AARP Eye Center
One of the core tenants of AARP's Livable Communities initiative is providing everyone, regardless of ability, the opportunity to age safely and securely in their own homes. In Jacksonville, a local nonprofit — The Arc — believes the same. This organization is making incredible strides in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, and they are one of 10 winners of the 2025 Community Challenge grant program in Florida!
The Arc has a whopping 15 different programs throughout the city of Jacksonville, all with the goal of helping individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible. Some of their most notable accomplishments include six group homes and one independent living community — The Village — near Jacksonville Beach, where residents can live and age with necessary support at their fingertips.
"For many, these group homes are their permanent living arrangement," explains Lacey Rumberger Ray, Vice President of Advancement at The Arc, Jacksonville. "We have residents that have lived there for 20-30 years. The Arc is their family, and we want them to be able to age in place in our homes for as long as possible."
The Arc Jacksonville Village
The Village Sign
The Arc, Jacksonville
The Village Bird's Eye View
The Village Bird's Eye View
The Arc, Jacksonville
Community Center of The Village
Community Center of The Village
The Arc, Jacksonville
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Single Family Home at The Village
The Arc, Jacksonville
Group Home in Jacksonville
Group Home in Jacksonville
The Arc, Jacksonville
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The Arc, Jacksonville
So, how will The Arc achieve this task? By using AARP's Community Challenge grant funds to adapt these services, making them safer and stronger for their residents. Rumberger Ray and The Arc team will be making modifications to each group home, like installing door alarms for residents fighting dementia, assessing and placing fall prevention modifications, and much more.
"When you think about it, it's difficult for anyone to have to move away from their homes or have a drastic change in routine. It is especially the case for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities." says Ray.
Ray and her team view this grant opportunity as a way to further comfort local families and show them that support is available for their loved ones with disabilities.
"We ask our families what keeps them up at night, and the number one thing that they say is, 'As I age and my child ages, how am I going to support them on the same level as I am today?'", expresses Ray. "We are here to let them know that they are not alone, and we will continue to improve our services and support to help them."
AARP Florida will be following up with Lacey and The Arc in a few months to see how their efforts are progressing! Stay tuned for more, and visit AARP.org/FLLivable for more information on the Community Challenge Grant program.
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