Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) recently collaborated with the University of Kansas Master of Social Welfare program and the Sigler Family Aging Scholars (Kristin Nichols, Lindsay Huddlestun, Sam Gibson) to host a virtual event titled “Promoting Aging Possibilities—Advocacy and Resources in Kansas.” The event took place on Wednesday, April 5th, and was attended by over 70 individuals who came together for presentations and discussions about innovation and collaboration to advance possibilities and promise for aging Kansans and shared communities.

The live interactive panel of presenters included Lindsay Huddlestun – Johnson County Area Agency on Aging, Sigler Family Aging Scholar; Libby Hastings-Kansas Advocates for Better Care, and Gianna Hochstetler-Kansas Advocates for Better Care.

Lindsay presented on Dementia Friendly Johnson County, an initiative she started this year to educate, bring awareness, and foster a dementia-friendly community. This is an excellent example of how local efforts can make a significant impact on the lives of aging Kansans.

Libby provided an update on KABC’s legislative advocacy efforts and an overview of our comprehensive collection of resources, which is another important aspect of supporting and advocating with older Kansans.

Gianna shared information and resources from an AmeriCorps public health initiative to help practitioners and nonprofit organizations support survivors of intimate partner violence more effectively.

Attendees also had the opportunity to view the Aging Scholar’s capstone project, a video featuring a compilation of interviews from Kansas professionals in the aging field, sharing insights on the significance of pursuing a career in and their personal motivations for choosing to work with older adults.

The capstone video featured KABC’s Executive Director, Dan Goodman, and board member, Morgan Bell, among others.

Overall, the “Promoting Aging Possibilities—Advocacy and Resources in Kansas” event was a valuable resource for promoting aging possibilities and advocacy in Kansas. It highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing possibilities and promise for older Kansans and shared communities. It’s great to see organizations like KABC partnering with local communities and universities to make a difference in the lives of older adults.

To view the capstone video:

Long: https://youtu.be/Fy7B5c63kz8

Short: https://youtu.be/w7BW1o_FHYQ