Christian City, Inc., a local nonprofit with a 500-acre campus designed to uplift vulnerable children, adults and seniors, today announced the organization has received a $600,000 federal grant to provide older adults living in the metro Atlanta area with the resources and support they need for chronic disease self-management. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), which funds programs that allow older adults and those with disabilities to be active members of their communities.  

As part of the ACL’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Grant Program, Christian City is one of only eight organizations across the country that have received this funding, which will be used to engage older adults and those with disabilities in evidence-based programs to manage their chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain and depression. The program is overseen in conjunction with the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The help will be provided to older adults living in metro Atlanta, including residents at Christian City’s campus in Union City and members of the Metro Atlanta YMCA and the National Church Residences. 

 “We are thrilled to receive this grant that will enable us to expand Christian City’s existing services for older adults. It’s important to empower our older adults and those with disabilities to take control of their lives and live fuller, healthier and more vibrant lifestyles as they age — especially following the impact of the pandemic,” said Tyler Garcia, project director and Director of Campus Recreation at Christian City. 

The grant will primarily support seniors in underserved populations or geographic areas. Christian City’s goal is to engage 970 participants across three evidence-based programs by May 2027. The programs offered include Better Choices, Better Health, Enhance Wellness, and Geri-Fit. Descriptions of each evidence-based program are below:

• Better Choices, Better Health is an online program that provides support for people with chronic conditions and gives them the tools to have better health and emotional support.

• Enhance Wellness connects participants with a personal health and wellness coach to improve physical, social, and emotional well-being.

• Geri-Fit is a health promotion and chronic disease self-management support program that is designed exclusively for older adults to help rebuild strength that’s been lost through the aging process.

“There’s a crucial need for supportive programming that prepares our aging adult population to enter a new, unfamiliar life stage and retain their independence,” said Keith Horton, CEO at Christian City. “As we raise awareness about the chronic diseases that overwhelmingly impact this demographic, we are emphasizing agency by providing them with the knowledge they need to self-manage these illnesses on their own terms.” 

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in America, with six out of 10 older adults living with at least one chronic disease. According to a recent report from the National Library of Medicine, the number of the adult population aged 50 or older with at least one chronic illness is projected to increase by 99.5% by 2050. 

Christian City’s fast-growing, multigenerational campus is home to an affordable active senior living community for adults age 65+, which includes 287 subsidized apartments and 212 life-lease patio homes. An on-campus healthcare facility, operated by PruittHealth, features 150 assisted living units and a 200-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. 

To learn more about Christian City, visit www.christiancity.org.