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.
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Message from our Executive Director Izzie Sadler
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on State Fiscal Year 2025, 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.
This year, our agency has continued to develop and expand programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our aging population. From the Senior Center Without Walls to our evidencebased health programs, our services are designed to help seniors remain independent in their homes and communities. 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 within this annual report provide a detailed overview of our achievements, as well as 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,
IZZIE SADLER Executive Director
About Sowega Council on Aging
Sowega Council on Aging has been a trusted nonprofit organization since 1966. We provide unbiased information, 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 services 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 contract with local service providers to deliver many direct services, such as home-delivered meals, homemaker assistance, transportation, 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
Decatur Grady
THIS YEAR AT THE SOWEGA COUNCIL ON AGING HAS BEEN FILLED WITH MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS AND POSITIVE CHANGE. WE ARE PROUD OF THE WAYS WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO SUPPORT OUR SENIORS AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING OUR MISSION OF SERVICE IN THE COMING YEAR.
The Aging & Disability
WELLNESS EVENT STATISTICS
THE AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CONNECTION
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 services
• Provides information and assistance to individuals needing either public or private resources, to professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients, and to individuals planning for their future long-term care needs
• Provides easy access to information
• Offers screening for services and options counseling
• Provides resources and services that support the individual’s range of needs
• Creates a person-centered, community-based environment that promotes independence and dignity for individuals
ADRC SFY 2025
Total calls received: 22,490
Total contacts received for information and service inquiries: 13,588
Referrals received from providers: 3,077
Referrals made into services (total clients served in HCBS services only): 641
Number of resources updated:1,302
MFP: 6
NHT: 13
AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES
SCOA
Senior Center Without Walls Congregate MEAL PROGRAM
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 served to people age 60+. Participants enjoy activities, exercise, special events, and engaging programs. 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, our senior center programs have been operating under a new model - Senior Center Without Walls Congregate Meal Program. The program offers the same components as a physical senior center within a community.
In SFY 2025, 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. The senior recreational activities are offered throughout the community in locations like the library, recreation department, church, etc. 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: 886
Congregate Meals served: 127,185
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 four regional Resource Fairs in conjunction with the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Dougherty County, Colquitt County, Miller 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. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a Federally funded program provided through the USDA for GA residents who are 60+ that meet the income requirements. We were able to provide 779 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 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. The Wellness Room offers stationery and spin bikes, tread mills, light hand weights and other exercise equipment for senior participants to use. A room monitor is available for an orientation of the machines and safety of the participants during operating hours.
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.
1 In-Person workshop served 9 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 34 participants. As part of a pilot program, participants were provided a tablet to provide them access to the Zoom platform.
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 with 17 people.
AARP SMART DRIVER CLASSES
We hosted quarterly classes serving 28 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.
AGING MASTERY PROGRAM® (AMP)
AMP is a fun, innovative, and person-centered education program that empowers participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and others. The program encourages mastery—developing sustainable behaviors across many dimensions that lead to improved health, stronger economic security, enhanced well-being, and increased societal participation. The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) was developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and has been successful at helping older adults build their playbook for aging well.
48 participants in 3 classes
CLASSES
In-person Chair Fitness, Line Dance, Chair Yoga, and Tai Chi were offered and taught by SCOA volunteer instructors seeing an increase in participation after being home for so long. Unduplicated Number of Participants served for the following classes in SFY 2025:
WELLNESS CENTER ACTIVITIES
• Chair Fitness (Monday) – 166
• Chair Fitness (Wednesday) – 51
• Chair Fitness (Thursday) – 145
• Line Dancing (Beginner) – 55
• Line Dancing – 43
• Low Impact Aerobics – 131
EVIDENCE BASED PROGRAMS
• AMP – 48
• CDSMP – 9
• DSMP – 10
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES
• Morning Stretch – 35
• Mindful Meditation – 9
• Art & Music – 16
• Fitness & Strength – 26
• Senior Stretch & Yoga – 125
• Tai Chi for Arthritis – 72
• Wellness Room – 94
• DSMP (Virtual) – 4 (1 class)
• Tai Chi (Virtual) – 27
• Concerts – 36
• Museum Tour – 4
• Community Discussion – 26
• Technology & Education - 14
It’s unknown how many people may have taken part in classes offered virtually via YouTube and Facebook Live.
TRIPS
We had 2 overnight trips through Diamond Tours, Inc. in SFY 2025. In October 2024, we had 34 participants that enjoyed the Nashville Trip, which was a 5-day/4-night trip. In April 2025, 44 participants joined the Miami/Key West trip, which was also a 5-day/4-night trip.
TRANSPORTATION
The SCOA offers transportation services through the SW GA Regional Commission.
Trips Provided: 9,719
Clients Served: 290 Subscription Riders: 97
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
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: 8
Service Hours: 3,102
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: 43
Service Hours: 19,662
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: 1,316
Service Hours: 8,251
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: 26
Service Hours: 3,438
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: 576 Meals served: 144,028
APS SUPPORT OPTIONS
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: 546
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: 156
Service Hours: 12,594
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: 300
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: 3,339
Service Activities: 1,003
Long-Term Care OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
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. Our 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 Sowega Council on Aging 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 2025 SOUTH PROGRAM OMBUDSMAN ACTIVITY
Our eight South Certified Ombudsman Representatives cover 48 counties and a 20,000mile territory that includes over 520 facilities. They serve over 13,450 residents.
The number one priority of the Ombudsman Representative is complaint resolution to the satisfaction of the resident. The South Program has resolved 942 complaints in SFY 2025.
South Program Ombudsman Representatives have provided 1217 facility staff consultations on resident rights issues and provided 889 information and assistance to residents, resident families, and the public. They have provided 63 in-service education sessions on resident rights to facility staff and 37 community education sessions.
Serving 48 counties in South Georgia
73 Nursing Homes
216 Personal Care Homes
26 Assisted Living Communities • 196 Community Living Arrangements • 8 Critical Access Hospitals
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.
We also have services available for those 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 2025 is 19 MFP transitions 6 & NHT transitions 13
LEGAL SERVICES
VOLUNTEERS
We are always looking for dedicated members of the community to be a part of our volunteer movement. There are several ways a person can volunteer with Sowega Council on Aging. Our volunteers are age 55+ and serve within the Americorps RSVP program. Our process is simple and includes a background check, for the safety of our seniors, for the majority of the areas of service.
Our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is vital to meeting our local needs by providing an experienced volunteer workforce. Volunteers aged 55 and older are encouraged to serve by sharing their skills with others at senior centers or out in the community. The RSVP Volunteer can choose to work in various volunteer stations. Currently our volunteers are serving in the following areas: Ramp Crew, Craft Station, Wellness, Nursing Home Visitors, and Tax Aide.
We also have episodic volunteer opportunities throughout the year that include events such as, but not limited to, Health Fairs, Senior Farmers Markets, or being a member of the agency councils and coalitions.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM SFY 2025
• A team of 139 volunteers together logged over 14,764 hours.
• Volunteers built 96 ramps for disabled, ill or amputee clients.
• Volunteers created over 1,600 hand-crafted items, including teddy bears, wheelchair bags, scarves and lap blankets.
• Volunteers recycled over 16,000 single-use plastic bags and turned them into sleeping mats that were then distributed to the area homeless.
• Volunteers led our communities’ senior population by teaching classes in the following areas:
• Evidence-Based Programs – Including Tai Chi for Arthritis, Chronic Disease SelfManagement and Diabetes Self-Management
• 93 unduplicated clients served
• 496 education hours delivered annually
• Fitness Classes
• 165 unduplicated clients who visit on a weekly basis
• 8,085 service hours delivered annually
• Wellness Room
• 99 unduplicated clients who visit on a weekly basis
• 1,053 service hours delivered annually
• Volunteers prepared over 184 tax returns in 2025 for the 2024 tax year.
• Volunteers harvested over 480 pounds of fresh produce and have served over 3,500 individuals between our garden distributions and our Feeding the Valley produce packing service in conjunction with Flint River Fresh and Farmer Fredando Jackson.
CAREGIVER PROGRAM
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 & 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: 44
Caregiver Support Group Clients: 110
CARE-NET
The CARE-NET 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:
• 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
