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Project
Independence
Under Supervisor Kaiman’s directive, the Town of North
Hempstead was one of the first municipalities of its size in
the nation to establish a comprehensive aging in place
initiative.
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Dubbed Project
Independence, the program was adapted from the Naturally
Occurring Retirement Community model prevalent in urban
settings.
By simply dialing 311, a resident can connect with the Town’s
Project Independence staffer who will help them find answers
to a particular question, track down information or tap into
valuable services such as health screenings, immunizations and
information about managing medications.
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In addition, the
program will also offer caregiver support, social and
recreational activities, support groups for those coping with
illness, depression or loss, as well as volunteer
opportunities. Project Independence continues to grow and
expand, receiving local, state and national recognition for
its accomplishments.
Supervisor Kaiman announced the addition of the Project
Independence Transportation Initiative offers free taxi rides
to shopping centers for seniors in participating areas as well
as low-cost transportation to medical visits. |
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Supervisor Kaiman
announcing the 1,000th Senior to use
the Project
Independence Transportation Program in 2010 |
Most recently, Project Independence was featured at the first
annual regional conference on Aging-in-Place in Suburbia. US
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced that she is
looking to promote Project Independence nationwide as a model
of how local governments take care of their seniors.
This innovative program helped CNN Money Magazine rate North
Hempstead as the 2nd Best Place to Live for a Healthy
Retirement in the United States.
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