The mission of Council on Aging of Volusia County is to enrich the lives of our most vulnerable elderly citizens by providing needed services that enable them to remain safely, comfortably, and with dignity in their own homes. | | |
Dear Friends and Supporters of COA,
Welcome to the second edition of “COA’s Diamond Connection”. We hope you enjoyed reading our inaugural issue, and thank you for the many positive responses we received.
It’s been a busy year thus far. We kicked off the year with two Community Bingo Bashes; one in Ormond Beach and the second one in New Smyrna Beach. Two more Bingo events are planned for the west side of the county, one on April 12 and one on May 3. To stay up to date, be sure to follow us AND like us on Facebook by going to www.facebook.com/COAVOLFL for the latest COA news and events!
Many thanks to our local community leaders and elected officials for participating in “Community Champions Week” recognizing National Senior Nutrition Month, which is celebrated annually in March. We are so grateful to you for stepping up to help deliver Meals on Wheels to our clients.
Looking ahead, we hope to continue to count on your support, as there is much uncertainty ahead this year. We remain steadfast and mission-centric to ensure our elderly neighbors in Volusia County can continue to receive much-needed services so they can remain in their homes, safely and independently.
With our warmest regards and thanks,
Eveline Kraljic and Terri Karol
Co-Executive Directors
| | March is National Nutrition Month, and what better way to celebrate than by shining a spotlight on our Senior Nutrition Program, which serves as a lifeline for our congregate and Meals on Wheels clients! This engaging video from Meals on Wheels showcases the incredible impact our nutritious meals have on the lives of seniors in Volusia County. | | These meals not only nourish the body but also enrich the spirit, empowering our seniors to thrive and stay connected to their community. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—click the photo to watch right now! After all, good nutrition is the "key ingredient" to a happier, healthier life, so let’s spread the word and serve up some love by sharing this message with others! | | |
Community Champions Week
What a week to remember March 17-21, as we celebrated "Community Champions Week" with a hearty dose of joy and nourishment! Our local heroes across Volusia County weren't just delivering meals; they were serving up smiles that could light up any room! A huge round of applause goes to Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila, DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman, DeLand Fire Chief Todd Allen, Deltona Fire Chief Bill Snyder, New Smyrna Beach Mayor Fred Cleveland and Sheriff Mike Chitwood for taking time out of their bustling schedules to connect with our senior clients through our Meals on Wheels Program.
These champions truly know how to bring the “a-peel” to the table, making each delivery a delightful moment for those they serve. Their dedication not only fills plates but also fills hearts, reminding us all of the importance of community connection. So, let’s not just sit on the sidelines—let's roll up our sleeves and join the fun! Support COA’s mission, get involved in future events, and help us sprinkle some extra joy into the lives of our seniors! Together, we can make an impactful difference—let's make every meal count!
"Community Champions Week" marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program on March 22, 1972, which laid the foundation for the expansion of the Meals on Wheels network that now collectively serves more than 2 million seniors each year.
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"Be Kind" Workshops
We can’t thank our "Be Kind" Guru, Gini Bonnell, enough for her generous spirit and the time she shared with us! Her workshops, where our seniors crafted their very own "Be Kind" signs, one for themselves and one to give away to someone else were a true joy to behold. Participants at our dining sites and senior centers on both the east and west sides of Volusia County truly embraced the power of those two simple words, and the laughter and connection that filled the rooms was heartwarming.
| | Gini’s kindness movement is making waves across the globe, and we’re thrilled to paddle along and help spread her beautiful message. So, from all of us at COA, here’s a heartfelt thank you, Gini, for sharing your love and wisdom with our seniors. Let’s continue to sprinkle kindness like confetti and invite everyone to join us in this wonderful movement! | | |
LOOKING FOR A CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP?
Check out our two locations in Volusia County every 3rd Monday and Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
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Who's that behind
the volunteer cape?
April may be the month when we typically celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day, but here at COA, we believe in making every moment count, especially when it comes to our incredible volunteers! While some of our snowbird friends may head north before it gets too hot, we wait eagerly for their return in the fall to shower them with the appreciation they deserve!
In this edition of our "Diamond Connection", we’re thrilled to spotlight the phenomenal Reggie Lecours, our very own superhero at the Orange City Dining Site! Maritza Vega, our Nutrition Coordinator, can’t sing his praises enough, calling him her "go-to guy" for delivering meals through our Meals on Wheels Program. Reggie’s willingness to lend a hand at a moment's notice is nothing short of inspiring! So, a massive THANK YOU to Reggie for your unwavering dedication that helps our clients live independently and thrive in their own homes! Your hard work truly makes a world of difference, proving that when it comes to community and compassion, you’re the real MVP!
Let’s all take a page from Reggie’s book and remember that every little bit of help counts—so come join us in supporting COA’s mission and make a splash in our community!
To find out how to become a volunteer, contact Doreen Willett, our Community Engagement Liaison, at 386-253-4700 x 239 or you can click the link below to download our volunteer enrollment packet to start the process!
| | | MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS FREE CONCERT AT BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY | | |
Public Notice: The Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach (HACDB) PUBLIC HOUSING
The Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach (HACDB) is accepting applications for the PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM electronically from our website at www.dbhafl.org beginning Monday, March 31, 2025, at 8:30am and ending Thursday May 1, 2025, at 5pm.
HACDB currently has the following preferences for its Public Housing:
Residency Preference (must live/work in City of Daytona Beach and/or Volusia County)
Homeless Preference (must be referred from HDB-approved partner agency)
Involuntary Displacement
If you require Reasonable Accommodation Assistance and require additional information to understand the referral process, please contact us at the HACDB administration office at 386-523-5653 extension 301.
| Did you know that COA has taken the joy of pet care to a whole new level with our Pet Meals on Wheels program? That’s right! We’re serving up smiles and tail wags by ensuring seniors and their furry companions are well-fed and happy! It’s a purr-fectly heartwarming service that brings a sprinkle of joy to both pets and their humans. If you’re ready to unleash your enthusiasm and find out how you can help spread this love, don’t hesitate to give Cheryl Piatt a call at 386-253-4700 x 253. Let’s come together as a community to make a paw-sitive impact in the lives of our seniors and their beloved pets! 🐾❤️ | | |
Join the ElderSource Advisory Council
ElderSource is seeking volunteer members for its Advisory Council. Duties for an Advisory Council member are to report on the needs of older adults and emerging issues in their respective counties; review and comment on the agency’s Area Plan; study legislative issues and advocate on behalf of the elderly; assist in promoting the mission, programs and activities of the agency; and to educate the public about the needs and the contributions of the elderly.
Meetings are held the third Thursday of every other month from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and conducted virtually using the Zoom platform. We currently have openings in Baker County, Clay County, Nassau County and Volusia County.
For more information about how to become an ElderSource Advisory Council member, please email AdminSupport@MyElderSource.org.
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GET MOVING WITH VIVO!!!
Are you ready to get moving? ElderSource is now partnering with Vivo, a program aimed at improving strength, balance and overall well-being for older adults, all from the comfort of their own home.
Starting this month, older adults will have free access to Vivo through ElderSource. This offer includes live, interactive and small group strength training program scientifically tailored to seniors. The virtual classes will also be a great opportunity for older adults to get connected to others with similar interests. Join in, make friends and get moving today!
Program Details:
· Open to adults 65+
· Classes will start in March and will meet virtually twice a week for 45 minutes each session.
· Exercise classes are virtual and led by a certified trainer.
· You can join from the comfort of your own home, using your tablet or any other electronic device.
Vivo will provide welcome kits with exercise bands and will offer initial and follow-up assessments to help you gauge your progress.
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Client Supply Closet Needs
We are in need of some items for our Client Supply Closet. Can you help?
· Incontinence undergarments (both men and women, all sizes)
· Waterproof pads for beds and furniture
· Ensure/Boost nutritional drinks (all flavors)
· Disposable, personal hygiene wipes
If you can help to provide these necessities for our clients, please call our Referral Coordinator, Shawn Klee, at 386-253-4700 x225.
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Administrative Offices:
Council on Aging of Volusia County, Inc.
420 Fentress Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-1208
386-253-4700
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A United Way Agency
Visit our website at www.coavolusia.org
COA (EIN: 59-1160221) is recognized as a tax-exempt charity by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # CH1960
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