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,
According to the Pew Research Center, every day 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old. By 2030, just five(!) years from now, one in five Americans will be a senior.
What does that mean for COA? EVERYTHING!
As our population ages, the role of organizations like ours becomes increasingly vital. We are not just an entity, we are a lifeline offering critical services that enable older adults to maintain their independence, connect with their communities, and age with grace and dignity.
From Meals on Wheels, to educational programs and social activities, Council on Aging fills gaps that families and caregivers alone cannot always manage. We help advocate for the rights of seniors and provide a voice for one of the most vulnerable yet valuable groups in our society.
But beyond services and support, we help to foster a deeper cultural shift—reminding us to honor and respect the generations who came before us. Too often, in a fast-paced world, we forget that our elders carry the wisdom of decades, the lessons of experience, and the stories of our shared history.
Caring for our seniors isn't just a duty—it's a reflection of our values. How we treat the aging members of our community speaks volumes about who we are. By supporting the work of COA you are investing not only in services, but in compassion, connection, and community strength.
How do we know this?
Jim wrote: “Having some place to go and something to do has been a Godsend for me. I’ve been able to establish friendships that I would have never had. The days are very long when you spend them alone when one has no family or loved ones.”
Pat wrote: “The senior center was my saving grace. I have met some wonderful ladies who are like family and when I’m not here, I feel lost and like something is missing. This place has saved my life”.
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This is just a sampling of letters we receive on a regular basis, from either clients or caregivers. There are many more.
Please help us champion this important cause. Let us listen more, support more, and do more to ensure that aging is not seen as a burden, but as a stage of life filled with purpose, dignity, and well-being.
With our warmest regards and gratitude,
Eveline Kraljic and Terri Karol
Co-Executive Directors
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HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, PAULINE!
In mid-May, we had the absolute joy of throwing the most fabulous celebration for Ms. Pauline’s 100th birthday at our Orange City Senior Center! Can you believe it?
Surrounded by a whirlwind of her loving family, cherished friends, COA staff and volunteers, the place was buzzing with excitement as Ms. Pauline dazzled everyone with her spunky speeches and infectious laughter! It was a heartwarming reminder of how lucky we are to celebrate such milestones filled with love, laughter, and community spirit. Seriously, we should all be so fortunate to not only reach such an incredible age but to look as fabulous as she does while being showered with so much affection! Here’s to a spectacular year ahead of you, Pauline! And many, many more!
Let’s keep this joyful momentum going—join us in creating more unforgettable moments like this at COA!
| | Fun facts about "Centenarians" (people aged 100 or older) - There are currently an estimated 633,000 centenarians worldwide. This number is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. For example, according to the Pew Research Center, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be 3.7 million centenarians globally. The United States currently has the highest number of centenarians, approximately 108,000, while Japan has the highest rate per capita, according to World Atlas. | | |
STREAMING ON PBS
"AGING IN AMERICA - SURVIVE OR THRIVE"
If you can set aside just one hour, be sure to watch the FREE documentary streaming on PBS called "Aging in America - Survive or Thrive", narrated by three-time Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award and four-time Screen Actors Guild Award Winning Actor Martin Sheen. Click: WATCH NOW
"Aging in America: Survive or Thrive" explores the promise and challenges of increased longevity, inspired by Dr. Robert Butler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Why Survive?", addressing ageism, economic insecurity, healthcare, and Alzheimer's disease.
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A Night to Remember:
COA’s 20th Annual Glenn & Connie Ritchey
Community Service Award Celebration
We celebrated our biggest fundraiser of the year in true Island Resort Chic style—and what a night it was! We exceeded our fundraising goal by 25% to make it our most successful Ritchey Event ever!
The 20th Annual Glenn & Connie Ritchey Community Service Award Celebration was an overwhelming success, filled with energy, elegance, and an outpouring of community spirit. The evening was masterfully MC’d by Claire Metz, and many of the Who’s Who from Daytona Beach and beyond gathered to honor the Ritchey Family for their incredible contributions to our community.
We’re beyond grateful to everyone who made this event such a success. Your support means the world to us. Our amazing sponsors who made this event possible are: Hamlin & Associates, Brown & Brown, AdventHealth, ICI Homes, Cici & Hyatt Brown, NASCAR & Daytona International Speedway, The City of Daytona Beach Government, Daytona Auto Mall, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Health Care Plans, Foundation Risk Partners, Halifax Health, Holland Financial, L. Gale Lemerand, Dr. Michael Munier, Nancy & Lowell Lohman, Simpkins Family Foundation, The Lloyd Family, Jon Hall Chevrolet, Ritchey Buick GMC, CEO Business Alliance, Cobb Cole Law Firm, Daytona State College Foundation, Florida Power & Light, Seacoast Bank, Mara Law, P.A., SMA Healthcare, Volusia Sheriff's Office, Adams, Cameron Foundation, Dex Imaging, LLC, James Moore & Co.., Roberson Roofing, Inc.., Olivari & Associates CPA, SouthState Bank, Wholesale Lighting, Inc.. and Wire 3.
Laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments filled the room, and the smiles told the story of a truly unforgettable evening.
See the highlights captured by the talented Lunar Studio photographers and relive the magic by clicking here: Click to view the photos of the night!
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DONATION DRIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUALS, COMMUNITIES,
BUSINESSES, CHURCHES &
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP SENIORS
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June 1 is the start of Hurricane Season...
Are you Ready?
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All COA dining sites and senior centers will be hosting the Volusia County Emergency Management staff as they provide free hurricane preparedness presentations. They can also present to HOAs, civic and faith-based groups, schools, and businesses. Topics include local evacuation zones, shelter options, sandbag usage, and more. To schedule a presentation, call 386-254-1500.
For assistance after a hurricane, you can call:
FEMA Assistance
800-621-3362
American Red Cross
1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767)
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Looking to Boost
Your Health and Well-Being?
ElderSource, the Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center, is pleased to announce a new initiative to help you get the most out of your own life, on your own terms! In partnership with BetterAge, we invite you to take small but meaningful steps to improve your health and well-being, starting with a free and confidential 7-to-10-minute assessment. Next, explore your personal health and well-being report and recommendations. Then, use this information to start taking action!
Taking part in this initiative will benefit not just yourself, but also our center and the community. Feedback from this assessment will be used to improve the programs and services that we offer.
Start Here: https://eldersource.health-wellbeing.betterage.net/getStarted/
If you would like assistance with completing this assessment or reviewing your results, please contact 904-391-6692.
Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow!
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DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES 2025 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND TICKETS/TABLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE NOW!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL
DOREEN WILLETT AT 386-253-4700 X239
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Who's that behind
the "Volunteer Cape"?
This month we are focusing on giving a great deal of thanks to our volunteers at our Port Orange Dining site who have showed their dedication through actions during our transition in leadership at the site. As we welcomed Stefanie Hammons, our new Nutrition Coordinator, to the team, the volunteers stepped up AGAIN to support our mission!
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who give your time, energy, and heart to support the Meals on Wheels mission. Whether you’re driving your regular route or stepping in to cover extra deliveries, your commitment ensures that our neighbors receive not only a nutritious meal, but also a friendly face and a reminder that they are cared for. Your flexibility, especially during times of change and transition, has not gone unnoticed—and it’s your reliability and compassion that keep this program running strong. Thank you for being the heart behind every delivery. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
A Special Thank You to Our On-Site Support Volunteers:
We’re incredibly grateful for our small but mighty group of volunteers who help behind the scenes each week. From packing meals with care and lending a hand during bingo to generously bringing in snacks for our congregants to enjoy, your kindness and presence create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Your thoughtful contributions go beyond tasks—they bring joy, comfort, and connection to our community. Thank you for being such a vital part of what makes this program feel like home!
Tom continues to be a rock star volunteer and an essential part of the Meals on Wheels program. Whether he’s stepping in to cover additional routes or navigating the ins and outs of a new schedule, Tom approaches every task with patience and flexibility. He’s quick to flag anything that looks off or could cause confusion, helping the whole team stay on track. His ability to adapt during times of leadership transition has made a big impact, and we’re lucky to have him on board. Thank you, Tom, for all that you do!
We want to give a huge shout-out to Dave for his incredible dedication and flexibility! Dave has consistently gone above and beyond by taking on multiple routes each week in addition to his regular schedule. His keen eye for detail has been instrumental in identifying potential route issues before they become problems, helping everything run more smoothly for the team. Even with the recent changes, Dave has handled them with professionalism and ease. We’re so grateful for the dependable, can-do attitude he brings to Meals on Wheels—thank you, Dave!
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!
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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 - and feathered - companions are well-fed and happy! It’s a "purr-fectly" heartwarming service that brings an "ear scratch" 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, please call us at 386-253-4700 x 239. Let’s come together as a community to make a "paw-sitive" impact in the lives of our seniors and their beloved pets! 🐾❤️
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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. There are currently 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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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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