The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is an individualized evidence-based program delivered through sessions over a five month period by a trained coach in-person or virtually. It is designed to reduce depressive symptoms and social isolation in older adults. Sessions build the participants’ confidence in their ability to improve their emotional health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

In North Carolina, more than 1 in 6 adults identify as caregivers and 356,000 caregivers are providing care to those living with Alzheimer’s, which equates to over $7.26 billion in unpaid care annually (NCMJ). NC Division of Aging piloted a program called the NC Caregiver Portal, a vir­tual caregiving resource that caregivers can access from the comfort of their homes to address the many complex needs and challenges caregivers face.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed learning community dedicated to promoting lifelong learning, leadership, community service, and research. OLLI’s goal is to enable our members to thrive in life’s second half and offers a wide range of programs, organized by our staff, volunteers and community partners, to engage with our members and community.

SeniorNet is a nonprofit group dedicated to bridging the divide between older adults and technology. SeniorNet is passionate about helping older adults take advantage of new technology that can improve their quality of life, reduce isolation and engage in new and interesting ways. They provide online support, technology training, and more for older adults.

The NeuroLOGIC Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality care activities to the Alzheimer's Disease community. Through these events, we strive to inspire hope and support individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. We are committed to serving this community with acts of kindness.

Through the Trees is a non-profit aimed at bridging the digital divide in Western North Carolina. They subsidize monthly internet fees for low/no income households, refurbish computers, advocate for internet expansion and teach digital literacy.

ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, is an evidence-based training program that empowers individuals, organizations and communities to work together to help keep people safe from suicide. The training teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and how to support their immediate safety. This training is included in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) evidence-based intervention registry and used in crisis centers across country.

Increasing Connection, Reducing Suicide Risk. Even though older adults are at the highest risk of suicide (based on age group), they’re the least likely to receive suicide preventions services. Project HOPEFUL volunteers providing home-delivered meals in NC will be trained in how to listen, form meaningful connections with older adults, and respond to crises when needed.

Home and community-based service providers, like the nutrition programs funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA), are able to offer support and connections that can reduce risk of suicide. Similar to Project HOPEFUL, the BE WITH program employs nutrition service volunteers to provide phone reassurance to older adults. Preliminary results show that BE WITH reduced social isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicidal desire.