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Do Good Door County is rooted in the knowledge gained by listening to Door County residents.  Taking the results of They is Us, the organization was formed.  In the Fall of 2022, we completed a survey in collaboration with St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute followed by community forums.  Here’s a few things we learned:

  • 86% of residents say that they want to stay in their Door County home for as long as possible.
  • More than one-third are not sure what they would do if they could not longer live on their own.
  • Two-thirds of residents know that they will need help in and around their home, such as snow removal and house repair/cleaning in order to stay in place.
  • Many residents feel that social activities and engagement in the community is as important as transportation and food access.
  • Not being able to drive, be otherwise immobile, have memory loss or a serious illness are primary concerns.
  • Being lonely, sad or depressed and concerns about being a burden are also at the top of people’s minds as they age.

Vitality in Aging

The Vitality in Aging Program was developed to promote the well-being of older adults in the Door County community, with a focus on social, physical, and nutritional health. It was piloted in Fall 2024-Winter 2025.

Vitality in Aging features a unique rewards system, reminiscent of the beloved S&H Green Stamps from earlier years. This nostalgic approach motivates participants to actively engage in maintaining and enhancing their social connections, physical activities, and dietary habits. Learn more about the Vitality in Aging program at https://youtu.be/3Iv2wrTeOx4.  This program is set to return to the community in 2026!

 

 

The Village Model

We have a vision of becoming a “Village” at the municipality and County level to be sure we can support each other as we age in the face of home care and trades shortages. The Village Model assures that older adults have access to services, activities and support to help them stay in their home and engaged in their community through a formalized volunteer network.

We are proud to help launch and sponsor SAIL, Senior Advocacy for Independent Living, currently providing services in Sister Bay, Liberty Grove, Baileys Harbor and Ephraim.  Other areas of Door County are in development. 

Watch a brief video about our efforts with the Village Model at https://youtu.be/WUxn3Z-6-AY.  View a recent research report about the impact of Villages on Heatlhy Aging here.

MatchUp Door County

The MatchUp Door County program connects local businesses with experienced individuals seeking part-time work.  Through an innovative matching process, the program helps job seekers find fulfilling part-time roles while supporting businesses in filling critical staffing gaps.

 It’s a community-driven effort to strengthen the local economy and create meaningful impact throughout Door County. To learn more about the MatchUp program, CLICK HERE and view a brief video at https://youtu.be/hR4sljN1SvA.

Match Up Door County Program Logo

Livable Community

The Livable Community initiative is a recognized effort by AARP that seeks to create communities that are inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, with a particular focus on the needs and preferences of older adults.

The initiative encourages active aging, social participation, and a high quality of life for seniors, involving various aspects such as accessible public spaces, transportation, housing, healthcare, social engagement, and community services.

We are actively pursuing collaborations to bring the Age-Friendly Community’s 8 Domains of Livability to all corners of Door County. Learn more about the Domains at our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKpU6SPLKNT4lOFxjjwuWv6tuHFAkgn

Intergenerational Events

Intergenerational events and initiatives bring people of different age groups together to learn from each other and share their experiences. These efforts have numerous benefits including:

  • Promoting social connections and reducing social isolation
  • Encouraging lifelong learning and positive role models
  • Fostering a sense of community and belonging
  • Improving health outcomes for all ages

Learn more at https://youtu.be/g–PIdJw5iA. We provide consulting services to help your next event or initiative is an intergenerational one. Contact us to help assure that everyone in Door County is included and engaged.

Training

We have a number of opportunities for training in your business or community that address older adult concerns such as socialization, service accessibility, and ageism. Check it this video about how to combat ageism in our community…https://youtu.be/-_-aXqO-MuI.

With over 20 years’ experience in both the aging and education arenas, Cynthia Germain, President of Do Good Door County, can customize training to bring programs that combine proven strategies with fresh ideas, giving you the tools to make a difference in lives of older adults in Door County.  Reach out to learn more.