To better serve the needs of senior citizens who make up a growing segment of residents, the Town of Cutler Bay will conduct a survey with the help of volunteers. On Jan. 29 town officials, program organizers and volunteers met for a first briefing at Town Hall in the council chambers.
“As you know, the Town of Cutler Bay is a part of the statewide initiative called ‘Communities for a Lifetime’ which assists Florida cities, towns and counties in planning and implementing improvements that benefit their residents, youthful or elder,” said Councilmember Sue Loyzelle. “We gathered for our needs assessment training put on by Strategic Partners at our town council chambers from 10 to 11 a.m.”
Loyzelle explained that more than 30 people who were interested in helping the town conduct the survey attended. Present were representatives from the Cutler Ridge Woman’s Club, Senior Centers, East Ridge, Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay and other individuals interested in helping.
“We even had some residents from Palmetto Bay interested in the process so they can do something similar in their village,” Loyzelle said. “Communities use existing resources and state technical assistance to make improvements in housing, healthcare, transportation, accessibility, business partnerships, community education, employment, volunteer opportunities and recreation.”
The goal is to help the community become a better place for elders to live and provide residents an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of their community. The planners want to crenities that promote independence and quality of life for older adults in the community and begin partnerships to promote the development of senior friendly community amenities.
“Our survey process will begin in February and continue through March in an effort to reach as many seniors as possible with a face-to-face interview,” Loyzelle said. “I know we will not reach every senior age 55 and older in our town, but it is our hope to reach as many as possible so we have a good sampling of residents.”
Based on the survey information gathered, a full report will be prepared in April and presented to the town council.
Besides Loyzelle, attending the first meeting were Marilyn Rams, chair of Cutler Bay Communities for a Lifetime, and Thamara Labrousse of Strategic Partners, Florida, who provided training to the volunteers.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-238- 4166.
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