Action Teams support the Policy Board's purpose of serving as a unifying structure that brings together common interests and collective resources to foster effective collaboration, communication, education, and direction of efforts that help build and sustain a livable community for successful aging. Action Teams spearhead new initiatives in support of JCLC’s mission, and address a specific area of need related to successful aging. Action teams can be ongoing initiatives or they may form to address a short-term issue and then disband. Committees are created by the Policy Board with the primary purpose of promoting and supporting the organizational structure and initiatives of the Policy Board.  

Caregiving ad hoc Committee

The Livable Community Caregiving ad hoc Committee was formed in May 2016 to address the shortage of caregivers, both formal (such as Certified Nursing Assistants, Certified Medication Aides, Restorative Aides, Homemaker Health Aides) and informal (uncertified aides, many times a spouse, child, or neighbor who provides basic care in the home).

We are seeking others interested in creating ideas and solutions to help solve the caregiver shortage. The Caregiving ad hoc Committee would like to identify the needs of caregivers in our community and take action on how to address those needs.

The group typically meets bimonthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 2:30PM. If you are interested in joining the Caregiving Committee, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 or go to the Events Calendar for meeting information.

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee develops publicity and resource materials, press releases, oversees website policies, and provides branding direction.

The Communications Committee helps the Livable Community Policy Board and Action Teams inform the community about overall goals and efforts, publicizes events and activities, and disseminates informational resources for successful aging throughout the community. 

Communications Committee members work with the Livable Community Aging Specialist to coordinate and contribute articles to our free monthly newsletter, which is sent electronically and found online.

If you are interested in joining the Communications Committee, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 or go to the Events Calendar for meeting information.

Executive Committee

The Livable Community Executive Committee meets bimonthly and consists of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and immediate Past-Chair. The Executive Committee drafts meeting agendas and meeting minutes, prepares an annual budget for consideration by the Policy Board, and oversees and monitors the Administrative Specialist. Additionally, Executive Committee members attend Executive Committee meetings, participate in the Livable Community Speaker’s Bureau, and assist in the recruitment of Action Team and Committee members. The Executive Committee may create an ad hoc committee for the purpose of fund development or any other ad-hoc committee, as needed.

If you are interested in attending an Executive Committee meeting, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 or go to the Events Calendar for meeting information.

Falls Prevention Team

While falls occur at all ages, the consequences for older adults are especially costly, including loss of independence and mobility. When a senior falls, the impact can extend to family members, employers, health care systems, and the community. Reducing the risk of falls calls for a community effort-everyone can do something to help prevent falls.

Today, through volunteer members and the Johnson County service provider community the JCLC Falls Prevention Action Team continuously develops and supports programs, services and outreach efforts including, but not limited to Matter of Balance, Sure Steps, Tai Chi, Stepping On, and JCLC Falls Prevention Resource Fair. 

History of Falls Prevention Action Team

The need for a falls prevention effort was suggested to the Johnson County Livable Community Policy Board by Suellen Novotny. In response, JCLC volunteers formed a Falls Prevention Action Team. A subcommittee focused on options to form a collaborative coalition, develop a project plan, and secure funding. The Sure Steps Coalition grew out of this Action Team’s efforts. Sure Steps is a community-based falls prevention effort to inform Johnson County residents about the costs and risk factors associated with falls, and to encourage utilization of prevention steps and services available for seniors. In 2010, the Sure Steps coalition was awarded funding from the Wellmark Foundation for a two-year project to develop and implement a self-sustaining falls prevention effort in Johnson County.

The Falls Prevention Action Team continues to carry out what began as the Sure Steps falls prevention outreach program in Johnson County. through its volunteer members and the Johnson County service provider community. Falls Prevention is now a focus of state and national efforts. Sure Steps focuses on four key areas: Physical Activity, Medication Review, Vision Checks, and Home Safety.

If you are interested in joining the Falls Prevention Committee, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 or go to the Events Calendar for meeting information.

Housing Action Team

Affordability, accessibility, and availability of adequate housing options are key components of a livable community.  The Livable Community Housing Action Team leads collaborative efforts to ensure these important components remain available for older residents of Johnson County.

The Housing Action Team is in charge of the Aging in Place series.

If you are interested in joining the Housing Action Team, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 or go to the Events Calendar for meeting information.

Transportation Team

The Livable Community Transportation Action Team works to help seniors maintain independence in transportation.

Some of successes have included

The Transportation Action Team partnered with RSVP (a program of Elder Services, Inc.), Coralville Transit, Iowa City Transit, Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and SEATS to create the Medical Transportation Program, which offers affordable transportation to vital medical appointments. This volunteer program is for individuals in Iowa City, Coralville, University Heights, North Liberty and Tiffin who cannot navigate any form of public transportation.

Creating an inventory of transportation services and creating a guide which identified metro area service providers to provide contact information for those serving the rural Johnson County community.

This Action Team is not currently meeting. If you are interested in becoming a chair for this committee, please contact Jeff Kellbach, Aging Specialist at 319-356-6090.

Nominating Committee

Convenes annually to recommend Executive slate of officers.