Council Bluffs IA– Officials with Connections Area Agency on Aging say they’ve teamed up with USAging and Ring, on a new community initiative to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Ring is donating up to 500 Ring Video Doorbells and Stick Up Cams and a free subscription for the life for each device. On May 1st, USAging announced the national collaboration with Ring that included the donation of 5,000 Ring devices, including Ring Video Doorbells and Stick-Up Cams, and a free subscription for the life of each device to 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) located across the country. Connections AAA is one of the recipients of this donation and will be receiving 500 devices.

Connections AAA CEO Kelly Butts-Elston says they are honored to be one of ten agencies nationwide selected to participate in this impactful program. She says “It’s a privilege to be part of a program that will greatly enhance the health and well-being of older Iowans.” Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging says “Ring technology meets the critical needs of older adults by providing an additional layer of security and enabling them to see who is at their door. This partnership between Ring and Area Agencies on Aging will ensure that these devices reach the older adults who need them most, allowing them to age safely in their homes and communities.”

To celebrate the launch of this partnership, Connections AAA will host Ribbon Cutting and Open House events at each of their three western Iowa locations. The events are open to the public, and the Iowa Legal Aid Justice Bus will be present to share legal information and assist with on-site intakes. Additionally, applications for the Ring program will be available at the events.

Open House locations, dates and times are as follows:

Sioux City, Connections office 2301 Pierce St.; Monday, September 16th, Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 PM

Creston, Connections office 109 North Elm St; Wednesday, September 18th, Ribbon Cutting at 10:00 AM

Council Bluffs, Connections office 231 S Main St; Wednesday, September 25th, Ribbon Cutting at 1:00 PM

Refreshments will be available. Connections AAA will distribute devices on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible older residents.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Must be 60 or older.
• Must have Wi-Fi.
• Must have a smart phone that can download the Ring App.
• Must have access to an email address to set up their Ring Account.