IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION declaring May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Jackson County, Missouri, and recognizing the contributions of older adults under the theme “Flip the Script on Aging.”
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21923, May 5, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, DaRon McGee, Jalen Anderson, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, since 1963, the United States has recognized the month of May as Older Americans Month, honoring the contributions, resilience, and achievements of older citizens across the nation; and,
WHEREAS, the Administration for Community Living has established the theme for Older Americans Month 2025 as “Flip the Script on Aging,” urging communities to challenge ageist stereotypes and embrace the dynamic roles of older adults in society; and,
WHEREAS, older adults in Jackson County significantly enrich our civic, cultural, spiritual, and economic life, contributing wisdom, volunteer service, leadership, and historical perspective; and,
WHEREAS, Jackson County affirms its commitment to initiatives and partnerships that promote the health, dignity, independence, and well-being of its aging population, including those that allow older adults to age in place; and,
WHEREAS, in November 2024, Jackson County voters overwhelmingly approved “Question 1,” a dedicated senior services property tax levy of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation, projected to raise approximately $8 million annually to fund essential programs such as Meals on Wheels, medical transportation, in-home support, and caregiver relief for residents aged 60 and older; and,
WHEREAS, the successful passage of this initiative was the result of a two-year advocacy effort led by KC Shepherd’s Center (KCSC), under the leadership of Executive Director Janet Baker, in collaboration with a coalition of over 50 community organizations committed to improving the quality of life for Jackson County’s aging population; and,
WHEREAS, KC Shepherd’s Center founded in Jackson County in 1972, honors our elders by celebrating, empowering and serving older adults, and continues to provide invaluable services to help seniors live independent safe, healthy and socially connected lives in the place they call home, advocates for public policy and funding to support ALL seniors and leads community-building efforts on behalf of older residents in Jackosn County; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature encourages all residents, civic groups, and
institutions to recognize, support, and engage with older adults, and to participate in activities that promote inclusion, dignity, and thriving at every stage of life; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature hereby recognizes and celebrates May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Jackson County, with the national theme “Flip the Script on Aging.”
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21923 of May 5, 2025, was duly passed on May 5, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______9__________ Nays _____0______
Abstaining ____0_______ Absent _____0_______
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature