local implementation of the Plan.
The forum was held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 22, 2021. Speakers included State Senator Monique Limón and former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson. Materials and recordings from the event can be found at right.
“Ten years from now, one out of every four Californians will be older adults,” AAN director Barbara Finch observed. “This demographic change will bring challenges and opportunities in housing, health, inclusion, caregiving, and affordability—and California’s Master Plan for Aging provides a 10-year strategy to help communities meet them.” (For more information on the Plan, visit mpa.aging.ca.gov.)
“We invited the public to attend this virtual forum to learn about the Plan and share their input,” said Finch, “because public participation helps ensure that local voices and local actions guide the allocation of state and federal resources coming to our county.”
Organizers sought to hear from older adults and people with disabilities, family members and caregivers, healthcare providers, philanthropists, business owners, faith leaders, community organizers, city/county/state government leaders, and representatives from public and private organizations whose services enhance quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities. Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation were available, along with closed captioning.
Event partners included the Independent Living Resource Center, Area Agency on Aging, Promotores Network, Family Service Agency, Prontopia, and Adult & Aging Network (which receives administrative support from the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services).
The event was supported by a grant from The SCAN Foundation—advancing a coordinated and easily navigated system of high-quality services for older adults that preserve dignity and independence. For more information, visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org.
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2023 Convening Held
In-Person Event Took Place October 12, 2023
Thanks to all who attended Santa Barbara County’s second Master Plan for Aging event, where we shared progress to-date and launched the next phase of action planning. The Santa Ynez Valley Marriott was the site for the event.
The purpose of this event was to activate the collaboration and community engagement needed to transform the experience of aging in Santa Barbara County, with a special focus on building age-friendly communities and ensuring that we have a strong foundation for “Caregiving that Works.” We also celebrated grants received and the new possibilities they offer.