Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	Dave Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
DATE:	June 2, 2011
RE:	Senior Services Review and Recommendations for Advisory Board

Three agencies in Lawrence/Douglas County provide services targeted specifically to seniors.  These groups are briefly outlined below.

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency (www.jhawkaaa.org) serves Jefferson, Douglas, and Shawnee counties and allocates federal and state funds for nutrition, transportation, in-home services, legal services, information, and referral and other services to serve persons 60 years of age and older. The Agency advocates on aging issues, builds community partnerships and implements programs to help seniors live independent and dignified lives.

The Board of Directors sets the policy of the agency and plans for the future of JAAA.  The Advisory Council acts as the grass-roots liaison between the community, the board of directors and the executive director.  The City of Lawrence has two Board of Director and two Advisory Council appointments.   The City allocated $7,400 to the Agency in 2011.

Lawrence-Douglas County Advocacy Council on Aging

This not-for-profit organization determines needs of citizens over 60 years of age and develops a comprehensive plan of services. In developing this plan, the Council examines aging programs of local, state and federal governments. Positions are filled with appointments selected by the Lawrence City Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.   The City has 10 appointments to this Council.  No city funding is provided to the Council.

Douglas County Senior Services, Inc.

Douglas County Senior Services is committed to creating opportunities that allow older residents

of Douglas County to remain independent and active in their homes and communities.  Programs, including those focused on meals, transportation, senior health, legal and tax assistance, emergency assistance and caregiver support are designed to meet the variety of interests and needs of older adults and their families.  The City of Lawrence owns and provides maintenance and utilities for the building housing the Senior Center.  Annually, the total financial support is approximately $45,000.  

Local Efforts Regarding Senior Recruitment

Earlier this year, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Senior Council completed a study of the impacts of increased numbers of retirees moving to Lawrence and Douglas County.  The Council reviewed experiences of other communities and the community needs related to serving a growing population of senior citizens in the community.

Recommendation

A possible next step is creation of an Advisory Board focused on Senior Issues and enhancing Lawrence’s image as a retirement destination.  Membership of a board is recommended to come from stakeholders, perhaps targeting those currently participating in the groups outlined above, and including representatives from Douglas County and an elected official from the City of Lawrence.  It is envisioned that such a group would meet quarterly and provide recommendations to enhance senior service in Lawrence.  It is recommended that the group have a pre-determined sunset, perhaps three to four years.  Perhaps, prior to establishing such a committee, a group could be convened to include representatives from the various groups outlined above to review services and next steps.