Community Care Networks

Strong, informal networks of care are essential for aging with dignity and staying connected—especially in communities where access to formal services is limited. We support caregivers and local community organizations working to strengthen these systems of support.

Through initiatives like Ties That Bind, which offers resources for relatives raising children, and Circles of Care, which provides direct, community-led support for older adults and caregivers, we help expand trusted, community-based networks that respond to local needs and reflect the relationships that help people thrive.

Current Work Supporting Community Care and Connection

Care Network Capacity Building

Building care network capacity means strengthening local systems of support for older adults and caregivers, especially in rural communities. One active model is AGE+’s  Circles of Care program in The Dalles—a community-led effort that brings people together in small, trusted networks shaped by local needs. Whether it’s coordinating rides, offering regular check-ins, or sharing caregiving responsibilities, Circles of Care fosters connection, reliability, and mutual support. Many volunteers are older adults themselves, and each circle offers meaningful ways for them to give back and stay engaged in their communities. Click for more.

Ties That Bind

This model supports relatives, most often grandparents, who are raising children when parents are unable to. This model offers connection, resources, and peer support to help caregivers navigate complex systems and create stable, nurturing homes for the children in their care. Click for more.