Justin Moor President/CEO Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio,
Inc.
Dear Friends,
It is my distinct honor to serve and lead this organization I love. Some kids may dream of being an astronaut when they grow up, but my heart was formed at a young age for the work we do at the Area Office on Aging.
Growing up, my great-grandfather was someone who I looked up to. He lived to the age of 104. Up until the last year of his life, he lived independently in his own home, mowing his grass, cooking his food, driving his car, and even starring in some commercials for a local eye doctor. There were two things I admired most about my great-grandpa, his longevity and his independence. The work we do at the Area Office on Aging to help older adults live long, independent lives like my great-grandpa is deeply personal and fulfilling for me.
In some ways, I feel like I have been preparing for this dream job for decades. When our long-time CEO who helped found our Agency Mrs. Billie Johnson interviewed me for an entry-level position about 22 years ago, she asked me if I was offered this entry-level job, how long would I stay with the Agency, I responded without hesitation saying “as long as you’ll have me.” I am grateful to Mrs. Johnson for taking a chance on a 24-year-old young man and the way she has mentored me over the last 20 years. She is a giant in this community and in the field of aging nationally. Her request of me as she desired to hand the baton off to me to lead this great Agency was never that I fill her giant shoes, but instead was to allow me to stand on her shoulders and take this Agency to new heights. I thank you for your support and for all you do to help northwest Ohioans with living better and longer.
Milestone Moments
(Top
)
First Toledo Street Named After a Woman Honors Area Office on Aging’s Retired President/CEO, Mrs. Billie Johnson and her 49 years of service
(Left Photo)
Area Office on Aging Selects its 3rd Leader in the Agency’s 43-Year History
President/CEO, Justin Moor, Started in an Entry-Level Position at the Agency 22 Years Ago.
Photo Courtesy of The Blade; Phil Kaplan, Photographer
Photo
Changing The World
In 3 Hours a Week
In 1900, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years. In 2022, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 77 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. What are we doing with the extra 30 years of life we have gained? Sadly, not as much as we could. The average retiree spends about 30 hours a week watching TV, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If the average retiree took just 10% of that TV time and dedicated it to volunteering, the positive impact in the life of the retiree, the community, the nation, and the world would be tremendous. It turns out that this is exactly what retirees said they want to do with the average retiree indicating they would like to volunteer three hours per week. However, they also said they need more direction, guidance, and user- friendly resources to help them connect with volunteer opportunities that leverage their experience, talents, and interests. AmeriCorps Senior helps retirees in this way.
Those individuals age 55 and better who participate in the AmeriCorps Senior Program report feeling more socially connected, and happier, having a greater sense of peace, and improved health. If the 159,000 retirees in northwest Ohio spent three hours a week volunteering, that would mean more than 24 million hours of service helping elementary school students learn how to read, delivering meals to homebound older adults, giving unpaid family caregivers a temporary break, visiting with a lonely older adult, and more. Our community would undoubtedly be better because of retirees investing their energy, brainpower, experience, insights, skills, and wisdom in this way. There are students waiting to learn how to read, older adults who are waiting for a meal, family caregivers who are waiting for a temporary break, and lonely older adults who are waiting for a call. Will you answer the call to serve? Pick up the phone today to call the Area Office on Aging’s AmeriCorps Senior Program at 419-382-0624 or check out the volunteer opportunities at www. AreaOfficeOnAging.com/Volunteer.
Community Partners Help Feed Seniors in Waterville
Collaboration between County Commissioners, Library, AOoA, and Senior Center Addresses Hunger Among Waterville Seniors
The Area Office on Aging, in collaboration with the Maumee Senior Center, and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, launched of a new meal program at the Waterville Branch Library.
Since its start in mid-March, the program has distributed over 1,800 meals to individuals aged 60 and better at this location. This significant milestone underscores the community’s dedication to ensuring that older adults receive the nutrition and food security they need.
“Good nutrition is a key ingredient to a long and healthy life. The Maumee Senior Center and our partners are dedicated to enriching senior lives throughout the region. Everyone has been so appreciative of the grab-and-go meals that we are offering. We are very excited to be making a difference,” said Malinda Ruble, Executive Director of the Maumee Senior Center.
The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has been instrumental in coordinating this program. “The public library is more than a repository of knowledge; it’s a lifeline for our community. By partnering with the Maumee Senior Center and the Area Office on Aging, we’re working together to ensure our senior community members get the nourishment they need to be well-fed and well-read,” said Jason Kucsma, Executive Director/Fiscal Officer of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.
This initiative has been supported by Healthy Aging Grant funding from the Ohio Department of Aging and the Lucas County Commissioners. “The Area Office on Aging strives to work with its partners to make sure we meet older adults where they are at to provide them with the services they need to gain and retain independence,” said the Area Office on Aging President/CEO Justin Moor.
A Tale of Two Cities Within One City
In the Deveaux neighborhood of West Toledo, residents enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in Northwest Ohio, averaging 84 years. Just 4 miles away in Vistula, the life expectancy drops to an average of 62 years. AOoA President/CEO Justin Moor remarked, “Losing a generation of life by traveling less than 4 miles is unacceptable. We want to understand these differences and work with the Vistula community to close the longevity gap so that everyone has the opportunity to live better and longer, regardless of where they live.”
Several factors contribute to this stark disparity. While household income plays a role—$10,000 per year in Vistula compared to $70,000 in Deveaux—income alone doesn’t fully explain the gap. Unemployment is another key factor, with 36% of Vistula’s residents out of work, compared to only 2% in Deveaux.
Programs like the State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) training, a partnership between Salem Lutheran Church, ABC Healthcare, and AOoA, have helped Vistula residents find employment and serve their older neighbors needing home care.
Housing conditions and transportation access also make a difference. In Vistula, only 15% of homes are owner-occupied, compared to 85% in Deveaux, and some homes lack essential plumbing. AOoA partnered with East Toledo Family Center to help older adults in Vistula receive crucial home repairs, providing functional bathrooms and other improvements. Additionally, only 48% of Vistula households have a vehicle, compared to 99% in Deveaux. AOoA and TARTA are providing free bus passes to older adults in Vistula to help meet transportation needs.
Over 100 Vistula residents aged 60 and older identified fresh produce as a top need due to the absence of a grocery store. AOoA partnered with Grace Community Center and Strain’s Farm Market to deliver 200 produce bags every other week. Meals were another priority, leading to the opening of a dining site at Northgate Senior Apartments and Madonna Homes through a partnership with Mobile Meals and AOoA.
This is just the first chapter of A Tale of Two Cities Within One City. AOoA welcomes other individuals and organizations to join this effort in reducing the health and longevity gap between these neighborhoods, ensuring a happy ending for all.
Watch the video here:
Issue 29
(as it appears on the ballot on November 5th 2024)
Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal and Increase)
County of Lucas
SAMPLE
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A renewal of 0.75 mills and an increase of 0.25 mill for each $1 of taxable value to constitute a tax for the benefit of the County of Lucas for the purpose of providing or maintaining senior citizens services and programs, that the county auditor estimates will collect $8,148,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.0 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $30 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.
For the Tax Levy
Against the Tax Levy
THE FACTS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LUCAS COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES LEVY
The Lucas County Commissioners unanimously voted to place a renewal of an existing 0.75-mill and increase of 0.25-mill to maintain critical senior services on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Area Office on Aging (AOoA) has been serving Lucas County seniors for over four decades, providing essential services that help them live independently and with dignity. The Lucas County Senior Services levy has been a critical funding source since 1991, supporting nationally recognized programs and partnerships that address the needs of the aging population in Lucas County. The proposed renewal includes a 0.25 mill increase, making it a 1.0 mill levy generating approximately $8 million. This will cost homeowners $30 per $100,000 of property valuation annually.
Only $2.36 per month to support Our
seniors
THE PURPOSE
The residents of Lucas County have been essential partners in ensuring essential services like homecare, home-delivered meals, Alzheimer’s day care, and senior services, helping over 30,000 seniors annually. This levy is crucial in maintaining home care to maintain independence, delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering day care for those with Alzheimer’s, and ensuring social workers and nurses are available to provide necessary care.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Endorsed by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union #33, IBEW, International Association of Iron Workers Local 55, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Toledo and Vicinity, and United Pastors for Social Empowerment
There are more seniors in Lucas County now than there have ever been before. Additionally, the age of the oldest segment of this population, the 85% population is also larger than it has ever been before. While there are many positives associated with aging, two challenges associated with living longer are that the chances of having a disability and dementia increase with age. With a disability and/or dementia often times comes a need for services like home care, home-delivered meals, adult day care, other senior services in order to remain at home.
Home and community-based services funded by the levy are significantly less expensive than full-time nursing home care, saving taxpayer money in the long run.
Memory Lane Adult Day Services
For sons, daughters, and others who are caring for aging loved ones, sometimes they need a break in order to care better and longer for their aging loved ones. That’s where adult day care can be helpful. MemoryLane Care Services provides families with a respite break from the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving. Outside of a nursing home, unpaid care that families provide to their aging loved ones is how 87% of the senior care is provided in this country.
Sometimes this break is necessary in order to help keep families together and in the workforce. Irene Johnson is an adult day center participant and her two daughters help provide care to her. One daughter drops her off at the adult day center on the way to work. The other daughter picks her up at the end of the day from the adult day center after work.
Lane Care Services Expands Services to Wood County
MemoryLane Care Services offers a supportive and enriching Adult Day Program specifically tailored for older adults experiencing memory loss due to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. This program creates a safe space where participants can enjoy engaging activities like games, arts and crafts, music, and socializing with others, all while helping to maintain their strengths and independence.
The program is designed to give families and caregivers a much-needed break, providing peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a caring, supervised environment. A registered nurse is always on-site to monitor health, administer medications, and offer general care. This healthbased approach ensures participants’ well-being while allowing them to enjoy social interaction they might not otherwise have at home.
For caregivers, this program offers more than just temporary relief. MemoryLane also provides additional support through services like care coaching, counseling, and free educational workshops. These resources help caregivers manage the complexities of caring for a loved one and connect with others facing similar challenges.
With locations in Toledo and Bowling Green, MemoryLane Care Services now serves families across Northwest Ohio, thanks to partners like the Ohio Department of Aging and the Wood County Committee on Aging. This means more families can access affordable adult day services, making caregiving a little easier while enhancing the lives of participants.
For more information about MemoryLane Care Services and how the Adult Day Program can support you or a loved one, please call 419-720-4940 or visit their website at www.memorylanecareservices.org.
Please listen to the Area Office on Aging in partnership with WGTE’s Better and LongerTM Podcast, which can be found wherever you find your favorite podcast. The current episodes include:
Re-Imagining Retirement with Retired Area Office on Aging President/CEO Mrs. Billie Johnson
Aging Stronger with World’s Oldest Female Bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd
Serving Longer with the Longest Serving Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Justin Moor President, CEO
Area Office on Aging of NW Ohio
Aging through the Lens of Faith with Bishop Daniel Thomas
The Area Office on Aging invites you to participate in a survey to better understand the experiences and needs of older adult workers. Your insights will help us gather data to support workplace practices for older adults. The survey covers topics like job satisfaction, workplace environment, career development, and any age-related challenges. Your responses are confidential and will be used for research purposes only.Please mail your completed survey to: Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Attention: EMP SURVEY, 2155 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43609. Thank you for your time and participation!
What type of work environment do you prefer?
□ Office Setting □ Remote Work
□ Hybrid (office/remote)
□ Flexible Hours □ Other
What is your current employment status?
□ Full-time □ Part-time
□ Self-employed □ Retired
□ Unemployed □ Other (please specify)
In what business/industry are in you interested in pursuing employment?
□ Manufacturing □ Construction
□ Transportation □ Finance / Insurance
□ Real estate □ Hospitality
□ Leisure □ Land-related work
□ Animal care □ Information
□ Utilities □ Other
What type of work are you interested in
□ Full-time □ Part-time
□ Freelance/Contract □ Volunteer work
□ Other (please specify)
What are the main challenges you face in finding employment? (Select all that apply)
□ Age discrimination
□ Lack of relevant skills
□ Health issues
□ Limited job opportunities
□ Other (please specify)
What motivates you to seek employment at this stage in your life? (Select all that apply)
□ Financial necessity
□ Desire to stay active and engaged
□ Passion for a particular field
□ Social interaction
□ Other (please specify)
What are your long-term career goals?
□ Continue working in my current field
□ Transition to a new field
□ Start my own business
□ Volunteer work
□ Other (please specify)
What resources or support do you think would help you in your job search? (Select all that apply)
□ Job training programs
□ Resume writing assistance
□ Networking opportunities
□ Job fairs
□ Online job search platforms
□ Other (please specify)
Are you aware of any organizations or programs that support older adults in finding employment?
□ Yes
□ No
Home Energy Assistance Program
Stay Warm During The Cold Winter Months!
Heating Assistance Still Available!
The Ohio Department of Development and the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio (AOoA) want to remind Ohioans assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.
Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to apply online, download a copy of the application, or find contact information for a local Energy Assistance Provider. Senior citizens may go to their local Area Agency on Aging office for help with assembling the required documents and completing their HEAP application.
Applicants must have the following documents when applying:
• Most recent utility bills
• A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
• Proof of disability (if applicable)
HEAP benefits are applied to an individual’s energy bill after January 1st. If you need immediate assistance with your energy bills, please contact your local Energy Assistance Provider. A list of providers can be found at energyhelp.ohio.gov.
For more information or to apply for the Summer Crisis Program, please contact your local Community Action Agency in the County you reside to schedule an appointment.
Funding Secured to Build 52 Units of Affordable Senior Housing, New Senior Center, and to Improve Neighborhood Walkability
The Area Office on Aging in partnership with National Church Residences have secured 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency valued at $11 million to develop 52-units of affordable senior housing named Arlington Senior Apartments. These apartments are going to be on the second, third, and fourth floors of a newly constructed building to be built right next to the Area Office on Aging’s headquarters in South Toledo near the corner of Arlington Avenue and South Detroit Avenue. On the first floor of this building will be a new Margaret Hunt Senior Center. The building in South Toledo that the Margaret Hunt Senior Center had been in for decades was recently sold and the senior center is temporarily operating out of a building in Southland Shopping Center until their new senior center is built and ready for them to move into. This building is expected to break ground in Spring 2025 and be ready for use by the end of 2026. The Area Office on Aging was successful in getting $2.7 million in One-Time Strategic Initiatives funding from the State to help cover a portion of the costs associated with the new Arlington Senior Apartments, the new Margaret Hunt Senior Center as well as to help improve the walkability of the Lakewoods Campus where this building is being built. The Lakewoods Campus is a 46-acre campus that over 400 older adults and veterans call home, where over 400 people work and where over 1,700 older adults and others come for services.
Give
the Gift of
Independence.
The need is great.
Many seniors in Northwest Ohio are struggling to remain independent; simple tasks required for daily living – meals, transportation, medical care, personal grooming, grocery shopping, and much more – can be difficult at times for people aged 60 and over. These seniors are your grandparents, parents, friends, and neighbors. Keeping your loved ones safe and living independently at home begins with you.
Make a tax-deductible donation today. Your gift helps the Northwest Ohio Area Office on Aging Foundation fund the most critical needs among seniors in our 10-county service area. Our commitment is to support programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and support the work of the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio. Your gift today will make an important difference in a local senior’s life.
