To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Lynn M. Radzilowski, Senior Services Director
title
RE: Approval of an Innovation Fund for Genesee County Senior Centers to help address gaps in service for Genesee County Seniors
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of 5% of the senior millage revenue to be allocated for senior center innovations and gaps in services.
BACKGROUND:
Last year, this Board approved the creation of a task force to review current allocations and needs in the community around the Senior Services Millage. That group provided recommendations in June, including additional funding for senior centers to address innovation needs and service gaps.
DISCUSSION:
The Senior Services Task Force recommended priority areas for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners. One of those recommendations was to encourage partnerships between “local governments, nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community groups to maximize impact and to reduce gaps.” The creation of this fund will incentive existing centers to expand or offer new programs, through partnership, to meet these unfilled gaps. This fund will set aside 5% of projected FYE 2027Current Property Tax revenues. Currently estimated at $9,706,413. We expect that amount to be $485,321. These dollars would be allocated to the senior centers that apply for this funding. Specific projects and needs would be outlined during the funding application process. Listed are some examples of opportunities. Innovations: on-site case management and social work services to help older adults navigate benefits, housing, healthcare, transportation, and caregiver support. Integrated health and wellness programs, including chronic disease self-management, fall prevention, mental health counseling, and health screenings. Technology education and digital inclusion, such as computer classes, smartphone assistance, telehealth support, and internet access. Benefits enrollment assistance for Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, energy assistance, and other public programs. Behavioral health services, including depression and anxiety screenings, grief support groups, and referrals to mental health providers. Caregiver support programs, including education, respite resources, and peer support groups. Intergenerational programming that connects older adults with youth through mentoring, tutoring, and shared activities. Evidence-based wellness programs focus on healthy aging, physical activity, nutrition, and cognitive health. Virtual and hybrid programming that allows homebound seniors to participate in classes and social activities remotely. Community resource navigation through partnerships with healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. Gaps in Services: Limited access to professional case management or licensed social workers in many senior centers. Insufficient mental health services, despite increasing rates of depression, anxiety, grief, and social isolation among older adults. Lack of care coordination for individuals with multiple chronic conditions or complex social needs. Transportation barriers that prevent many older adults from attending programs or accessing healthcare. Limited outreach to underserved populations, including rural residents, diverse cultural communities, LGBTQ+ older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Inadequate support for family caregivers. Insufficient assistance with housing stability, financial insecurity, and food insecurity. Limited digital literacy training and access to technology. Few formal partnerships with healthcare systems to coordinate preventive care and follow-up after hospitalizations. Staffing and funding constraints limit the ability to expand services and respond to growing demand.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funding for the senior centers comes 100% from the senior millage budget. There are no general fund dollars. The special fund would be paid out of the fund balance using account 2231-691.00-839.000
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The senior millage programs and services provide a range of supports that directly contribute to seniors' well-being and safety by funding initiatives that promote health, safety, and a high quality of life. The contracts additionally support the provision of free services to seniors that directly impact their financial well-being. By offering no-cost services, we can help alleviate financial burdens on seniors and help them manage their resources more effectively. By continuing partnerships with senior centers and service providers, the programs and services foster an inclusive and collaborative culture. Moreover, the programs and services contribute to community growth by expanding the reach and scope of services available to seniors.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Director of the Department of Senior Services to use and allocate 5% of the senior millage revenue for innovations and service gaps in the senior centers, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request being on file with the official records of the July 15, 2026 meeting of the Human Services Committee of this Board).