The Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois is a non-profit organization, one of 670 Area Agencies on Aging authorized by the Federal Older Americans Act to plan and administer senior services. The Agency is one of thirteen Area Agencies in Illinois authorized by the Illinois Act on Aging and designated by the IDOA. Our purpose is to promote the well being of older adults and to assist them in maintaining their independence in the community.

The Agency plans, coordinates, and advocates for the development of a comprehensive service delivery system for the 115,268 older persons and their Caregivers living in our seven county region. PSA (Planning and Service Area) 08 is comprised of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington counties.

In addition, the Agency serves as the Catalyst for the St. Louis Metropolitan Access to Benefits Coalition.

A twenty-member Board of Directors governs the Agency. The Board sets policy and makes decisions about programs and funding.

A twelve-member Advisory Council, with a majority of members 60 years of age and older keeps the Agency informed of the needs and preferences of older persons and their Caregivers.

WHAT WE DO

The Agency provides Advocacy, Answers on Aging, Assistance, Coordination, and Program Development through direct service and by offering grants/contracts to Grantees who support older adults and their Caregivers.

The Agency serves older adults in PSA 08 through:

• Advocacy - The Agency is responsible to advocate on behalf of older adults in an effort to obtain services to which they are entitled. Activities may include advocating for legislation on issues affecting older persons, reviewing and commenting on policy and other public plans which affect older persons and their Caregivers, coordinating planning activities with other organizations to facilitate new opportunities for older persons, and disseminating information on public policy and other issues and needs to older persons and their representatives.
• Answers on Aging - In FY03, the Agency provided Information & Assistance via direct service to Caregivers of persons 60 and older. There was high volume usage of the service by the public and, in FY04, the agency will apply for an expanded direct service waiver for general Information & Assistance offering comprehensive, accurate and systematic answers to inquiries using the most modern technology available.
• Assistance - Whether through phone inquiries, office visits or during public presentations, local citizens often request our help with cutting red tape and providing support for the unique and sometimes difficult situations they face. The Agency uses its strong relationship with local, state and federal legislators; Grantees; other organizations serving persons 60 and older and their Caregivers; and other members of the Aging Network to provide satisfactory referrals and solutions.
• Coordination - The Agency is responsible to develop a comprehensive and integrated service delivery system through working relationships with other funding agencies and Grantees. Such coordination of programs involves sharing information about services that are available, facilitating cooperation and collaboration among Grantees in the PSA, and establishing working relationships with other funding agencies.
• Program Development - The Agency assesses the kinds and levels of services needed by seniors and their Caregivers, evaluates the effectiveness of existing resources in meeting these needs, sets priorities for funding, and promotes the development of new or expanded services.
• Grant/Contract Awards - The Agency awards federal and state funds to a network of 23 different community based provider agencies. The Agency provides technical assistance to these partner agencies in an effort to continuously improve the local Aging Network. Services are available to persons aged 60 and over and their Caregivers and especially targeted to those with the greatest social and economic need, especially low-income minority persons 60 and older. Voluntary donations are accepted to support and expand programs.