The Council On Older Persons (COOP) serves as an advisory committee for The Center for Community Solutions. We are a resource to support communities, organizations, and institutions to promote the well-being of older adults through education, awareness and advocacy.
Our work aims to identify and study concerns of older persons that can be addressed through public policy; educate the community about these issues; recommend action strategies to impact them; and implement strategies approved by COOP members. Our members are not only leaders; they also serve as mentors for individuals new to this field.
We are committed to to fostering interest, cultivating dedication, and enhancing engagement and awareness of the interconnectedness between community well-being and older adults.
About COOP
Mission
Promote a better understanding of aging and address the issues and concerns of older persons with disabilities in Greater Cleveland through citizen-led needs assessment, policy development, community education, and advocacy.
Vision
Older adults and persons with disabilities are recognized as community assets and priority stakeholders who make essential contributions to the local economy, enhance the social fabric of the community and add value to the human services sector.
Members
We are thought leaders in the aging and disability network who come together to develop strategies, lead advocacy efforts and implement solutions.
Older adults' economic impact
Retiring business owners will sell or bequeath $10 trillion worth of assets over the next two decades. Almost 15% of the U.S. workforce (or 6.4 million workers) are age 60+, providing immeasurable wisdom and experiences to fellow employees.
Over 319,260 adults age 60+ live in Cuyahoga County, making up 25.8 percent of the population. More than 60% of adults age 55+ engage in some volunteer activity, contributing service and knowledge.
Almost 79.5% of those age 65+ own their homes, generating income and property tax revenue.
Social contributions of older adults
Older adults maintain historical and institutional memory and provide wisdom in decision-making, often shaped by their lived experience. High civic engagement, organizational leadership, engagement to drive high voter turnout makes them some of the most informed and active members of a community.
COOP Committee Chairs
- Chair—Marsha Blanks | Consultant
- Michael Billnitzer | Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP)
Program Committee
- De'Neitra Brown | Neighborhood Centers Association
- Simone McNitt | Encore Employment Enterprise
Legislative Committee
- Kendra Daniel | Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
- Maridell Couture | Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services
Nominating and Mentorship Committee
- Lisa Weitzman | The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging
- Siyue Xu | University Hospitals
Questions? Contact Jason Kluk-Barany at jkbaray@communitysolutions.com
