The New Jersey Department of Human Services has awarded $2.2 million in grants to local governments and community organizations to develop age-friendly initiatives and implement recommendations from the state’s Age-Friendly Blueprint. The funding aims to make communities more inclusive, enhance mobility, and support aging in place for older residents across the state.
“Strategies from the Age-Friendly Blueprint are now being put into action, creating more livable and inclusive communities for residents of all ages,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “These projects are an important step toward making New Jersey a place where people can age with dignity while remaining engaged in their communities.”
The Age-Friendly Communities grants—$70,000 each—were awarded to 17 local governments, including Cherry Hill, Edison, Lakewood, Princeton, Sussex County, and Verona, among others. These funds will support community partnerships, needs assessments, and action plans to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
Additionally, 10 organizations received $100,000 Age-Friendly Project grants to fund programs that address key challenges such as transportation, senior wellness, social isolation, home modifications, and workforce inclusivity.
Grant Recipients and Initiatives
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ – Recruiting 40 older adult mentors (55+) to foster intergenerational relationships through its Community-Based Mentoring Program.
- Bound Brook Borough – Launching a Senior Fitness & Wellness Program with exercise, mindfulness, and educational workshops to enhance health and social connections.
- EZ Ride – Expanding wheelchair-accessible transportation services and developing a mobile app to improve flexibility and accessibility for seniors statewide.
- Healthy People Worldwide – Establishing Bonding Through Brushstrokes, a therapeutic art program connecting older adults and young mothers to combat social isolation in Union County.
- Jewish Federation of Southern NJ – Expanding the Senior Rides program, providing subsidized, reliable transportation for seniors to access health, wellness, and social activities.
- Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs – Implementing the Brightening the Path program, which will engage isolated seniors through cultural activities and social events.
- New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) – Recruiting 12–15 employers to participate in the Certified Age-Friendly Employer (CAFE) Program, promoting workplace inclusivity for older workers.
- New Jersey Travel Independence Program (NJTIP) at Rutgers – Educating seniors in Passaic County on navigating public and community transit to enhance mobility.
- North Ocean Habitat for Humanity – Funding critical home repairs and aging-in-place modifications for low-income seniors in Ocean County.
- Paramus Borough – Expanding senior wellness programming at the Joseph Cipolla Senior Activity Center and implementing ADA accessibility improvements.
Advancing Age-Friendly Strategies in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Age-Friendly Blueprint, developed under Executive Order No. 227 by Governor Phil Murphy, outlines strategies to make the state a leader in aging innovation. Key priorities include:
- Expanding age-friendly municipalities and counties
- Integrating aging into public policies
- Improving access to long-term care and supportive services
- Promoting financial security and social inclusion for older adults
“We all have a role in making New Jersey a more age-friendly state,” said Division of Aging Services Assistant Commissioner Louise Rush. “I encourage anyone interested to read the Blueprint and explore ways to contribute.”
