Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Atlantic County Selected to Pilot New Resource Center

Atlantic County has been selected to pilot New Jersey's efforts to create an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), one of only two counties in the state, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson. The ADRC will provide consumers with education, information and access to long-term care support services.

The Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services was recently awarded a $40,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services to develop an ADRC and effectively integrate its long-term support resources into a single-coordinated system. Warren County was also awarded a grant.

New Jersey is one of 24 states and territories to be given the opportunity to develop these resource centers by the federal government's Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

"This important grant provides Atlantic County with an opportunity to enhance our existing system and our ability to reach individuals of varied income levels and cultural backgrounds," said Levinson. "Our goal is to provide effective services and to empower individuals to make informed choices."

The Division of Intergenerational Services' current service system provides information and assistance, outreach and case management for all age groups and includes assisted living services, an AIDS community care program, community care for the elderly and disabled, a respite care program, assistance for community caregivers and special child health services, among several others.

The division will use this particular funding to strengthen its liaison with the Total Living Center, with locations in Atlantic City and Egg Harbor City, to promote independent living skills for the aging and disabled through training, education, information and referral, peer counseling and advocacy. It will also promote greater public awareness with the creation and distribution of informational brochures in several languages and Braille, and with an expanded Web site. A campaign to recruit and train additional volunteer staff is also planned.

"Atlantic County continues to be in the forefront of providing services that meet the diverse needs of our residents," Levinson added.

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2223.

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