Seniors in Harford County no longer have to travel to get the help they need. A county program that brings health, fitness, and social programs directly to where older residents live has earned national recognition.
What’s happening: The BLOOM Project, run by Harford County’s Office on Aging, won the 2026 Aging Innovations & Achievement Award from USAging, a national nonprofit that has represented local aging agencies across the country since 1975. The program visits 11 senior housing communities throughout the county multiple times each month, offering health and wellness, nutrition, fitness, and social programs tailored to each community’s needs.
What it is: BLOOM stands for Building Longevity Outreach on the Move. Developed under the leadership of Karen Winkowski, the program was designed as a “senior center on the move” — bringing services directly to residents instead of requiring them to travel to a central facility.
What the county executive said: “I’m proud of our Office on Aging for leading with innovation, compassion, and a commitment to serving older residents,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “Earning national recognition is an honor, but the greatest achievement is the impact this program is having on the lives of our older adults by providing opportunities for them to thrive.”
About USAging: Founded in 1975, USAging works in Washington, D.C., to push for policies, funding, and resources that help older adults and people with disabilities live independently and safely at home. The organization represents and supports local area agencies on aging nationwide.
See it in action: USAging produced a video highlighting the BLOOM Project, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/qflwlURw-hU.
