Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Each January, as fresh faces join legislative teams and seasoned aides prepare for another impactful year, AgeGuide hosts its Annual Legislative Aide Kick Off. The event serves as an orientation to aging issues and a space for building relationships between legislative offices and the aging network. It offers aides an understanding of how federal and state policy, including the Older Americans Act, directly supports older adults, caregivers, and communities across northeastern Illinois.
This year’s Kick Off brought together representatives from more than 35 legislative offices to connect, collaborate, and champion change for older adults. Attendees explored new ways that legislative offices and AgeGuide can collaborate. In addition, we connected legislative aides to local resources for older adults and caregivers, ensuring they know whom to refer to when constituents reach out for assistance.
Highlighting Policy Through Real Community Needs
Representative Natalie Manley shared insights into her work supporting grandparents raising grandchildren. Her remarks focused on the growing number of kinship caregivers and the need for policies and programs that provide financial stability, access to services, and long-term support for these families.
Engaging Older Adults Through Advisory Leadership
The Senior Advisory Group from Senator Karina Villa’s office discussed how the group elevates the voices of older adults in policymaking. They emphasized the value of collective input and shared experiences to help shape policies. This group has been a catalyst in Senator Karina Villa’s aging-focused bills and policy decisions.
Strengthening Relationships for the Year Ahead
The Legislative Aide Kick Off set the tone for continued collaboration throughout the year. AgeGuide appreciates the strong turnout and the commitment shown by legislative offices to understanding aging issues and partnering to advance policies that support older adults and caregivers.
