Aging Forward

The breaktime club, supported in fy 2024 through funding from the mid- america regional council on aging, provides a safe and engaging environment for older adults who cannot be left alone, while offering family caregivers much-needed respite. During the year, the program served 200+ older adult caregivers and care recipients across five locations in the greater kansas city metro area. These five locations provided a total of 42 sessions per location, and 4,348 hours of respite care in total, with the support of 51 volunteers who contributed 2,190 hours of service. By combining professional oversight, trained volunteers, and meaningful activities, breaktime club reduces caregiver stress, enhances well-being, and strengthens the ability of families to sustain their caregiving roles.

Aging forward allocates a portion of its program expenses to education and the sharing of better practices across its national network. These investments support initiatives such as the september 2024 conference, which brought together leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration; a series of monthly webinars designed to build organizational capacity and foster innovation; and the management of an online resource library that provides ongoing access to tools, templates, and best practices. Together, these efforts ensure that affiliate leaders are equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to enhance their impact in communities nationwide.