SFY 2026 AN N U AL R E P O R T
Sowega Council on Aging
MISSION To coordinate a system of services that promote the well-being and independence of older and disabled Georgians, helping them achieve healthy and self-sufficient lives.
VISION For all seniors and disabled individuals in our service area to have the resources to live longer, live safer, and live well.
PILLARS Safety We prioritize the safety and well being for all.
Respect We value everyone’s individuality with care and compassion.
Experience We deliver quality service in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
Efficiency We maximize our resources to deliver competent, quality services.
To view from a desktop visit sowegacoa.org/video-library. 2 Sowega Council on Aging
Message from our AAA Director Erin Willingham
Dear Friends and Supporters, As we reflect on State Fiscal Year 2026, I am proud to share that the Area Agency on Aging has continued to offer innovative and effective programming that positively impacts the lives of seniors across our 14-county region in Southwest Georgia. Our commitment to helping seniors live longer, live safely, and live well remains at the forefront of everything we do. Under the Older Americans Act (OAA), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are not intended to be primary direct service providers. Our federally defined role is to plan, coordinate, fund, and oversee a network of community partners that deliver services to older adults where they live. The decision to sell our large, service-focused facility and relocate to a smaller administrative office was a strategic, compliant, and responsible decision that aligns with federal law and modern best practices in aging services. This restructuring aligns our operations with the intent and requirements of the Older Americans Act while also allowing us to be better stewards of public funds. Reducing facility overhead has allowed more funding to be directed into services rather than facility maintenance. Services delivered through multiple providers reach older adults closer to home by reducing barriers and increasing flexibility. This model reinforces the AAA’s role as a neutral convener, funder, planner, and advocate for older adults while supporting local providers in expanding the reach and impact of services. The Aging & Disability Resource Connection, Transportation, Nutrition Services, Homemaker Services, Adult Day Care, Nursing Home Transitions, Dementia Care, Case Management, and Volunteer Programs are just a few examples of the many ways we are working to support our senior population. The data and reports contained in this annual report provide a detailed overview of our achievements and the impact these programs have had on the lives of those we serve. We encourage you to review these sections to see the full extent of our work. Our successes would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Division of Aging Services, our local providers, community partners, dedicated volunteers, and our exceptional staff. Your unwavering commitment ensures that our mission to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities is not only met but exceeded. In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a role in supporting our agency and the seniors we serve. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals, and for that, we are incredibly thankful.
Sincerely,
ERIN WILLINGHAM AAA Director
SFY Annual Report 2026 3
Terrell
Calhoun
Early
Lee
Dougherty
Worth
Baker Mitchell Miller
Colquitt
Seminole Decatur
Grady
Thomas
About Sowega Council on Aging Sowega Council on Aging has been a trusted nonprofit organization since 1966. We provide unbiased information and connections to programs and services to 60,000 seniors age 60 and up, caregivers to those who are 60 and up, and disabled adults annually in 14 counties across Southwest Georgia. We promote the independence, health, and dignity of older adults in need through compassion, education, and advocacy. The Albany-Dougherty Council on Aging was incorporated in 1966. In 1979, to reflect the 14-county service area, a 6,000 square mile region, the name was changed to Sowega (Southwest Georgia) Council on Aging. The Sowega Council on Aging operates as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and an Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ARDC). With counties whose total population ranges from 4,074 - 96,065, it is easy to understand the challenges which must be met to provide resources, connections to services, and support in a cost-effective but fair manner. The flexibility in developing service plans given to Area Agencies on Aging by the Division of Aging Services permits this to happen. The Sowega Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
What is an Area Agency on Aging? Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were formally established in the 1973 Older Americans Act (OAA) as the “on the ground” organization charged with helping vulnerable older adults live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit agency designated by the state to address the needs and concerns of all older and disabled persons at the regional and local levels. AAAs coordinate and connect older adults with services that help them remain in their homes, if that is their preference, aided by services such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, and whatever else it may take to make independent living a viable option. An Area Agency on Aging fulfills the following roles: • Assess community needs and develop and fund programs that respond to those needs • Educate and provide direct assistance to consumers about available community resources for long-term services and supports • Serve as portals to care by assessing multiple service needs, determining eligibility, authorizing or purchasing services, and monitoring the appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of services • Custodians of the public interest demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship by maximizing the use of public and private funding to serve as many consumers as possible 4 Sowega Council on Aging
SERVICE AREA
Administrative Office 618-A N. Westover Blvd. Albany, GA 31707
COUNTIES SERVED
POPULATION AGE 65+
Baker Calhoun Colquitt Decatur Dougherty Early Grady Lee Miller Mitchell Seminole Terrell Thomas Worth
759 952 7,448 4,997 14,443 2,110 4,949 4,657 1,318 3,923 2,357 1,850 8,720 4,169
TOTAL
62,652
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
P: (229) 432-1124 T: (800) 282-6612 F: (229) 483-0995 SowegaCOA.org Under the Older Americans Act (OAA), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) roles are to plan, coordinate, fund, and oversee a network of community partners that deliver services to older adults where they live. In March 2026, Sowega Council on Aging made the strategic decision to relocate to a smaller administrative office. This restructuring aligns operations with the intent and requirements of the OAA, as well as reinforces the AAA’s role as a neutral convener, funder, planner, and advocate for older adults. SCOA remains the central access point and oversight body of aging services in the 14-county service area.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chris Kane, Chairman Chair: Frank Dinie Phoebe | Dawson, GA Vice Chair: Ilean Bady Daniel Stone, Vice Chair Secretary: Gloria Bronson Synovus | Albany, GA Sherry Bailey Jeff Wright, Secretary Connie Hobbs Draffin Tucker | Albany, GA Mack Jones Bo Strickland, Assistant Secretary JoAnn Gibson Gardner, Willis, Plaire & Wilson | Albany, GA Bonnie Warren Melissa Strother Dillard Glover MB Strother Designs | Albany, GA Sheryl Venable Carol Boyd Bonnie Reilly Jim Boyd Construction Co. | Leesburg, GA John Johnson Jane Gray Edward Roberts Retired Phoebe | Albany, GA Glenda Coffey Stacey DeMarino Billie McLendon Renasant Bank | Albany, GA Laurie Joan Perry Chad Ellis Angela Kiminias Gillionville Baptist Church | Albany, GA Lougenia Cross Don Gray Rohini Last City of Albany | Albany, GA Melanie Kemp Retired | Camilla, GA Jermaine Simmons Mt. Zion Baptist Church | Albany, GA Davis Gill The Jenkins Group | Albany, GA Sherman Willis Gardner, Willis, Sweat, Plaire & Pickett, LLP | Albany, GA Darrin Wood Woodford Plywood | Albany, GA
Mitchell County Lee County Dougherty County Baker County Baker County Calhoun County Colquitt County Decatur County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Dougherty County Grady County Seminole County Terrell County Thomas County Worth County Colquitt County
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6 Sowega Council on Aging
THE TRANSITION TO OUR NEW ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ALLOWED US TO FOCUS MORE RESOURCES, INCREASING PROGRAM PARTICIPATION, EXPANDING SERVICES, REDUCING WAITLISTS, AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
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The Aging & Disability
RESOURCE CONNECTION 8 Sowega Council on Aging
WELLNESS EVENT STATISTICS THE AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION
In Person RSVP Events Event Name
Duplicated
Unduplicated
Chair Fitness (Monday)
2,108
172
Chair Fitness (Wednesday)
1,429
144
Chair Fitness (Thursday)
1,395
152
Low Impact Aerobics
1,417
149
Line Dancing (Beginner)
408
52
Line Dancing
379
48
Senior Stretch & Yoga
2,173
156
Tai Chi for Arthritis
395
74
Beginner Tai Chi
249
68
Wellness Room
1,053
317
Virtual Classes
Duplicated
Unduplicated
Art & Music
30
27
Balance & Flexibility
708
86
Community Discussion 102
38
Fitness & Strength
45
8
ADRC SFY 2026
Meditation & Breathing 12
9
Total calls received: 26,008 Total contacts received for information and service inquiries: 10,576 Referrals received from providers: 2,550 Referrals made into services (total clients served in HCBS services only): 502 Number of resources updated:1,302 MFP: 4 NHT: 9
Museum Tour
12
11
Tech & Education
35
18
Virtual EBPs
Duplicated
Unduplicated
Tai Chi (am)
162
7
Tai Chi (pm)
98
4
Tai Chi (exploring)
44
2
CDSMP
48
10
DSMP
29
5
1-800-282-6612 The Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) connects seniors, individuals with disabilities, family members, caregivers, and professionals with the resources and information they need. • Serves as the no wrong door for information, resources, and connection to available services • Provides information and assistance by connecting individuals to public or private resources, supporting professionals seeking help on behalf of clients, and helping individuals plan for future long-term care needs • Provides easy access to information • Offers screening for services and options counseling • Provides resources and connections to services that support the individual’s range of needs • Creates a person-centered, communitybased environment that promotes independence and dignity for individuals
AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES SCOA hosted quarterly AARP Smart Driver Classes throughout the year, serving 57 seniors.
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Senior Center Without Walls Congregate
MEAL PROGRAM
10 Sowega Council on Aging
Senior Centers exist to enrich the lives of senior citizens through programs and services that improve their health and wellness, decrease loneliness and isolation, and provide social, economic, and education opportunities to enhance their quality of life. Nutritious meals are available to eligible adults age 60+ through local meal providers. Participants have access to activities, exercise, special events, and engaging programs through community partners and providers. Research shows that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental, and economic well-being. Senior Centers are reinventing themselves to meet the needs and desires of the aging baby boomer generation. Boomers currently constitute 2/3 of the 50+ population. By the year 2030, one in five individuals in each community will be over 65. Since April 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, senior center programs have been operating under a new model - Senior Center Without Walls Congregate Meal Program. The program provides access to the same components typically available through a physical senior center within a community. In SFY 2026, the Sowega Council on Aging contracted with 27 local restaurants in our 14-county area to serve lunches Monday through Friday between 11 am and 2 pm. The county of residence determines the restaurants available to the client. Senior recreational activities are available throughout the community in locations such as libraries, recreation departments, churches, and other community venues. Programs include exercise classes, Bingo and other games, walking clubs, nutrition education classes, devotionals, music programs, evidence-based health programs, crafts, and more. We contracted with five organizations throughout the region to provide senior recreational activities through the Request for Proposal process. Our Senior Recreation partner providers include Albany/Lee YMCA, Colquitt County Arts Center in Moultrie, Christian Life Center in Camilla, and Spring Creek Health in Miller County. They provided various activities including exercise classes, games, educational workshops, music programs, crafts and more. We hope to add more partner providers in other counties throughout the region in the future. Virtual activities are also a part of the SCWW model. Participants were able to join nutrition education classes, evidence-based programs, various games, and coffee chats, along with a daily engagement activity on the Claris Companion tablets or home computer/tablet. Congregate Clients served: 766 Congregate Meals served: 101,441
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Rural
WELLNESS PROGRAM 12 Sowega Council on Aging
The Wellness Program promotes optimum nutrition and healthy lifestyle management for positive outcomes. Throughout the Sowega Council on Aging, active aging is encouraged by implementing the following five key messages: “BE ACTIVE, BE SMOKE-FREE, EAT HEALTHY, GET CHECKED, AND STAY POSITIVE.” These messages are addressed through four major areas of wellness, lifestyle management, awareness and prevention, nutrition, and physical activity. Collaboration with community partners is key when providing programs and activities that focus on diet, exercise, health and chronic disease prevention and self-management. Over 1450 older adults received information in the form of a quarterly magazine along with a calendar of program offerings. We hosted three regional Resource Fairs in conjunction with a Farmers Market. Dougherty County, Decatur County, and Mitchell County each hosted an event. Participants were able to gather resources and information about programs and services from various providers in the aging network. We were able to provide 357 senior participants with a $30 voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Awareness events were also hosted and celebrated in honor of Older American’s Month in May, National Fall Prevention Month in September, and Active Aging Week in October. Monthly virtual classes provided by partner organizations were offered and made available through the Claris Companion tablets for those who received a tablet. These tablets are senior friendly making it easy for anyone to participate. Various topics including diabetes and chronic disease awareness, nutrition, falls prevention, active aging, and relationships were introduced through monthly programming options. Clients were mailed the agency quarterly magazine with a list of virtual program options, including Tai Chi for Falls Prevention, Wellness Wednesday, trivia sessions, and other daily content. In-person activities include Chair Fitness, Line Dance, Tai Chi and Senior Stretch classes. These classes are taught by SCOA volunteer instructors.
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EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS Evidence-based programs (EBPs) offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits, so you can be confident they work.
CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CDSMP) The CDSMP is appropriate for any adults experiencing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes; their family members, friends, and caregivers can also participate. This program provides information through Living Well Workshops, which teach practical skills on managing chronic health problems. The CDSMP gives people the confidence and motivation to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. 2 virtual workshops served 10 participants TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS AND FALL PREVENTION Dr. Paul Lam and a team of researchers developed this evidence-based exercise program to introduce persons with arthritis or fear of falling to Tai Chi. Participants meet once or twice a week for up to one hour. This program relieves pain caused by arthritis, reduces falls, and improves quality of life. 3 In-Person workshops in Dougherty County serving 72 participants 6 Virtual workshops offered regionally, serving 13 participants. DEALING WITH DEMENTIA This four-hour evidence based workshop is paired with the comprehensive Dealing with Dementia Guide, a detailed workbook designed to help family caregivers taking care of someone with dementia. Participation in this workshop is proven to increase dementia knowledge and confidence in the caregiver’s ability to provide care. One workshop held in March. AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES We hosted three classes serving 57 seniors during the year. These classes are taught by AARP certified volunteer instructors. The classes are 6 hours in length split into two 3-hour sessions. DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT CLASS (DSMP) DSMP is a six-week evidence-based program for those who are pre-diabetic, diabetic or caring for a person with diabetes. During the course participants learn practical skills on managing this chronic health problem, and the workshop is designed to give people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. 5 participants in 1 virtual class.
14 Sowega Council on Aging
CLASSES In-person Chair Fitness, Line Dance, Chair Yoga, and Tai Chi were offered and taught by SCOA volunteer instructors. Unduplicated Number of Participants served for the following classes in SFY 2026: WELLNESS CENTER ACTIVITIES | IN PERSON RSVP EVENTS • Chair Fitness (Monday) – 172 • Senior Stretch & Yoga – 156 • Chair Fitness (Wednesday) – 144 • Tai Chi for Arthritis – 74 • Chair Fitness (Thursday) – 152 • Beginner Tai Chi – 68 • Line Dancing (Beginner) – 52 • Wellness Room – 317 • Line Dancing – 48 • Low Impact Aerobics – 149 EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMS • DSMP – 5 • CDSMP – 10 VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES • Art & Music – 27 • Community Discussion – 38 • Meditation and Breathing – 9 • Technology and Education – 18
• Tai Chi (Virtual) – 13 • Tai Chi (In Person) – 142
• Balance and Flexibility – 86 • Fitness & Strength – 28 • Museum Tour – 11
It’s unknown how many people may have taken part in classes offered virtually via YouTube and Facebook Live. TRANSPORTATION SCOA connects seniors to transportation services through the SWGA Regional Commission. Trips Provided: 7,144
Clients Served: 294
Subscription Riders: 103
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Home & Community
BASED SERVICES 16 Sowega Council on Aging
Non-Medicaid-based services are available to clients to provide the resources and assistance necessary to remain in their homes as independently as possible.
ADULT DAY CARE
APS SUPPORT OPTIONS
Provision of social and recreational activities to persons in need of limited personal care assistance, supervision or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. Clients Served: 11 Service Hours: 5,520
Provide supportive services and access to services (including programs, benefits, supports, and technology) authorized by the Older Americans Act to assist Adult Protective Services (APS) clients. Partnered with Mom’s Meals to provide a 90-day supply of meals, delivered every two weeks. Clients Served: 14 Meals Served: 896
ALZHEIMER’S ADULT DAY CARE Provision of social and recreational activities to persons in the various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias, in need of limited personal care assistance, supervision or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. Clients Served: 40 Service Hours: 8,657
CASE MANAGEMENT Case management assists individuals in gaining access to needed Home and Community Based Services and other State Plan services as well as needed medical, social, educational, and other services regardless of the funding source. Case Management includes assessment, care planning, service management, monitoring, and negotiation of fees. Clients Served: 1,099 Service Hours: 2,034
IN-HOME RESPITE CARE Services that offer temporary substitute supports or living arrangements for care recipients in order to provide a brief period of relief or rest for caregivers. Clients Served: 29 Service Hours: 9,806
HOMEMAKER SERVICES Most older people choose to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Homemaker services provide individuals with the assistance needed to remain independent. Services include meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping. Clients Served: 138 Service Hours: 9,806
MATERIAL AID VOUCHERS May include: options counseling, home modifications, assistive technology devices, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, infection control products, skincare products, and more. Caregiver Material Aid Vouchers: 250
SENIOR RECREATION Provision of in-person senior recreation activities in a safe meeting space for adults ages 60+ that promote socialization, as well as physical and mental enrichment for leisure activities. Clients Served (duplicated): 28,635 Service Activities: 1,172
HOME DELIVERED MEALS Also known as the “Meals on Wheels” program, home delivered meals provide a hot, nutritious meal daily to homebound individuals. The “personal” delivery offers social interaction as well as a safety check. Clients served: 516 Meals served: 100,382
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Long-Term Care
OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 18 Sowega Council on Aging
ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Representatives of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman are advocates for residents of nursing homes, personal care homes, assisted living communities, community living arrangements, and critical access hospitals. They work to improve the quality of life and quality of care for residents of these long-term care facilities. The eight South Program Certified Ombudsman Representatives investigate and work to resolve complaints on behalf of residents. They routinely visit long-term care facilities to be accessible to residents and monitor conditions. The Ombudsman Representatives provide community education and outreach services to raise awareness and public sensitivity to elder abuse, enabling individuals to identify and prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. The South Program Ombudsman Representatives work with residents, long-term care facilities, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, law enforcement, and other agencies to prevent elder abuse. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse as well as financial or material exploitation, neglect, and abandonment.
SFY 2026 SOUTH PROGRAM OMBUDSMAN ACTIVITY The eight South Certified Ombudsman Representatives cover 48 counties and a 20,000mile territory that includes over 530 facilities. They serve over 13,250 residents. The number one priority of the Ombudsman Representative is complaint resolution to the satisfaction of the resident. The South Program has resolved 970 complaints in SFY 2026. South Program Ombudsman Representatives have provided 1,442 facility staff consultations on resident rights issues and provided 1,973 information and assistance to residents, resident families, and the public. They have provided 54 in-service education sessions on resident rights to facility staff and 45 community education sessions.
Serving 48 counties in South Georgia • 73 Nursing Homes • 213 Personal Care Homes • 28 Assisted Living Communities • 209 Community Living Arrangements • 8 Critical Access Hospitals
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Transition
COORDINATION 20 Sowega Council on Aging
The Community Transitions (CT) program, formerly known as “The Money Follows The Person” (MFP) program allows a person who currently resides in an institutional setting (nursing home, hospital, or rehab facility) for at least 60 days, and with at least one day of nursing home services paid by Medicaid during their stay, the opportunity to meet with a CT Options Counselor to discuss options for transitioning back into the community to live. An eligible person could qualify for Community Transitions Services to assist transitioning from the nursing home into the housing of their choice. Some of the CT services assist with securing housing, help with paying security deposits, purchasing basic furniture, household goods and supplies, transportation arranged, and home modifications provided as needed. Medicaid waiver programs support and promote each person’s independence and freedom of choice. The CT Options Counselor works to help the Transition Coordinator ensure that the transition is complete. Participants who are successfully transitioned are supported through the CT program for 365 days. A separate Nursing Home Transition (NHT) program is available for those who are currently residing in a nursing home or rehabilitation center for at least 20 days. This program is designed to give seniors the opportunity to return home after rehab or recovery in a skilled nursing facility. Patients may be receiving rehabilitative services to help recover their physical and functional abilities so that they can return home safely. The goal is for them to resume their normal day-to-day activities while helping to minimize care costs and prevent hospital readmissions. Services Include: • Medical Equipment/Supplies • Wheelchair Ramps • Household Supplies • One-Time Rent Assistance Qualifications: 55+ Years Old Income less than $6175 per month U.S. Citizen 20+ Days Term in Nursing Home or Short-Term Rehab Number of CT/NHT transitions taking place SFY 2026 is 13 MFP transitions 4 & NHT transitions 9
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LEGAL SERVICES 22 Sowega Council on Aging
GA Legal Services presented in person presentations to Seniors on Wills, Advance Directives, SNAP, and Health Fairs between July 1, 2025 thru June 30, 2026. They engaged over 200 Seniors in person. GLSP has closed 88 cases. The closing reasons are: • Counsel and Advice: 28 • Brief Service: 40 • Negotiated Settlement with Litigation: 2 • Negotiated Settlement Without Litigation:1 • Extensive Service: 10 • Uncontested Court Decision: 2 Ethnic Groups: • White: 14 • Black: 68 • Hispanic: 3 • Native American: 1 • Other: 2
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VOLUNTEERS 24 Sowega Council on Aging
VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SFY 2026 •
139 volunteers contributed more than 13,552 hours of service to support older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout our community.
•
96 wheelchair ramps were built, helping disabled, ill, and amputee clients maintain safe access to their homes.
•
Volunteers created 1,477 handmade items—including teddy bears, wheelchair bags, scarves, and lap blankets—to provide comfort and support to those in need.
•
More than 9,100 single-use plastic bags were recycled and transformed into sleeping mats for distribution to individuals experiencing homelessness.
•
Volunteers strengthened the health and well-being of older adults by leading evidence-based, fitness, and wellness programs throughout the community: •
• •
Evidence-Based Programs: Tai Chi for Arthritis, Chronic Disease SelfManagement, and Diabetes Self-Management • 93 unduplicated clients served • 496 hours of education delivered Fitness Classes • 161 unduplicated clients participating weekly • 9,422 hours of service delivered Wellness Programs • 76 unduplicated clients participating weekly • 3,159 hours of service delivered
•
Volunteers prepared more than 318 tax returns in 2026, helping area residents complete their 2025 tax returns.
•
Volunteers grew and harvested more than 480 pounds of fresh produce, which was distributed to the community through the former Regional Resource Center.
SFY Annual Report 2026 25
CAREGIVER PROGRAM 26 Sowega Council on Aging
FAMILY CAREGIVER PROGRAM The Family Caregiver Program supports caregivers who provide in-home care to a lovedone sixty years and older. An assessment with the caregiver is completed to identify the assistance needed and available resources. Services and material aid assistance may include: options counseling, home modifications, assistive technology devices, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, over-the-counter medications, infection control products, skincare products, and more. Events include the monthly Caregiver Support Group meetings and the annual Lunch and Learn seminar in November. In recognition of National Caregiver Month in November, a family caregiver, paraprofessional caregiver, and a volunteer caregiver are honored at the annual Caregiver Conference. Additional seminars and learning opportunities are held throughout the year to support caregivers. The Family Caregiver Program reduces caregiver burdens by providing emotional support, resources, education, and hope for caregivers. Caregiver Material Aid Clients: 41 Caregiver Support Group Clients: 37
ALBANY AREA SENIOR CARE COALITION The Albany Area Senior Care Coalition is a unique volunteer coalition of caregiver support organizations from a broad array of illnesses and disabilities. Coalition members include volunteer leaders and advocates from community and state agencies, private corporations, churches, and family caregivers who provide ongoing information, assistance, counseling, training, and support groups for caregivers throughout Georgia. The coalition meets monthly at the Margaret Jo Hogg Dementia Support Center. • Links professional and family caregivers in a supportive community concerned with caregiving. • Identifies community caregiving strengths and needs • Implements effective educational programs for caregivers • Organizes community forums on caregiving issues • Provides a source of support for caregivers • Fosters strong relationships among community leaders concerned about caregivers • Helps agencies and stakeholders work collaboratively, coordinating human and fiscal resources • Educates the public and legislators about caregiving • Identifies policy issues and advocate on behalf of caregivers
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ADVOCACY 28 Sowega Council on Aging
ADVOCACY The Council on Aging is the area leader in senior advocacy. Older adult concerns are monitored and addressed throughout the year at the local, state, and federal levels. Advocacy efforts include: • Recommending legislation • Developing and presenting testimony at public hearings • Representing elderly in long-term care facilities • Addressing local civic groups, churches, city, and professional organizations • Commenting on proposed legislation that affects seniors in our area • Publishing an area-wide bi-monthly Long Term Care Ombudsman Newsletter. • Working with AAA Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Committees Senior Week at the State Capitol was hosted in-person in February, as were the other Co-Age meetings during the year.
SENIOR HUNGER COALITION Partnerships with local farmers, food banks, churches, restaurants, grocery stores and senior housing complexes allowed for outreach and innovative service projects throughout the region. This initiative meets quarterly and brings Southwest Georgia area organizations and businesses together around the shared goal of combating senior hunger. Through innovative programming and partnerships, the Senior Hunger Coalition hopes to ensure that all clients are food secure and expands that commitment to serve all older adults within our community. Focus Areas: 1. Today’s Seniors 2. Food Access 3. Food Waste and Reclamation 4. Meeting the Needs of the Community 5. Health Impact of Senior Hunger Our SFY 2026 mini grants supported our Senior Farmers Markets, held at three sites across the region. Seniors over age 60 received a grocery tote containing $30 in fresh produce.
SFY Annual Report 2026 29
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST 30 Sowega Council on Aging
DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALIST PROGRAM (DCS) In SFY 2024, the Division of Aging Services launched a statewide initiative to support people living with Dementia (PLWD), their families, and the communities they live in. The program is a critical component of Georgia’s efforts to become a dementia capable state. The DCS program was specifically designed for the state to become a leader in supporting our aging population– those individuals with brain changes and their care partners. To execute the state’s mission, the DCS will: • Provide dementia-specific training for AAA staff, providers, and partners. • Raise awareness about the importance of early detection and screening. • Provide dementia-specific community education through outreach events and educational sessions (Dealing with Dementia workshops, Virtual Dementia Tours (VDT), Dementia Friends Sessions, and general education sessions) • Provide education and support to people with cognitive concerns or dementia and their families. • Refer individuals to community resources. The Sowega Council on Aging has (1) full-time Dementia Care Specialist dedicated to this initiative, developing programs, trainings, and a coalition dedicated to meeting this mission. COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS Number of People: 295 Number of Events: 16 OUTREACH EVENTS Number of People: 1,717 Number of Events: 19 PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS/VIRTUAL DEMENTIA TOURS Number of People: 768 Number of Events: 9 TOTALS FROM 2026 Number of People: 2,780 Number of Events: 44 *The Dementia Care Specialist also provided 2 educational sessions to the AAA staff.
SFY Annual Report 2026 31
Your help makes a difference.
With your assistance, the Sowega Council on Aging works to make Southwest Georgia a better place for seniors and individuals with disabilities. 100% of all donations go directly into the programs and services offered in your area.
Visit our website to give today. sowegacoa.org
Programs and services funded in part by the United Way.