Escanaba, Michigan – Escanaba’s “Community for a Lifetime” Task Force has released both an online and paper survey asking citizens for input in making the city more age-friendly. This survey is part of an ongoing effort to help the City of Escanaba attain a “Community for a Lifetime “(CFL) designation.
“A CFL designation allows the Escanaba to advertise and publicize that it is a city that values and accommodates community members of all ages,” said CFL Task Force member and UPCAP’s Business and Community Relations Manager, Darren Young. The purpose of this survey is to identify what elements community member value and feel are lacking. This insight will allow for the development of sustainable methods to address the findings.
The CFL is a nationwide movement established in 2007 to respond to the needs of a rapidly aging population. In Michigan, the program is administered by the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS). Since the program began, it has demonstrated that when communities make modifications to accommodate the needs of its older citizens, all community members benefit. Housing options, mobility support, access to services, parks and culture, and opportunities for participation in community events all contribute to making CFL communities desirable areas to prosper and grow. OAAS finds that surveying community members of all ages validates the assessment responses and shaping action plans.
The Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) and the City of Escanaba has been collaborating on the “Community for a Lifetime” designation project since November, according to Young. The task force, comprised of fifteen community members with diverse ages and professional backgrounds, has been meeting on a bimonthly basis to complete the initial CFL assessment and application.
Once the survey has been completed and analyzed, CFL task force members will work to complete the final stages of the application. At this point, interested community members will be invited to participate in the Senior Advisory Committee which will collect additional input and recommendations for improving the city’s age-friendly offerings. Once Escanaba’s designation as a CFL community is awarded, the committee will recruit other area agencies and organizations to work towards fulfilling initiatives and recommendations submitted in the proposal. Those interested in serving on the Senior Advisory Committee or who have questions about the CFL assessment may contact Darren Young.
“The implications of the CFL assessment are huge,” says CFL member and Bay College Literacy Specialist, Erica Mead. “Manistique is currently the only other CFL community in the Upper Peninsula; however,their assessment helped originate or reaffirm initiatives and strengthened Manistique’s ability to seek out grant and foundation dollars that have helped or will help implement change, including more bike-friendly roads and additional walkways. The ability to initiate positive change through CFL is exciting.”
Community members of all ages are encouraged to help by taking the short CFL survey as follows: www.upcap.org (printable or electronic versions), UPCAP Services Facebook page, or contact Darren Young at (906) 217-3028 to be mailed a copy. The survey deadline is July 31, 2015.
–CC: CFL Survey Link: http://www.upcap.org/communities-for-a-lifetime/escanaba-cfl-application.html
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