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This general edition of the newsletter will end after September 2025.
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| | Council on Aging Top Stories | | Help older adults age with dignity | | | | |
Right now, thousands of older adults in southwestern Ohio are struggling to stay safe, nourished and independent. Many live alone, on fixed incomes and without the support they need to age with dignity.
But there is hope.
Your donation to COA helps provide home-delivered meals, caregiver support and other essential services that empower older adults and their caregivers.
Scan the code or click here to donate and make a lasting impact. Together, we can make aging better for everyone.
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Program for recent grads seeking members for next cohort
COA’s Emerging Professionals Program offers recent social work graduates an excellent place to begin their careers. Our next cohort begins in July and offers real-world case management experience with the benefit of support from mentors and program peers, educational opportunities and much more.
To learn more and apply to the program, click here.
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COA's Benefits Enrollment Center helps lower-income older adults apply for money-saving benefits
Identifying and applying for benefits can be a daunting process for anyone, let alone for an older adult - especially one who doesn't have internet access or reliable transportation.
COA's Benefits Enrollment Center can help. To learn more, click here.
Click below to read local news coverage:
Journal-News
Wilmington News Journal
Warren County Post
Clermont Sun
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Council on Aging releases 2024 Impact Report
In the report, we cover the highlights of the agency's activity during 2024. Learn how many older adults remained in their homes with our help and how many meals were served through our programs (hint: it's more than a million!). Read about our 2024 focus on community outreach and see how grants allowed COA to expand and improve product and service offerings. The report includes this and much more.
Take a look at the full report here.
Read the report's highlight stories here.
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COA's innovative laundry service receives national recognition
Faced with long waiting lists due to the national homecare workforce shortage, Council on Aging developed an innovative and cost-effective solution to meeting a common need among older adults who need in-home care services. COA’s Laundry Delivery Service meets a critical need for older adults who cannot do their own laundry due to a disability or chronic health condition.
The service, which is available to clients enrolled in the Elderly Services Program in Butler, Hamilton and Warren counties, has received high marks from clients and is saving local levy dollars. The service was selected by USAging for a 2025 Aging Innovations & Achievement Award. The award will be presented at USAging’s annual conference and tradeshow in July.
Click here to read about how COA’s Laundry Delivery Service made the difference in the life of one local woman.
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Celebrating a successful 2025 Forum on Aging
At Council on Aging's 2025 Forum on Aging presented by Global Meals, 360+ professionals in aging gathered to network, learn, and be inspired. At the two-day conference, which took place March 4-5, participants were able to earn up to 12 continuing education credits.
To read a full recap click here.
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Council on Aging/home52 receives grants to provide free rides for eligible older adults
Thanks to local partners, Council on Aging/home52 is able to facilitate transportation for older adults - sometimes at no charge! Click below to learn more:
To learn more about home52 Transportation, click here.
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COA's support allows for quality bonus time at
end of life
"What is happening here?" That question ran through Kris's mind many times recently as life threw her a few curve balls.
When her father and stepmother began having health issues, her world was turned upside down. Kris turned to COA for help. To learn more, click here.
| | COA's Strength: Its people | | |
Dr. Karen Jones Bankston named Chair of Council on Aging's Board of Trustees
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is pleased to share that Dr. Karen Jones Bankston has been named chair of its board of trustees. Dr. Bankston, who has served on the board since 2020 representing Hamilton County, previously held the position of vice chair. She assumed her new role in April.
Dr. Bankston brings a wealth of experience to her role as board chair. She is a Professor Emerita, a leadership consultant and a retired hospital executive. Her distinguished career includes serving as Associate Dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing and holding executive positions at the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and the Drake Center. In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Bankston has been recognized for her community service, including receiving the 2024 Urban League of Greater Cincinnati's Glorifying the Lions award.
Learn more about Dr. Bankston in her board member profile.
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COA President's Award given to tireless advocate for older adults
At its annual meeting in March, Council on Aging presented its President’s Award to Bill Thornton. Thornton is a former COA Board of Trustees member and a current Advisory Council member who is particularly invested in community and government relations, meeting with legislators from across COA’s operating region.
To learn more, click here.
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Council on Aging Board Member Profile: Jane Ripberger
Jane Ripberger, Vice Chair, joined the COA Board in January 2024 after serving on COA's Advisory Council. She is the president and owner of Home Instead and represents Hamilton County.
Ripberger recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of the increasing number of older adults, and she's excited to be part of COA as she does it.
To read her full profile, click here.
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Craig joins Council on Aging as Chief Information Security Officer
Council on Aging has welcomed Andy Craig as its new Chief Information Security Officer. Craig has more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership positions, much of it with an organization that serves older adults.
To learn more, click here.
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Three aides recognized as “Heroes”
During its annual meeting on March 5, Council on Aging presented Home Health Aide Hero awards to Chanda Houston, Simone Thomas and Erica Fitzgerald, honoring the superior care they provide to clients.
To learn more, click here.
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Discover how low-income older adults can access fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs and honey through farmers’ markets and roadside stands in Ohio. The 2025 Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is currently accepting online applications.
To learn more, click here.
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HEAP applications due by May 31
Time is running out to apply for assistance with heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of up to seven members and 60% of State Median Income for a household of eight or more members to pay their heating bills.
For full guidelines and details on how to apply, click here.
| | COA serves five counties in southwestern Ohio. COA staff, board and advisory council volunteers share information and provide education about COA through a variety of community-based activities. Click here to learn more. | | Connect with COA at these upcoming events: | | |
Take a hike this summer with Buckeye Trail Anywhere – even from your couch!
Now that mild, warmer weather is here, you don’t have to be an avid fitness enthusiast to enjoy time outdoors. In fact, there is a trail system that travels all of Ohio and comes with a comprehensive guide that lets you go at your own pace.
To learn more, click here.
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Glaucoma symptoms, testing and diagnosis: AARP shares information that can help you keep your eyes healthy
Glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment can lower your risk of vision loss. But what exactly is glaucoma, and how does it affect your sight?
AARP shares details, statistics, definitions, treatment options, prevention and more here.
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National Institute on Aging shares tips for being active as you age
Physical activity is key to staying healthy at every stage of life. This Older Americans Month and beyond, the National Institute on Aging is challenging the idea that aging means slowing down.
Learn tips on remaining active as you age by
clicking here.
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Mental health: The challenge for older adults and resources to help
As the U.S. population ages, mental health issues among older adults are becoming an increasingly pressing public health concern.
To read more and learn about resources from the Mental Health Recovery Board, click here.
| | Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible. | | | | |
