Our Mission
To identify, develop and coordinate resources, policies, programs and services
that support and empower all residents of Maplewood and South Orange
to age in place as full members of the community.
Recognizing the increasing number of residents over 60 and the desire to keep long-term residents in our communities, South Orange and Maplewood (SOMA) launched "Two Towns for All Ages." Under this new initiative, SOMA is taking a proactive approach to foster healthy aging and enable residents to age in place.
This age-friendly initiative engages all stakeholders in the community - government, businesses, schools, non-profits and faith-based organizations - to build a community that serves the needs of residents of all ages. To ensure programs and services in our two towns meet these important goals we strive/pledge/commit to:
- Be responsive to the needs of older residents.
- Combine the resources and interests of both towns to build a synergistic relationship that promotes and supports healthy, engaged and vibrant aging.
- Recognize the role older adults play in our communities and their contributions to the fabric of our diverse community.
- Realize that improvements that benefit the older population also benefit the rest of our community.
- Encourage older adults to engage in the conversation and be responsive to their concerns.
Both towns are committed to the long-term continuity and sustainability of the SOMA Two Towns for All Ages initiative.
Upcoming Events
Please click the Corona virus tab above for links, information and resources related to the corona virus
Dear Seniors,
As the corona virus disruptions continue, please see the dedicated page (tab above) for up to date information. At this point, assume all activities and events through April 23 are cancelled until further notice. The town halls are operating but online or by phone. If you need anything you would have gone to townhall for, check out their website or call.
South Orange: www.southorang.org, (973) 378-7715
Maplewood: www.twp.maplewood.nj.us , (973) 762-8120
The senior bus services are suspended. Seniors needing transportation to shopping or doctor's appointments can use a special Gogo Grandparent code, "SOMA Seniors" for a free ride. See the transportation page for instructions or can call (973) 558-0863 for arrangements.
South Orange and Maplewood announce the COVID-19: SOMA Senior Support Fund
As our community takes necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we want to take special steps to support some of our older residents. Our older South Orange and Maplewood residents are the most vulnerable to this disease .
If you are an older resident in need of assistance, please fill out the contact form on this page, or call (973) 558-0863. All information will be kept confidential
The Census in Coming! - Check your mailbox
Now more than ever, the importance of the census is clear. Your responses are used for public programs, allocation of funds, and more. Your postcard with an ID number for your household should have arrived You can respond as soon as you receive it. If you have questions, go to https://2020census.gov.
If you are asked for information like your social security number or bank account number, this is NOT the official U.S. 2020 Census, and may be fraud. For more information, go to https://2020census.gov/en/avoiding-fraud.html
Proud member of the AARP Network of Livable Communities
Events
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- Mar 31 2020 9:30 am - Caregivers Support Group
- Apr 2 2020 12:00 pm - CANCELLEDCongregate Lunch / Kosher Nutrition Program
- Apr 2 2020 1:00 pm - South Orange Lecture Series- South Orange Library
Support
SOMA Two towns for all ages is supported through the generosity of
The Grotta Fund for Senior Care