Southington Dementia Advocacy Initiative Earns Major Honor

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A locally-based program encouraging support for those with dementia and the aged was honored by a statewide organization on aging.

The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative announced Friday the recipients of its first-ever "Wellspring Awards."

The four recipients were selected for fostering aging, dementia and disability inclusivity in Connecticut.

"Dementia-Friendly Southington" was honored for its "comprehensive effort to support people experiencing cognitive change, especially through training of municipal staff and community partners," reads the announcement.

The initiative saw local agencies and businesses receive training on being "dementia friendly," including: the Southington Public Library; Southington's police and fire departments; and multiple other businesses and organizations.

The awards were set up to recognize efforts to support this community.

“As we all live longer and healthier lives, it’s more important than ever before to celebrate policies, projects and initiatives that plan intentionally with an aging, dementia and disability lens,” said June Renzulli, chairperson of the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative’s Steering Committee and a retired nonprofit and philanthropy leader. ­­­"We are thrilled to share the inspiring work of our Wellspring Award recipients.”

Recipients will be recognized at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the "Sharing and Celebration Summit to Honor Community Excellence," hosted by the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative and the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity.

At the event, the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative will release its third municipal resource guide, highlighting the work of the 2023 Wellspring Award recipients as case studies.

Legislators will share statewide policy perspectives as part of a reflection panel.

“Fostering more inclusive places doesn’t just help Connecticut residents who are already aging, living with dementia or living with a disability. It helps all of us, both for our future selves, and also right now, with more just, equitable communities for everyone,” said Alyssa Norwood, director of the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative. “This year’s Wellspring Award recipients are incredible thought leaders.”

Other groups honored were: Age-Friendly Glastonbury; Thrive 55+ Active Living Center, Groton; and Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, the first Connecticut university to join the Age-Friendly University Global Network.

For more information on "Dementria Friendly Southington," click on this link.

For more information on the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative, click on this link.

For more information on the "Sharing and Celebration Summit to Honor Community Excellence," click on this link.