Explanation
This ordinance authorizes Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone in support of the Greater Columbus Network of Villages.
The Greater Columbus Network of Villages (GCNV) comprises three Village programs serving distinct areas of Columbus. Village Connections (VC) began taking members in 2014, Village in the Ville (VitV) in 2015, and At Home By High (AHBH) in 2018. Each of these programs utilizes a member-driven, strengths-based model focused on developing a mutually supportive network for successful and healthy aging-in-community. The programs serve neighbors age 50 and over.
As the older adult population grows, there is a need for innovative approaches to service delivery. The Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone has a solid history of providing traditional programs to serve older adults including case management, financial management, and transportation. This money will be used to expand the Village network into the Greater Hilltop community.
It can be difficult to hire professionals for “small jobs,” such as unclogging a downspout or replacing furnace filters. These may seem like small tasks, but they can have a big impact on an older adult’s quality of life. Village members also have peace of mind when receiving services through neighborhood volunteers. The Village programs provide older adults with substantial savings compared to market rate services. In an average month, members benefit from $1,500 worth of volunteer service.
The Village Movement approach to aging is successful not only to ensure that older adults are able to age in their homes, but also in community. This movement fosters interdependence between neighbors that supports aging members, in addition to honoring the contributions of younger members. Older adults participating in these programs will experience a more connected way of life, whether they are a recipient of services, a provider, or both. In order to generate a strong sense of community, the programs engage members in creating and coordinating the activities of the Village. Members have the opportunity to coordinate and attend social outings, volunteer for the Village organization or for other Village members, and act as advocates for other older adults. By strengthening the bonds between neighbors and recognizing the invaluable skills and knowledge held by older adults, the work of GCNV will provide a greater quality of life for all community members.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in providing the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone with the resources necessary to expand the Village network to the Hilltop community.
Title
To authorize Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone in support of the Greater Columbus Network of Villages; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($10,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, as the older adult population grows there is a need for innovative approaches to service delivery; and
WHEREAS, the Villages program utilizes a member-driven, strengths-based model focused on developing a mutually supportive network for successful and healthy aging-in-community; and
WHEREAS, the Villages program fosters interdependence between neighbors that supports aging members, in addition to honoring the contributions of younger members; and
WHEREAS, this funding will support the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone’s programs serving older adults, including case management, financial management, and transportation; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily business of the city in that it is immediately necessary to authorize a grant agreement with the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone in order to avoid any delay in providing the resources necessary to expand the Village network to the Hilltop community; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Columbus City Council is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the Greater Hilltop Shalom Zone in support of the Greater Columbus Network of Villages.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $10,000.00 in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018, to Columbus City Council per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the expenditure of $10,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1 of this ordinance, is hereby authorized in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100018 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.