The Greenbelt Assistance in Living –The GAIL Program Presented by Christal Batey, Community Resource Advocate
What is GAIL? Government and grant funded program to allow residents of all economic backgrounds the ability to Age in Place while reaping the benefit of City services delivered to their home. Staff – Community Resource Advocate, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Service Coordinator, & Geriatric Psych Nurse
What and where is Greenbelt? 10th largest City in the State of Maryland Located in Prince George’s County Founded in 1933 under the Franklin Roosevelt administration as a planned community comprised of workforce housing Approximately 21,000 residents Approximately 25% in 2010 are projected to be 50+
Time Line Assisted Living Task Force 1999-2000 -15 member task force appointed by Greenbelt City Council to prepare a recommendation for senior assisted options 2001-2003 Awarded NORC Supportive Services, Inc. funding to establish an Aging in Place Program, hire a Community Resource Advocate and conduct a needs assessment
Time Line Continued 2004 – The GAIL Program becomes a City funded program. 2005 – GAIL wins the Maryland Municipal League Award of Excellence for a large city 2006 GAIL is a finalist in the National League of Cities Award of Excellence 2009 – GAIL is named Best Practice in Aging Services by the Maryland Department of Aging
Services Provided Information and Referral Mobile Counseling and/or Case Management Services Caregiver Support Groups Mobile Therapeutic Recreation Services HUD Section 8 – 202 Apartment Community Meal Sites and Home Delivered Meals
Services Continued Quarterly Newsletter – GAIL Guide Two Cable TV Shows – Ask the Expert and Mental Health Matters Monthly Column in the Greenbelt News Review – Free Newspaper Delivered to door of 15,000 households in Greenbelt Adaptable Equipment Program Free Zip Car Services for GRH Residents
Services Continued Accessible Greenbelt Program – up to $5000 in grant funds to modify their homes Senior Recreation Program Discounts and Scholarships for senior classes and pool passes Door to door transportation within City limits and assistance with packages to the door City Property tax credits for seniors
Services Offered by Community Partners GIVES – Greenbelt Intergenerational Volunteer Exchange Services - 150 volunteers providing free services including – transportation, minor home repairs, yard work, house sitting, dog walking, housekeeping, meal prep and laundry
Services Offered by Community Partners Free Produce for up to 200 residents Consumer Checkbook Membership Aging Internship Program – Graduate and Undergraduate Levels Public Health Social Work Family Science
Services Offered by Community Partners Visiting Community Physicians - Free Community Nursing Program - Free Mobile Free Primary Care Services Greenbelt Prescription Discount Card City of Greenbelt Wellness Tour – partnership with AARP/Walgreens Depression Screening Day Semi-Annual Community Health Fairs
Services Offered by Community Partners - Continued Free Monthly Community Health Screenings Free “Not For Seniors Only” Lecture Series Golden Age Club Consumer Checkbook Services
Challenges in for a Congregation Where do we begin? Budget – Who will cover basic costs? Confidentiality – Serving friends & sharing personal information Volunteering – Me Again? Demographics of the congregation
Challenges in for a Congregation Continued Knowing what your congregation really wants versus knowing what your congregation needs Needs Assessments Partnerships Community Other Churches Community programs
Questions???????????????
Contact Information Christal Batey, Community Resource Advocate, City of Greenbelt 240-542-2012 cbatey@greenbeltmd.gov