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Teaching Religious Sisters Around the World How to Age Well Together


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Communities of religious women in many countries around the world are facing the challenge of how Sisters can provide the appropriate care and support for their aging members. Unfortunately, many Religious Congregations have neither the funds nor the support systems in place. 


In 2022, the Avila Institute of Gerontology and the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm discussed options to answer these needs. The Avila Institute was blessed to receive a $720k grant to develop Sisters Aging Well Together (SAWT), a Congregational eldercare enablement program offered as a pilot program to 12 Sisters from different Communities representing Mexico, India, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for the Sisters to learn more about how to care for their aging Sisters. They will then be charged with sharing this information and teaching their own Communities and other Communities as the eldercare networks in these countries continue their development. 

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Sisters Aging Well Together program for Sisters in the United States!



As part of our Sisters Aging Well Together initiative, the Avila Institute of Gerontology is offering a certificate program for U.S. Women Religious Congregations that provides practical information for addressing the current challenges all Religious Communities are facing.


The program aims to guide Communities in strategic planning, ensuring their continued growth and success. This includes ensuring the well-being and growth of each elder, not only in the present but also in the future. And the best part is, we are offering scholarships to as many sisters as possible!



Download the Program Overview to learn more about this Certificate Program and the topics being covered.

Download PDF

Scholarships Are Available

The scholarship, valued at $1,800 per sister, covers the following:


In-Person Geriatric Certificate Program Training

An in-person Geriatric Certificate Program for religious congregations over a four-day period including room and board (travel not included).

 

Choose from these two dates and locations:


  • Marriottsville, MD: October 22 – 25, 2023

Bon Secours Retreat & Conference Center


  • Darien, IL: November 11 – 14, 2023

Carmelite Spiritual Center



Available One-Hour Virtual Discussion Every Other Month


Every other month a one-hour virtual discussion on the following topics:


  • Customized content based on participants’ pressing needs to be identified throughout the discussions.
  • Continued training on the AIG Care Transitions Assessment tool (CTA) and interpreting the results.


To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must commit to the following:


  • Attend and actively participate in one of the three four-day in-person GCPs.
  • Attend and actively participate in the every other month virtual discussions following GCP attendance. (Recommended but not required)
  • Implement at least one part of the CTA within their Community and report back on the results.
  • Complete and submit all Pre/Post-Tests and surveys.
  • Complete and submit a reflection paper.


REGISTRATION


Thanks to the generosity of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation we are able to offer scholarships and there are some still available!  


If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please complete and submit the online registration form or you can complete and return the PDF registration form as soon as possible.


Our objective is to distribute scholarships to as many Sisters as possible. All registrants will be notified whether they are receiving a scholarship within two weeks of registration form receipt.


If you plan to attend and are not seeking a scholarship, please download and complete the PDF registration form and send with your payment.


Space is limited. 

  

Complete the Online Registration Form

OR

Download Registration Form (PDF)
For further questions and concerns, please contact us at info@avilainstitute.org.