Thursday, February 17, 2005

Atlantic County Receives High Marks from State Division of Aging

The Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services was found to meet or exceed all standards for federal and state compliance with the Older Americans Act of 1965 in an assessment by the State Division of Aging and Community Services, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson.

The division was evaluated on 80 standards and rated in the highest tier of a three tier rating process. Evaluation standards included planning and program development, service delivery, financial accountability, and cultural competency.

The state evaluation cited the division's strengths as its effective administration of the Area Agency on Aging as well as its fully functioning Senior Citizens Advisory Council. The division was also acknowledged for its creative initiatives that included the purchase and retrofitting of a cargo van for the purpose of mobile outreach in the community. Other notable highlights included senior center open houses, a social services round-table discussion, an older adults special interest series, a services provider forum and the annual Grandparents Day Program.

"Atlantic County is to be commended for consistently stepping up to implement new and innovative programming," stated the evaluation. It also noted that Atlantic County will now serve as a pilot for the Aging and Disability Resource Connection "as its current system and organizational structure is a model for how all counties in the state will move to serve both the 60+ population and individuals with physical disabilities under 60 years of age."

County Executive Levinson was very pleased with the assessment and commended Division Director Marilu Gagnon and her dedicated staff.

"Atlantic County continues to find better ways to meet the changing needs of our residents," he said. "We are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities."

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

County News