The New Jersey Department of Human Services has announced $720,000 in new grants for local governments and nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that make communities more age-friendly. This marks the second round of funding, bringing the total investment to $3 million aimed at improving health and well-being for older adults across the state.
The grants will be used to build community partnerships, assess local needs, develop action plans for age-friendly communities, and enroll municipalities in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. According to Commissioner Sarah Adelman, “Aging is a lifelong process, and community planning that takes into account residents’ needs as they age benefits everyone. I commend local governments and organizations joining our commitment to being an age-friendly state. We have prioritized new funding to help local communities implement our Age-Friendly Action Plan, ensuring it is not just another document on the shelf but an active guide driving real change throughout New Jersey. This investment will help make our communities more inclusive and welcoming for people at all stages of life.”
The grants are part of the Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program. In March, $2.2 million was awarded in similar grants to support projects based on recommendations from New Jersey’s Age-Friendly State Action Plan published in May 2024. The program encourages public-private partnerships and policies designed to enhance health, satisfaction, and quality of life by addressing eight key areas relevant to aging.
Communities joining the AARP network commit their elected leaders to work with residents and advocates toward making towns, cities, counties or states more suitable for older adults. The network offers resources informed by national research and best practices.
Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire said: “The projected increase in our older adult population over the next decade offers a unique opportunity for leaders at all levels of government and communities to implement changes with intention and strategic plans. This moment allows us to foster more inclusive environments for people of all ages and abilities. By investing in age-friendly communities, we can ensure that all New Jersey residents have the opportunity to thrive as they age alongside friends and family.”
Recipients awarded up to $70,000 each include Bergen County Division of Senior Services; Carteret Township; CUMAC/ECHO (Paterson); Fair Lawn Township; YMCA of Bergen County (Bernards Township); Jersey City; Lodi Township; Oradell Township; Rutgers Cooperative Extension Cape May County; Somerset County; Toms River Township.
In 2021, Governor Phil Murphy established a Statewide Advisory Council on Aging within Human Services through Executive Order No. 227. The order directed development of a plan outlining strategies for advancing age-friendly practices statewide under Commissioner Adelman’s leadership.
Key priorities in the action plan include positioning New Jersey as an innovator in aging policy; increasing municipalities adopting age-friendly practices; viewing aging positively; integrating aging into all policies; reimagining long-term care services continuity; helping residents access needed resources within their chosen communities; and ensuring access across ages to social services and healthcare while reducing disparities.
Assistant Commissioner Louise Rush stated: “It is exciting seeing this work put into practice across communities statewide. I hope this inspires more cities and counties to incorporate inclusion into their planning efforts—and motivates us all to rethink our views on aging and value brought by experience.”
While these developments focus on supporting seniors through community initiatives led by Human Services agencies rather than law enforcement entities like the New Jersey State Police, it reflects broader state efforts aimed at serving diverse resident needs.
