b'POST-PANDEMIC TRENDS The World Will Go GreenerCity. When operational this year, it will offset 50% of As climate change becomes one of the most pressing In many ways, COVID-19 changed us, and some of the effects may last for years. Other concerns likeconcerns for our future, businesses are finding ways the electrical needs for the entire Associated system, climate change will dominate our conversations as our society looks for solutions.to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability is at which includes its headquarters on Mt. Royal Avenue, the forefront of many organizations missions, and two Jewish Community Centers (JCC) and other owned Here are five trends that will define 2021 and beyond.The Associated made a conscious effort to go greenbuildings that house its many agencies.more than a decade ago.The Associated also extended its sustainability efforts That decision aligns with The Associateds missionto the greater community. Its Green Loan Fund provides which is deeply rooted in Jewish values of Tikkunup to $500,000 to other local nonprofits looking Olam, repairing the world. It drives the organizationsto improve their energy efficiency. And Pearlstone, Older Adults will Outnumber Childrencommitment to be good stewards of the environment.an Associated agency committed to sustainability, The older adult population is growing, and a study released by the U.S. Census Bureau two yearsAs part of these efforts, The Associated entered intois partnering with Neighborhood Sun to offer ago found that by 2030, one in five residents will be at retirement age. By 2034, in fact, the olderan agreement at the end of 2020 to have a solar farmhomeowners the opportunity to invest in solar without population will outnumber children under 18.constructed on a warehouse complex in Baltimoreadding rooftop panels to their houses.That means that the community must be committed to developing solutions for everything from independent and assisted living options to additional technology supportin order to make life easier for older adults.As part of this effort, The Associated launched AgeWell Baltimore, a one-stop resource to help older adults live safe, healthy and meaningful lives. A collaboration between The Associated and its agencies, CHAI, CHANA and Jewish Community Services, AgeWell Baltimore will offer older adults and their caregivers resources that support independence and promote healthy aging. Funded by the Russel family, AgeWell Baltimore includes an easy-to-navigate website featuring health and wellness resources and support services as well as volunteer and social opportunities. An AgeWell Specialist will help older adults connect to whatever they need. Mental Health Must Be Addressed Since the start of COVID-19, the world has seen anmust reduce barriers in accessing much-needed increase in the number of people struggling withclinical treatment for mental health conditions.their mental health. According to the Pew ResearchThe Associateds Jewish Community Services Center, roughly three out of every 14 U.S. adults are(JCS) is responding to these trends by building experiencing high levels of emotional distress sincenew prevention education and community the pandemic, further demonstrated by increasesprograms. Topics include a focus on re-entry in depression, substance abuse, post-traumaticanxiety and the challenges faced by individuals stress disorder (PTSD) and re-entry anxiety. and families struggling with substanceWith the demand for mental health services faruse disorders.exceeding the availability of providers,Similarly, by rapidly initiating telehealth to safely the future depends on continuedprovide needed services without interruption, access and flexibility in how care isJCS responded to the growing demand for access delivered as well as the way societyand flexibility in delivering mental health services. approaches mental health as a whole.In tandem, JCS applied for a grant to provide COVID-19 has illustrated that ensuringtechnology to clients who would benefit from better health outcomes requirescontinuing telehealth post-pandemic and is greater focus on mental wellness,monitoring telehealth regulations closely to inform prevention, attention to environmentalimplementation. This hybrid model of telehealth factors and health inequities andand in-person visits is designed to eliminate access integration of mental and physicalbarriers in mental health care, delivering services health care. In addition, communitiesvia video or in-person, as per clients unique needs. 8 associated.org|CENTENNIALCENTENNIAL|associated.org 9'