Social Participation

Our Vision for Oneida County: To provide unique opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect and feel welcome. To encourage socialization and strengthen the greater community.

Highlights

Examples of age-friendly work in the Social Participation domain of livability include:

• Working with Oneida County Tourism and Sentinel Media Company, an age-friendly flyer was developed to promote print-based resources that are available to help older residents become aware of social activities and cultural events.
• In partnership with The Center, 50 Forward MV has begun offering programs for non-English speaking residents, English-learners, and refugee residents of West Utica.
• Volunteer-based programs like Senior Theater provide opportunities to socialize and meet new people as well as to share volunteers’ artistry with older adults in assisted living communities and nursing homes through on-site performances.

Work Group

The joint Social Participation; Communication and Information; and Respect and Inclusion Work Group currently includes representatives from 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, Midtown Utica Community Center, Mohawk Valley Latino Association, New Hartford Public Library, Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care, Oneida County Tourism, Sentinel Media Company, The Center, Utica University, as well as other experts and community members.