City and nonprofit celebrate partnership

On Wednesday, December 13, members of the Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) Board will meet with Sisters’ city councilors to review five years of successful collaboration.

Thanks to the support and endorsement of both Mayor Ryan in 2019 and current Mayor Michael Preedin, the City of Sisters has been an active partner in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Livable Communities. This national network of states, urban cities, and rural communities works collectively to share ideas and implement projects that positively impact the well-being of community members of all ages.

Of the 13 Oregon communities currently enrolled in the Network, Sisters is the only one east of the Cascades. The AFSC and its STARS Action Team have been recognized as a statewide model to showcase how collaborations with the City of Sisters, AARP, regional funders, and local volunteers can provide transportation options to Sisters Country residents who need rides to nonemergency medical services.

City of Sisters and AFSC collaborations:

2019: Sisters joined the WHO/AARP Network of Age-Friendly/Livable Cities. First city east of the Cascades.

2020: AFSC’s first Action Team, STARS, began its medical transportation services – launched in March, when COVID-19 began.

2021: STARS continues its work, providing medical rides during COVID.

2022: AFSC works with City staff and community volunteers to update 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Age Friendly Goals are highlighted in the Livability section. This was accepted as Sisters’ “action plan,” and its membership in the AF Network was renewed until December 2023.

2023: Sisters and AFSC were recognized at the AARP 2023 Age-Friendly Oregon Summit. The AFSC received the 2023 Age-Friendly Oregon Community Champion Award and $1,500 from AARP.

Age Friendly Sisters Country shares the AARP 2023 Age-Friendly Oregon Community Champions Award with the City Council and City staff members who have supported this effort since the beginning, and looks forward to more successful collaboration in the years ahead.