One of the first projects undertaken as a result of this partnership was research to confirm service gaps identified by focus groups. This research was funded through a University of South Florida Community Initiative Grant that investigated service gaps to seniors. Data collected through this research became the incubator for expanding and strengthening the comprehensive network of organizations and individuals serving the elderly. This data became a needs assessment for the community and was used to support the "Quality of Life" information about seniors published by Polk Vision.
Dr. Rosemarie S. Lamm serves as Director of the center while having been principle investigator for grants from Retirement Research Foundation of Chicago, West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Polk County Elderly Services, and Johnson and Johnson /Society for the Arts in Healthcare Partnership. These generous grants provided USF's Lakeland campus the support to further develop programs of identified needs for seniors at the Rath Center.
The center provides a laboratory for students to learn about aging. Disciplines that are utilizing the facilities of the Rath center are: psychology, gerontology, social work, sociology and human services. Students are able to interact with elders while observing support groups.
This community collaborative also provides continuing education to health care providers and the community. "The Journey through Aging" conference in 2005 provided a course of education that included clinical, legal, psychological and social information to promote healthy aging. In 2007, The Advanced Practice Nurses' Association of Polk County presented a continuing education program that also included a presentation for the community participants.
Senior Scholars is an educational program that provides many courses for seniors. Teachers are volunteers from the community with extensive skills. Courses also include instruction in digital education connecting seniors to the virtual environment. The Vision has truly Become a Reality at The Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center!