by Cynthia Germain

Giving Tuesday is more than just a day on the calendar—it’s a movement that invites each of us to step up and make a difference. With so many causes to support, from rescuing animals to empowering young people, there’s a place for everyone to donate their time, talent, or money. At Do Good Door County, our focus is on aging—an issue that touches every life in some way, whether through parents, grandparents, and even ourselves as we grow older.

We are grateful for the incredible support we’ve received over the last year. It’s that support that fuels our work and makes it possible to launch initiatives that improve the quality of life for older adults in Door County. Funding from various sources has helped us to accomplish so much:

• MatchUp Program: Our initiative to connect older adults with vetted employers has been a resounding success, filling a critical gap in the community. And we’re thrilled to announce that MatchUp will return next year, bigger and better than ever!
  
• Vitality in Aging: This project, funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, has allowed us to explore innovative ways to promote social, physical, and nutritional health. As the first endeavor concludes in February 2025, we’re partnering with St. Norbert College’s Strategic Research Institute to evaluate the data. Much like the excellent work that SRI did on the Age-in-Place Survey, this assessment will provide invaluable insights for future programs.
  
• Village Movement: The village concept—neighbors helping neighbors to support aging in place—is flourishing in Door County. Senior Advocacy for Independent Living (SAIL) has officially launched to serve Sister Bay and Liberty Grove community members. Meanwhile, a grassroots effort called Lake to Bay Neighbors is gaining traction south of Sister Bay. This new initiative brings the same spirit of support to the middle Door region, ensuring that all older adults in our community have the resources they need to thrive in the place they call home.
  
• Aging Coalition of Door County: We are particularly grateful for the collaboration among the members of ACDC which has not only strengthened the Vitality in Aging project but also expanded community outreach efforts. One highlight was partnering with Third Avenue Playworks to host an event that underscored the importance of intergenerational connections—a cornerstone of a vibrant, age-friendly community.
  
• Age-Friendly Initiative: And speaking of Age Friendly, we are making inroads into the 8 Domains of Livability. Through this initiative, we’ve utilized the AARP Livable Communities Public Space Audit process to assess parks and public spaces across Door County. These audits have allowed us to identify areas for improvement and advocate for changes that make Door County more accessible and welcoming for residents of all ages.

And that’s not all. Behind the scenes, new initiatives are simmering on the stove. While we can’t share all the details just yet, we promise there are exciting developments on the horizon. Keep an eye on us—we’re just getting started!

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help us continue this important work. Your gift makes a direct impact, allowing us to launch new programs, expand existing ones, and address the growing needs of Door County’s aging population. Your support on Giving Tuesday ensures that we can keep our mission alive. Donate today and be part of this exciting journey.