TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Department of Aging on Thursday announced that six grants have been awarded to organizations committed to the development and expansion of Villages of Baltimore County, an initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for older adults by promoting community engagement, improving access to resources, and encouraging social connections.

“We are honored to support these organizations in their mission to build and enhance Villages across Baltimore County,” said BCDA Deputy Director Michelle Mills. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to empowering older adults and fostering resilient, supportive communities.”

By leveraging American Rescue Plan Act funding, Baltimore County will ensure that these grants support organizations in their efforts to establish and grow Villages with a focus on building sustainable, community-driven networks that encourage independence and aging in place with dignity.

The $50,000 grants were awarded to each of the following organizations:

Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America (BANA) plays a vital role in the Nepalese community in Baltimore. BANA is committed to preserving Nepalese culture, promoting community cohesion, and supporting its members. With the grant from BCDA, BANA will develop a new Village to serve older adults within the Nepalese community, offering culturally relevant services and fostering social connections.

Chinese American Parent Association of the Baltimore Community (CAPA-BC) has long been a pillar of support within the Chinese American community, advocating for the needs of parents and families. With BCDA’s support, CAPA-BC will establish a new Village focused on meeting the unique needs of older adults in the Chinese American community, providing them with culturally appropriate resources and opportunities for social engagement.

Elimu Community Center serves the immigrant community from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the East African region, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, and Somalia. Elimu Community Center is dedicated to supporting and empowering its members. With the BCDA grant, the center will develop a new Village that caters to the specific needs of older adults from these communities, offering them culturally sensitive services and fostering a strong sense of community.

Golden Age Village at the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) caters to a diverse group of immigrants from various backgrounds, including South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. With the support of BCDA, Golden Age Village will expand its existing Villages to create a Hub and Spoke model, allowing them to reach and support more older adults within these communities. This innovative approach will enhance the delivery of services and strengthen the connections among members.

Neighborhood Companions Inc. (NCI) is designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals aged 60 and above in the historic African American community of Turner Station. Turner Station, a historic community located in Dundalk, Maryland, will soon benefit from a new Village established by NCI, further enriching the lives of its older residents through targeted support and community-driven initiatives.

Village Incorporated caters to older adults residing in Hawthorne, Essex, and Miramar Landing in Middle River. Village Incorporated will establish a new Village with the help of young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, leveraging their energy and innovation to create a vibrant, supportive community for older adults.

Each of these organizations brings a unique perspective and strength to the Village movement, reflecting the diverse communities of Baltimore County. By partnering with BCDA, they will help ensure that older adults in their communities can access the support they need to live independently and age with dignity.