HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

United Way’s Healthy Communities work focuses on improving quality of life for older people in Tucson and Southern Arizona, from retirement to end of life.

ELDER ALLIANCE

United Way’s ELDER Alliance is a broad collaboration of non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, community partners and age 50+ residents. Through its dedicated action teams, the ELDER Alliance has established a strong system to support the rapidly growing older adult population, allowing older people to stay healthy longer, remain active and involved, and maintain maximum independence.

DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is helping individuals interested in being a direct care professional succeed in training, job placement, and job longevity.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR OLDER ADULTS

A collaborative effort working to develop an affordable housing initiative that prioritizes the needs of the community’s most vulnerable members – lower-income older adults – and to create a model for community-wide collaboration. The goal of the initiative is to serve as a resource for communities, nonprofits, public and private development entities, and local jurisdictions interested in creating or supporting efforts to develop affordable housing options that meet the specific needs of older adults.

MEET TIM

Approximately 10,000 baby boomers retire in the U.S. each day. We now have the largest senior population in history. At United Way, we’re dedicated to caring for seniors in our community not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because we know that a healthy community is a strong community.

Tim Wernette is a 73-year-old Gender Equity Educator and diversity trainer at the University of Arizona. He is especially passionate about social justice and creating a more equitable Southern Arizona for all. This past year, Tim became involved with the Elder Alliance and The Arizona End of Life Care Partnership (EOLCP), organizations anchored at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. The Elder Alliance is a broad collaboration of non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, community partners and age 50+ residents. Guided by the voices of elders, Elder Alliance advocates and designs solutions that improve the quality of life for all and work to ensure older adults thrive, and play a role in shaping livable communities for all ages in Pima County. EOLCP is a collaborative partnership dedicated to creating a comprehensive network of end of life care support and resources in Tucson and Southern Arizona. EOLCP community partners provide direct services including advance care planning workshops; hospice and palliative services; education and events that honor diverse cultures; faiths and communities; bereavement and grief support; and assisted living. Tim has become an active member in both organizations to ensure that inclusive and effective support is available for all older adults in Southern Arizona. “Not only does UW support important social service non-profit organizations, but also hosts important community organizing activities. I hope Tucson can become a model for what a healthy, prosperous and just community looks like and I admire the community organizing United Way of Tucson does to help connect the pieces to ensure a more equitable Southern Arizona."