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Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs
May 2026
Vol. 39, No. 3
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Elkhart County Council on Aging celebrates 50th anniversary By ANIKA YODER Feature Writer
The Council on Aging of Elkhart County celebrates 50 years serving the county’s senior population this year. The council offers several services and resources for those looking for information or assistance not just for themselves, but for their loved ones as well. According to its website, the COA operates to support the aging by offering services and resources which promote wellness, dignity, independence and quality of life for its clients. From transportation, in-home care services, COA Activity Center, Medicare counseling, medical savings plans and tax preparation servcies, the increase in the elderly population in the county is of note when the council looks into the increases in the community’s needs, said Chief Executive Officer of the COA Tina Fraley. “It’s a large segment of our population, and it’s important that we set up the infrastructure that’s needed to service those individuals when they need it,” Fraley said. A council board member and Elkhart based audiologist Sharon Zastrow joined the board about five years ago. Zastrow said she was made aware of the council by the transportation services provided by the COA for clients to make it to their appointments. The board hosts members with a variety of specialty backgrounds Zastrow said. With Zastrow joining the board because of the transportation services provided to her patients, she said not many
people are aware the council offers transportation and that with the 50th anniversary this year, it is an opportunity for the public to be made aware of this well kept secret. “Our seniors are the givers in our community …” Zastrow said. “They will support the humane society, they will support the kids, they don’t necessarily support themselves or their cohorts. They are the givers and they are the doers.” Manager for In-Home Services Jocelyn Anglemyer said the COA receives referrals from the state and directly from the community, requesting caregivers perform homemaking, attendant care and respite assistance. “We do meal prep. We also do grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions and running different errands for them,” Anglemyer said. “And the whole point of the program is to help the seniors in the community remain independent, ... our help in the home is what keeps them in their home.” According to Director of Acts of Service for the Community Foundation of Elkhart and council board member Ashley Jordan, when it comes to the COA, she works to educate people about the council. Between resources for seniors and the community understanding what the different functions of the organization are, Jordan said a 50th anniversary is not just a milestone, but proof of lasting impact, trust and essential service. “At our core, this work is really about something bigger. Continued on page 4
COA TRANSPORTATION TEAM — Shown is the transportation team at the Council on Aging of Elkhart Council. From left Kim O’ Donnell, James Orr, Doug Allen, Kendra Nowak, transportation manager, Richard Hunt and Janice Verace, Patricia McAllister. Photo provided by Council of Aging of Elkhart County.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM — Shown is the adminstrative team at the Council on Aging of Elkhart County. Pictured are Denise Hoke, Janet Rupe, Kendra Nowak, Claudia Lightfoot, Jocelyn Anglemeyer, in-home care manager; and Tina Fraley, CEO. Photo provided by Council on Aging of Elkhart Council
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