Soup for Seniors wrap-up

A warm bowl of soup can mean the world to a hungry senior. This year’s Soup for Seniors drive did not meet pre-set goals, but thanks to hundreds of volunteers and donors, we were able to get food bags in the homes of thousands of seniors prior to a harsh winter storm. Nearly 2,900 large bags of soup and other non-perishable food items were delivered to seniors in need during LOA’s Soup for Seniors project. In partnership with AARP Virginia, LOA collected more than 46,000 pounds of food which was then inspected, packed into bags and delivered to homes, partnering agencies, and low-income independent senior living communities. Thank you so much to everyone who generously donated toward the effort and for the more than 500 volunteers who gave of their time to make it all possible.

Seeking Vendors for Health Fair

LOA’s Celebrating Seniors Health Fair will be held Friday, May 9, at Valley View Mall, from 11 AM to 2 PM! We are now registering vendor spaces for the event, for just $25. If your business or service helps older adults and you would like to connect with our community, please click on the button below to register.

NOTE: Due to restrictions based on grant funding LOA receives, we are unable to accommodate health insurance vendors.

A Matter of Balance falls prevention class starts in April

Mondays, April 14 - June 9, 2025

2 PM - 4 PM



Classes are held once a week for 8 weeks, for 2 hours each. At LOA’s Center for Health & Wellness, 4902 Frontage Rd, NW, Roanoke, VA 24019



To register or for information about future class dates, please contact: Delaine Caldwell at (540) 345-0451 extension 3041 or click the button below.

Remembering Susan Williams

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Susan B. Williams, former CEO of the Local Office on Aging, Inc.

Susan led the LOA for over 27 years. Susan's inspiring legacy included being a facilitator of change, seeing LOA's growth through numerous historic milestones. 

Susan was passionate in her service of helping seniors and always had a special place in her heart for Meals on Wheels. Susan oversaw the rebranding of the agency formerly League of Older Americans to the current Local Office on Aging, Inc. She was a persistent advocate for seniors and instrumental in bringing aging issues to the forefront of our community.

Just a few of her accomplishments included the introduction of case management services for seniors, securing the purchase of LOA's first facility located in the City of Roanoke as well as the initiation of LOA's first major Meals on Wheels fundraiser "Lunch on the Lawn" now known as "Let's Give Lunch". 

Many remember Susan as a world traveler taking annual international trips. What they may not know is she would return to the Roanoke Valley, which she so dearly loved, with suitcases full of souvenirs from her excursions. She was always so thoughtful to bring each staff member of LOA a remembrance of her trip. Additionally, Susan was faithful to recognize each staff member's birthday and special life occasions.

Susan facilitated pace-setting change for the LOA throughout her tenure spanning close to three decades. One thing I will forever remember is a sign that was displayed in her office. One side said "Challenge" and the other side "Opportunity".  She was persistent when faced with challenges potentially affecting services to seniors, and would often state "Not on my watch!"



The Board, Advisory Council, Staff, and Volunteers of LOA mourn this great loss and extend our thoughts and prayers to her family and close friends. We deeply appreciate the family sharing Susan with the valley for so many years. We shall forever remember her great legacy of making the greater Roanoke Valley a better community for our seniors.  

Gifts and Grants Update

LOA is deeply grateful to the following individuals and organizations for their recent generous gifts and grants:

Kiwanis Club of Roanoke

William B. Peters

Berkeley Riley Jr.

Jacqueline Shuck

JMAX Property Management