Henry County is slated to receive $681,163 as part of more than $13 million in federal state grant funds designated for metro Atlanta organizations that provide services to older people, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
The announcement was made February 26 by the Atlanta Regional Commission, which pointed out that the funding is for services that “will help people remain independent and lead healthier lives in their homes and communities, avoiding costly institutional settings – adhering to the goals set forth by the state for all area agencies on aging.”
The money is being distributed for the 2021 fiscal year to 10 local governments and four regional specialty agencies, all of which submitted plans that “demonstrated both innovative and proven approaches to meeting residents’ needs,” according to an official statement from the ARC.
The grants will fund case management; personal care; homemaking; caregiver respite; information and referral translated and adopted for different cultures; home-delivered and congregate meals; senior recreation; transportation; legal assistance; and support for older person caring for younger generations, also known as “kinship care.”
“We know people want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, but that can be a challenge for many without the critical support that these funds provide,” said Becky Kurtz, managing director of ARC’s Aging and Independence Services. “The funding also serves as a foundation for our local communities to build on and channel appropriately to help people to thrive and live more independently.”
The ARC allocations are for government agencies in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale. Also on the list of recipients are the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Center for the Visually Impaired, Center for Pan Asian Community Services, and Innovative Solutions for Disadvantage & Disability.
The awarded funding amounts are based on the planning allocation provided to ARC by the state of Georgia. The final allocation to ARC (and amount of each award) is subject to change, according to officials. The awards are part of the ARC’s submission process of the FY21-24 Area Plan on Aging to the state.
ARC information and service referral for older individuals and those living with disabilities takes place via EMPOWERLINE, which links people with community services and healthcare providers. Last year, that organization responded to 78,653 requests for assistance.
