LOCAL CURRENCY NETS NATIONAL AWARD FOR JABA

August 10, 2011

Press Contact:
• Judy Berger
• 434-817-5234
• jberger@jabacares.org

• Drew Stevenson
• 434-817-264
• dstevenson@jabacares.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL CURRENCY NETS NATIONAL AWARD FOR JABA
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging recognizes JABA’s Local Currency initiative with Achievement Award

Charlottesville, VA—- The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) recently awarded JABA a 2011 Achievement Award for its Local Currency Initiative.

The 2011 n4a Aging Achievement Awards recognize aging services programs across the country that provide successful, cost-effective approaches that help older adults live independently in their homes and communities and provide needed support to caregivers of older adults. The honored programs serve as models for other agencies seeking new and effective approaches to address the needs of older residents and their families in local communities.

In 2009, JABA created a local currency for low-income individuals and families to access healthy local food at the Charlottesville City Market. The currency helps support families that do not qualify for SNAP benefits but still need help accessing and affording nutritious foods. The project is possible thanks to funding from USDA, blue moon fund and Charlottesville City Parks & Recreation, with other organizations pledging funds for future years as the program grows.

“JABA has long recognized that aging is a life-span process,“ says Gordon Walker, CEO of JABA. “This initiative gave local families access to fresh produce unavailable in neighborhood markets, thus helping at-risk children and youth achieve a good head start on aging well.“

The 2011 n4a Aging Innovations Awards honored programs in a range of categories, including Caregiving, Community Planning/Livable Communities, Healthy Aging, Home & Community-Based care, Information & Referral, Intergenerational Programs, Medicaid Waiver/Medicare, Nutrition, Technology and Volunteerism/Civic Engagement.

“Given the extremely challenging economic times we are facing right now, the work that these organizations are doing is extraordinary,“ said n4a CEO Sandy Markwood. “The programs honored represent the kind of innovative spirit, leadership and ‘can-do’ attitude we need nationwide to prepare our communities for the rapidly aging population. These programs are true models for the entire Aging Network, and we congratulate and thank them for all that they are doing to help older adults remain living independently.“

About n4a
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion in our nation’s capital for Title VI Native American aging programs. n4a’s primary mission is to build the capacity of its members to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. (www.n4a.org / www.facebook.com/n4aACTION)

About JABA
JABA (the Jefferson Area Board for Aging) serves the city of Charlottesville, and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. JABA cares about all aspects of senior and intergenerational welfare. The nonprofit organization works to promote, establish and preserve sustainable communities for healthy aging that benefit individuals and families of all ages.

For information on JABA and answers to other aging related questions, contact JABA at (434) 817-5222 or visit the website www.jabacares.org. News about JABA can also be found on Twitter @JABAcares, on Facebook at JABA Charlottesville and the JABA blog at www.jabacares.wordpress.com.

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8/10/11