Destruction to development
Including older adults in rebuilding Mid South communities
Older adults are some of the strongest voices and most active participants in community building efforts throughout the mid south region. In much of their community development work, the Foundation for the Mid South observed this recurring trend. This information helped influence the Foundation's decision to assess the role of older adults in community rebuilding, particularly in Gulf Coast communities post hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The goal is to leverage the knowledge and experience of older adults and connect them with essential efforts focused on creating healthy and vibrant mid south communities.
The assessment and key observations
As part of the Community Experience Partnership (CEP) assessment, the Foundation sought to understand older adult perceptions on rebuilding needs and their interests in organized engagement activities. Partnering with local community-based organizations and the University of Southern Mississippi, the Foundation conducted activities among Jackson County residents that (1) engaged older adults to serve as team members, leaders, and advocates conducting community assessments; and (2) empowered older adults to assist in developing local rebuilding plans.
The findings reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to engage older adults in equitable building of the mid south region. A key insight culled from the CEP assessment was that within this group of older adults resided an untapped vision and passion for rebuilding. In fact, the older adult population was the quickest and most committed to return home after the disaster.
Partners consulted in this work included local United Ways and other community-based organizations as well as state-led groups like Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service. The work also involved national organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE).
Tapping resources
The Foundation used this data to develop a place-based strategy in two communities: one impacted by Katrina and one impacted by long-term economic decline. Promoting Healthy Behaviors engages residents in developing approaches to improve health outcomes in two Mississippi communities: East Hattiesburg and Itta Bena. The Foundation for the Mid Southis partnering with Temple University’s Center for Intergenerational Learning Communities for All Age’s initiative for this work. Each community has a cross section of voices engaged in identifying strategies to reduce obesity and related illnesses such as diabetes.
- Residents from each community completed two project activities: an eight month community mapping process that included preparing a community profile assessment and completing a logic model detailing planned activities.
- Participating in assessment activities enabled residents to expand their view and understanding of local community assets through an intergenerational lens. They recognized that there were many more assets available utilizing the broader perspective.
- The East Hattiesburg community partnership includes the University of Southern Mississippi, Pinebelt Association for Families Grandparent Initiative, and the Oseola McCarty Youth Development Center.
- Itta Bena, located in the Mississippi Delta, partners with Mississippi Valley State University, one of the state’s three historically black colleges and universities, the Mayor and other Itta Bena public officials.
