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Livable Communities has launched the Next Stage Network, a new information and education program. It is designed to connect people to dynamic experiences within all areas of living: economic, social, health, spiritual, vocational, environmental and cultural. It has  been designed with the unique interests of Westchester County's diverse population in mind and based on responses to our Next Stage Network eSurvey. The Next Stage Network will help you prepare for and take an active role in your future.

Learn about the Most Recent Next Stage Network events.

You can review other lists below that offer a wide range events.

For more information, call (914) 813-6441 or e-mail .

The pioneering Livable Communities Collaboratives for Aging Services initiative aims to deliver services to the county’s older residents and reduce costs to the agencies, organizations and businesses that provide them. Collaborative members come from public and private agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses and the community.

The collaboratives advocate for change in 18 areas that affect seniors and their families through extensive research and education for the general public.

Those areas are long-term care, elder law and economic security, transportation and mobility management, caregiving, hunger, Alzheimer’s/dementia, palliative care, veterans, sustaining the age-friendly Livability Communities approach, elder abuse, health and wellness and medical advocacy /health insurance. Additional areas of focus are housing, education, intergenerational programs, mental health, technology, disaster planning and the Westchester Disability Advocacy Partnership.

The collaborative project is an initiative of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

For more information, contact Colette Phipps – (914) 813-6441 or

Are you 55 or older with chronic conditions? If so, the free Health for Life Program (HeLP) offers you a sensible and enjoyable way to enhance your quality of life by showing you how to manage your chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, pain, depression and diabetes.

HeLP empowers you through a greater understanding of physical activity, healthy eating and stress management. You’ll learn about managing your medications correctly and improving communication with health care providers and family. By practicing decision-making techniques and action plans, you’ll be more confident about taking control of your life.

The program takes place for two-and-a-half hours a week for six weeks at community-based locations such as houses of worship, senior centers, nonprofit organizations and housing developments throughout Westchester.

HeLP follows a model developed at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. It is a nationwide program that has been in existence for more than 20 years, with proven benefits for the participants.

For more information and to learn when HeLP information sessions and workshops will be presented in your area, contact Marikay Capasso at or
(914) 813-6427.

Volunteers are needed throughout Westchester County to provide free rides to older adults, age 60 or more, who reside in Westchester and need help getting to the doctor, shopping mall, hairdresser, the homes of friends and family or a number of other activities that require transportation.

RideConnect, a service administered by Family Services of Westchester (FSW) with support from Westchester County’s Department of Senior Program and Services (DSPS), is an informational, referral and volunteer based transportation program that began in 2010 as a means to provide services to older adults who are no longer driving. The mission of the program is to encourage independence and mobility for seniors by providing exceptional customer service and comprehensive transportation options.

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said: “Mobility is essential for helping seniors remain independent, stay healthy and be engaged in their community. Not being able to get out can cause many negative side effects and lead to isolation, depression and all sorts of problems.”

To volunteer as a RideConnect driver, individuals must be at least 21 years of age, enjoy working with older adults and have a valid driver’s license. No minimum time commitment is required and volunteers can sign up to drive as little, or as often as their schedule permits.

RideConnect provides hundreds of rides each week and demand for the service continues to increase. Sign up today to help seniors near you get around.

For additional information, to learn more about the program or to get involved as a volunteer, please contact Karen Ganis at (914) 864-0955 or .

Thank you for volunteering to take part in our Livable Communities Speakers Bureau.

Your expertise will prove valuable in helping to educate seniors and the general public who live in Westchester County and make a positive difference in their lives. We appreciate your support.