At Sage Collective®, 2024 has been a year of growth, preparation, and refining our approach to fostering vibrant living among older African Americans and their families. Over the past year, our team has worked diligently to develop impactful programming, build meaningful partnerships, and craft strategies to address the challenges faced by our community. From expanding content for the Sage Advice® blog to engaging with instructors and creating engaging YouTube videos, every step has brought us closer to achieving our mission.

As we reflect on the year and look forward, we recognize the importance that flexibility and strategic planning continue to play in our work, as we prepare to launch our Caregiver Support Program in January 2025 to align with the expansion of our Vibrant Learning Program. This unified approach maximizes our marketing resources while strengthening our outreach efforts to faith-based organizations — a cornerstone of our engagement strategy. Together, these programs address the needs of older African Americans and their caregivers, fostering intergenerational support, education, and empowerment.

Let’s dive deeper.

The Vibrant Learning Program is a technology-based initiative aimed at combating social isolation among older adults. Through weekly virtual classes, participants are equipped with tools to stay connected, engaged, and empowered. Whether it’s learning new skills, engaging in wellness activities, or participating in interactive discussions, these sessions are designed to enhance both mental and social well-being.

The Caregiver Support Program provides critical resources, knowledge, and emotional support to caregivers, who often balance the needs of older loved ones with other responsibilities. Through monthly workshops, a robust online resource library, and support networks, the program empowers caregivers to navigate the complexities of caregiving while prioritizing their own health and well-being.

Strengthening Community Connections
Building on the success of our collaboration with Chicago Commons and other Adult Day Services (ADS) programs, Sage Collective is deepening its reach within underserved communities. By integrating ADS clients and their caregivers into our programming, we aim to create a more cohesive and supportive environment that benefits both groups.

Faith-based organizations continue to play a vital role in our outreach strategy. Starting in January 2025, we will engage African American churches with strong senior ministries, inviting their members to join our programs. These efforts will be supported by in-person visits, bulletins, social media promotions, and a centralized registration process on the Sage Collective website.

Additionally, our Caregiver Support page is now live, offering a centralized hub for workshops, events, and resources. This page will be continuously updated with links to reliable articles, tools, and a monthly newsletter to keep participants engaged and informed between workshops.

A Clear Vision for 2025
As we step into 2025, Sage Collective is committed to fostering environments where older African Americans and their caregivers can thrive. By uniting our Vibrant Learning and Caregiver Support programs, we aim to address the holistic needs of families, from combating social isolation to providing essential caregiving resources.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and a steadfast focus on community engagement, Sage Collective will continue to build a future rooted in vibrant living, intergenerational support, and meaningful connections. We invite you to join us on this journey as we expand our impact and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our community.