What does Advocates for Senior Issues do?
The Advocates for Senior Issues is a non-partisan group empowering seniors through education and advocacy. The group meets regularly to:
Advocate
Meetings include legislators who speak on current issues and answer questions from the audience. Strategy groups meet prior to the meetings to address dementia, healthcare, and issues relating to long-term care.
Learn
The program portion of the meetings educates members on topics which affect the quality of life for Kent County seniors.
Socialize
Members socialize with others of like interests who are active and informed. Many members also engage in activities outside of the group.
History
The Advocates for Senior Issues boasts a membership of over 350 older adults and organizations.
Through a long-standing partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, the Advocates have been the leading senior advocacy group in Kent County for over 30 years.
The group was instrumental in bringing the Medicaid Waiver program to Kent County in 1992, making it one of the first counties in the state to have this cost efficient program to help aging individuals remain in their own homes.
In 1998, 2006, and 2014, the Advocates for Senior Issues led the campaigns for the Kent County Senior Millage renewal and increase.
Members meet regularly with legislators on issues such as in-home care options, state and federal budget cuts and elder abuse legislation.
In 2012, senior advocates played a major role in getting 11 elder abuse bills signed into law.
Learn about upcoming meetings by visiting www.advocatesforseniorissues.org
Join Advocates for Senior Issues for their monthly meeting on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10 am located at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
