Eligible older adults can apply for assistance with utility bills | | |
Thanks to additional funding from Hamilton County Commissioners, the STEPS to Stability Utility Assistance Program is now accepting applications from eligible Hamilton County residents for assistance with Duke Energy utility bills. Individuals may apply anytime online or by calling Council on Aging during specific hours.
Get eligibility info and instructions on how and when to apply.
| | For lifelong Wilmington resident, senior services levy means independence | | |
Donna raised her family in Wilmington, worked for 20 years at Bob and Carl’s Grocery Store, and later cared for children in retirement. Now 81, she wants what many older adults want: to remain independent in the community she calls home. The Clinton County Senior Services Tax Levy helps her do that. It’s up for renewal this November.
Read Donna's story and learn more about the Clinton County levy.
| | ESP and senior services levy help Morrow resident - then and now | | |
Years ago, when Ben's wife Hazel got sick, he wanted to be the one to care for her. "Caring for her was my responsibility as a husband," he said. "And I had to have some help." That's when he called Warren County ESP, a program funded by the Warren County Senior Services Levy. The levy is up for renewal this November.
Read Ben's story and learn more about the Warren County levy.
| | Forum on Aging marks 40 years in 2027 | |
Mark your calendar for March 16-17, 2027, for the 40th Forum on Aging. The conference offers certified care managers, social workers, nurses, activity professionals and nursing home administrators up to 12 continuing education units and much more!
Get information about Forum on Aging.
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For Karen, home52 Transportation is more than a ride—it is a connection to independence, friendship and community. Through the grant rider program, Karen and a friend are able to enjoy social outings they once could not access, with the comfort of a trusted driver who makes them feel safe and supported.
Read Karen's story and learn about grant-funded transportation in Hamilton and Clermont counties.
| Partnership aims to connect older adults with behavioral health services | |
Feeling isolated, overwhelmed or less interested in the activities you once enjoyed can happen at any age – but older adults do not have to face those feelings alone. Senior Connections, a partnership between COA and Central Clinic Behavioral Health, helps Hamilton County adults age 60+ build meaningful connections while gaining access to behavioral health support designed to improve quality of life.
Learn how Senior Connections helps older adults.
| | COA seeking senior buildings to host vaccination clinics | | COA is partnering with Kroger Health to provide vaccination clinics in senior housing buildings this fall. If you are a service coordinator interested in scheduling a clinic to support your building residents, please contact Brittaney Burton to discuss this opportunity. | | Program updates and reminders | |
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More than 1,000 individuals in COA's service area are participating in the 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. They are encouraged to use their benefit before local participating markets close, which is often in September. Get more information and find vendors.
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The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program began July 1 and ends September 30. Get qualification and application information.
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Council on Aging's Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) helps lower-income older adults identify and apply for money-saving benefits, which is especially helpful for individuals without internet access or reliable transportation. See if the BEC can help you.
| | Visit with COA at upcoming events | | |
Council on Aging representatives are active in our service area year-round. Visit with us here, soon:
Recently, we've enjoyed meeting community members at events throughout southwestern Ohio, including the Housing Empowerment and Resource Fair, at which Cincinnati City Council Member Anna Albi stopped by our table (see photo).
| | Free health and wellness workshops in the community | | |
COA executives present at national conference
CEO Suzanne Burke and Chief Human Resources and Learning Officer Jacqueline Hutsell presented the workshop "Futureproofing Your Workforce: Strategies to Address Shortages & Build Capacity" at the USAging Answers on Aging Conference in San Diego in July. Burke also joined leaders from the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Ohio Association of Health Plans to present "Aligning Ohio's AAA Network for Integrated Care: Early Lessons and Collaboration." (see photo)
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Board member profile: Valarie Boykins
A COA board member since 2022, Boykins represents Hamilton County. She serves on the board’s Human Resources and SOAR committees.
Get to know Ms. Boykins.
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FastTrack Home featured on Local 12
FastTrack Home Manager Tonya Anderson-Smart shared information about the program during a July broadcast.
Watch the segment.
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COA staff recognized
Three dedicated COA team members were recognized with second-quarter employee awards for their excellence in the workplace. Congratulations to Lydia Conley and Aelainia Harmon, our Care Managers of the Quarter, and Malleri Jackson, our COA Values Champion of the Quarter.
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New website highlights AddnAide's growth and evolution
AddnAide, an app created by Council on Aging to help address the national home health aide shortage, has grown into its own organization and launched a new website: www.addnaide.com.
Read more about AddnAide's evolution.
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COA hiring licensed social workers for assessor positions
View the job description and apply online.
Refer to the Assessors & Care Coordinators – LSW, RN, or Human (Social) Services job description.
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