Kick off with Ring Ribbon Cutting At Connections Area Agency on Aging

For Immediate Release
09/01/2024
Contact: Aubury Krueger-Kutchara
akrueger@connectionsaaa.org
800-432-9209 ex .8132
 
Connections Area Agency on Aging Announces Initiative Kick-off with Ring to Help Older Americans Age Well at Home and in the Community. 
 
Council Bluffs IA-- Connections Area Agency on Aging has 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 is honored to be one of ten agencies nationwide selected to participate in this impactful program. "We are thrilled to be a grantee for this initiative. It's a privilege to be part of a program that will greatly enhance the health and well-being of older Iowans," said Kelly Butts-Elston, CEO of Connections Area Agency on Aging.

"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," said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. "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."

“Since 2021, we’ve supported with AAAs throughout the country and have learned how eager older adults are to use technology that is accessible, convenient, and helps increase please of mind as they age independently at home,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Amazon Devices & Services.  “We are proud to support 10 additional AAAs’ and provide Ring technology for older adults in each community.  We look forward to collaborating and learning alongside the AAAs’ and ensuring that Amazon technology continue to support the needs of all users.”

To celebrate the launch of this partnership, Connections AAA will host Ribbon Cutting and Open House events at each of our locations. These 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.

**Event Details:**
 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
 
We invite the community to join us in kicking off this exciting partnership.  Refreshments will be available.

Program Overview:
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.