Valley Community Foundation Underscores Importance of Aging in Place

Panel of local leaders and public health experts addresses the challenges, barriers and opportunities facing this growing group.

November 20, 2025
A woman with glasses and long brown hair speaks into a microphone. A man with glasses in a pink blazer sits to her right. Both are at a table with name cards.
The Valley Community Foundation hosted a learning session on "Aging in Place" for Valley seniors at the Seymour Community Center. Pictured are Lisa Trupp, health educator, Naugatuck Valley Health District; and David Morgan, President & CEO, TEAM Inc. Valley Independent Sentinel/Jean Falbo-Sosnovich Photo

On November 19, 2025, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) hosted a learning session on Aging in Place in the Valley. The panel discussion featured local leaders and public health experts who addressed the challenges, barriers and opportunities facing this growing group, representing 20 percent of the Valley’s 140,000 residents. 

VCF President and CEO Sharon Closius emphasized the importance of allowing local seniors to stay in their homes.

“Aging in place means so much more than just staying at home,” added Mary McNelis, Seymour’s Director of Community Services. “It’s about having a purpose, health and wellness support and social conversation.”

Read more in the Valley Independent Sentinel story, "Valley Seniors Talk Aging In Place."

Four pages of a community newsletter titled “CONNECTIONS” are spread out. The pages feature articles, photos of people at events, and colorful section headers on topics like opportunity, equity, leadership, and health.

This story is part of The Community Foundation newsletter, Connections - No. 3, 2025.