Community Connections That Make a Difference

April 2026

The Compass Newsletter

A Monthly Update from

Senior Resources of

West Michigan

An Area Agency on Aging Serving Muskegon, Oceana & Ottawa counties

In This Issue...

When older adults and caregivers speak up, change happens. This issue focuses on advocacy in action and the meaningful ways community voices help shape the future of aging services.

You’ll find opportunities this spring to engage locally, statewide, and nationally—through public hearings, conversations with policymakers, and advocacy events that support health, independence, and connection.

Together, we can help ensure aging services remain strong, accessible, and responsive across Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties.

Congresswoman Hillary Scholten speaking with constituents at Tanglewood Park

Advocacy in Action:

How Older Adults Can Shape the Future of Aging

When older adults and caregivers speak up, change happens. Advocacy plays a vital role in shaping the policies, programs, and funding decisions that support healthy aging, and this spring offers meaningful opportunities—locally, statewide, and nationally—to make those voices heard.

As the Area Agency on Aging serving Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties, Senior Resources helps turn advocacy into action. Through local planning, direct engagement with policymakers, and collaboration with community partners, we work to ensure older adults have the resources they need to remain healthy, independent, and connected.

The opportunities ahead this spring reflect how advocacy happens at every level—and how individual voices help drive lasting impact.

By Pam Curtis, CEO, Senior Resources of West Michigan

ENGAGE WITH POLICYMAKERS:

SENIOR ADVOCATES COALITION MEETING

Monday, April 13, 2026 | 1:30 PM

Tanglewood Park

560 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49444

The Senior Advocates Coalition will meet with state legislators to discuss issues affecting older adults, including funding for home and community-based services, caregiver support, and nutrition programs. These meetings connect policy decisions to real-life experiences and help lawmakers understand how funding impacts older adults and caregivers in their districts.

SPEAK UP LOCALLY:

PUBLIC HEARING ON AGING SERVICES

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Tanglewood Park – Training Room A & B

560 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49444

(Virtual option available)

Senior Resources will host a public hearing to gather community input on our Multi-Year Area Plan (2027–2029) and Annual Implementation Plan (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027). These plans guide how federal and state Older Americans Act funds are used to support essential services such as in-home care, meals, transportation, caregiver support, health promotion, and information and assistance.

Public input is a vital part of this process. Hearing directly from older adults and caregivers helps ensure that funding priorities reflect real needs across Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties.

TAKE ADVOCACY STATEWIDE:

OLDER MICHIGANIANS DAY

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Lunch following)

South Lawn, Front of the Capitol Building, Lansing, Michigan

(Livestream option available)

Older Michiganians Day brings together advocates from across the state to champion healthy aging and highlight the importance of investing in services that help people remain at home and active in their communities.

ADVOCACY BEYOND EVENTS:

CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Advocacy also happens at the federal level. The Older Americans Act is the foundation of the nation’s aging services network, supporting meals, in-home services, caregiver assistance, transportation, and health promotion. As Congress considers funding for the coming year, it is critical that lawmakers hear directly from their constituents.

Reaching out to your U.S. Senators and Representative to express support for strong Older Americans Act funding is one of the most effective ways to protect these services.

Learn how to take action and access advocacy resources here:

Take Action! | Advocacy | Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan

CELEBRATE AND ADVOCATE: OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

May 2026 | Theme: Champion Your Health

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and reaffirm our commitment to policies and programs that support health and independence.

WHY ADVOCACY MATTERS

Area Agencies on Aging have a proven track record of delivering cost-effective, community-based care. Advocacy ensures these services remain strong, accessible, and responsive to local needs.

FINAL CALL TO ACTION

Whether you attend a public hearing, engage with legislators, participate in Older Michiganians Day, contact your members of Congress, or take part in Older Americans Month activities, your voice matters. Advocacy is how we shape a future where aging is supported, valued, and celebrated. We hope you join us!

Visit us at www.seniorresourceswmi.org or call us 231-733-3585 to connect.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused, call 1-855-444-3911 to report your suspicions, 24-hours per day. Please note that this centralized intake line is for the entire state of Michigan and you may be on hold for some time. In case of emergency,

call 9-1-1 to report to your local police department.

Visit safeseniors.info for more information.

Senior Resources of West Michigan

560 Seminole Road

Muskegon, MI 49444

231-733-3585

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