Resource Fair Offers Strategies for Health & Independence
- Tracy Lenok
- Apr 22
- 2 min read
By Colleen Diskin
Home safety modifications. Vision and hearing supports. Transportation options. Assistive devices. Financial benefits.
These were among the topics covered at our Community Begins at Home Resource & Connections Fair on April 16.
More than 60 residents strolled from table display to table display at the Redmond Center at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, collecting informational materials, getting their questions answered and learning about strategies for aging in place.
The 16 vendors in attendance represented hospitals, local service providers and groups that support people with hearing, vision, speech or mobility losses. Attendees were also able to get health screenings from Hackensack Meridian Health.
“One of the primary goals of Our Community Begins at Home initiative is to educate Teaneck residents who are aging with disabilities about the resources and programs that can make their lives more manageable,” said Alexandra Valdivia, Community Programs Manager for The Bright Side Family. “We want to help residents make a plan for maintaining their independence while also remaining safe and secure in their homes.’
This is the second time The Bright Side Family has partnered with the St. Anastasia parish community on an informational event open to the entire community. Our social work staff has already begun planning for similar events partnering with other houses of worship in the Teaneck region.
“In leading community initiatives like Age-Friendly Teaneck and Community Begins at Home, we count heavily on the support of religious and civic organizations and other community providers in the region,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Davis. “Information is power, but we know many older adults struggle to learn about and navigate our complex health, social service and government systems. “
“It’s imperative that our community leaders join together in educating the populace and sharing information about the crucial resources that can ensure residents can lead healthy, active and fulfilled lives at every age and every stage.”
Community Begins at Home is being funded by an Inclusive Healthy Communities grant from the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.
Anyone interested in learning more about or participating in the Community Begins at Home initiative can email cbah@agefriendlyteaneck.org or call 201-530-6756.
Many thanks to our host and event partner, St. Anastasia Church, and to the organizations (linked below) that tabled at this successful event:
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