In June 2007, CAC, received funding from the State of Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Aging to develop five “neighborhood naturally occurring retirement communities” (NNORCs). This state-wide project is entitled Communities for Life (CFL).
As part of the CFL process, CAC developed and issued a Request for Application and facilitated the review of applications. Since the selection of the five sites in September 2007, CAC – working with Elder Friendly Communities of Indianapolis -- has provided technical assistance to help the selected communities conduct a needs assessment, develop a plan for supportive service programs, and design program evaluation.
The five NNORCs in development through the CFL process include:
Each of these communities has participated in a year-long planning initiative to ascertain their community assets, identify areas of need, and organize a resident-driven, grass roots effort to address critical issues and deliver community based services to their aging community residents.
In the final phase of planning, each NNORC is developed a project plan to address a banner issue within the community. Banner issues are identified through data collection and analysis, partnership input and available resources, and resident participation. Banner issues being considered are transportation, neighborhood safety, home modification, and community re-vitalization.
Six-month bridge funding being considered by the Indiana Division of Aging will allow each NNORC to begin program implementation, execute their prioritized banner issue, continue to strengthen community partnerships, and seek additional funding and support.
Click on the name of each community above to learn more about the history of the NNORC, its vision for the future and its banner issue.
CFL successes to date:
Developed relationships with neighborhood stakeholders and community leaders that create the ability to leverage dollars, resources and maximize expertise in the community
Developed self-governing, resident-led steering committees to create long-term ownership in NNORC and increases productivity
Organized community-wide advisory committees to foster and strengthen partnerships and support with the community-at-large
Drew attention to self-sustaining communities and community-based services through resident education and community awareness campaigns and engagement of the local media
Partnered with local universities/colleges to provide evaluation and analysis of the data collected, creating an avenue for on-going support, assistance, and in-kind services
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