Life: Act 2 is a pro-active response to the opportunities and challenges an exploding senior population brings to this community. In 1999, United Way of Northeast Florida's Board of Trustees authorized the formation of an Assessment Task Force, comprised of United Way volunteer leaders. In partnership with Jacksonville Community Coucil Inc. (JCCI), United Way researched 45 community issues and 18 target populations. The task force recommended United Way focus on "Senior Independent Living and Quality of Life." In April of 2002, United Way launched its senior initiative which became known as Life: Act 2 the following year.

According to social analysts, Northeast Florida's senior population is expected to grow by 66 percent in the next fifteen years. This population boom will bring with it exciting opportunities, but also challenges with regard to the increased demand for services. To increase awareness on these issues before they become critical, United Way proposed, and currently leads, the Northeast Florida Life: Act 2 Partnership Council. This council is comprised of public, private, and corporate funders of senior services.

United Way is focused on helping seniors remain independent and engaged by addressing the following:

• Integrate medical admission and discharge processes with our community's social service system.
• Elicit a culture shift in the way the Northeast Florida community views and values seniors.
• Strengthen the continuum of services available to our community's seniors.

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For more info, contact Jean Burhans, Director/Life: Act 2, at 904.390.3292