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History & Timeline

Ohio Area Agency on Aging building

In 1974, the Area Agency on Aging developed its plan for a comprehensive and coordinated network of services to older adults, organizing the system based on local values and local strengths existing in its nine-county region.

Plans were made to establish an office on aging in each county to serve as a key location for people to contact regarding services. The Area Agency assisted in the development of local county councils on aging, helping them to incorporate as non-profit corporations and awarded the councils on aging both social service and nutrition funds under the Older Americans Act.

The thought was to build strong local agencies on aging whose boards could be effective advocates with county, city and township officials. With the Area Agency on Aging maintaining standards and regulations of the program, we encouraged as much local decision-making as possible, including the local responsibility for raising local matching funds.

We thank our providers and communities for the continued support of the agency and its programs.

2018

100+ staff and growing!
2017

Richland Senior Services Levy passes with the addition of 0.5 mil
2015

The Area Agency on Aging begins administering the Ohio Home Care Waiver
2013

Richland Senior Services Levy passes again

The Area Agency on Aging's office moves to Hawkins Corner
2012

Renovations begin on Hawkins Corner
2011

Mr. Earl Hawkins donates closed grocery store to the Area Agency on Aging
2008

The Area Agency on Aging hosts first annual Positive Aging Expo

First Richland County Senior Services Levy is passed
2007

Host for Governer Strickland's Town Hall Meeting

The Area Agency on Aging's staff presented two workshops at the National n4a Conference

The Area Agency on Aging begins offering Matter of Balance workshops
2006

Duana Patton becomes new director of the Area Agency on Aging

First Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver client in Ohio enrolled in the Area Agency on Aging
2004

The Area Agency on Aging creates grant/scholarship awards program
2000

Older Americans Act of 1965 is reauthorized

National Family Caregiver Support Program
1997

Executive Director Patricia Brammer retires and Judi Saurers is appointed as new Executive Director
1996

The Area Agency on Aging hosts first Annual Meeting

Ohio Department of Aging provides grants for Alzheimer’s Respite

Richland County Foundation provides funding for Helping Elderly Meet Essential Needs (HEMEN) program

Advocacy with senior centers for re-authorization of the Older Americans Act
1995

Implemented first Strategic Plan as mandated by the Ohio Department of Aging

First Mini-White House Conference on Aging
1994

The Area Agency on Aging's office moves to 780 Park Avenue West to accommodate growing staff and implementation of new programs
1990

The PASSPORT Program becomes operational

The Area Agency on Aging’s office moves to Marion Avenue
1989

The Area Agency on Aging becomes freestanding, incorporated nonprofit agency with an advisory council and board of trustees

The Community Care Coordination Program is implemented
1983

The Area Agency on Aging begins administering the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program
1974

The Area Agency on Aging is part of Mansfield Memorial Homes. It operates through the work of only 19 staff members!