The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.
The Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. (Office for Aging) was established July 1, 1975, as a result of 1973 amendments to the 1965 Federal Older Americans Act that recognized the government’s responsibility to help the elderly. It is part of the aging network that includes the Federal Administration on Aging, State Units on Aging, and Area Agencies on Aging, whose focus is advocacy for persons over the age of 60. The agency’s mission is the commitment to serve Montgomery County senior citizens and their families by helping the elderly to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Traditionally, local offices for aging are sponsored by county government, as some local money is required to receive federal and state funding for services. There are 59 Office’s for Aging in New York State. Of these, 55 are sponsored by county government and four are not-for-profit agencies. Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. is one of the four not-for-profits.
The Office for Aging has had several sponsors since it’s inception, Mt. Carmel Church (1975-1989), Montgomery County (1989 through 1992), and Catholic Family & Community Services (1993 through March 1996). The Joshua Foundation became the interim sponsor for the remainder of 1996 until a private, not-for-profit corporation, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc., was established and awarded the sponsorship through a competitive bid process.
According to the 2000 census, the senior population was 11,498, or 23.1% of the total Montgomery County population. It ranks third largest in the state for percent per capita of elderly.
In 1999, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. purchased property in Palatine Bridge and built a central kitchen to prepare and deliver meals to Montgomery County senior citizens throughout the county. Today, the Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc. currently serves home-delivered meals to more than 100 seniors Monday-Friday. Further, the Office for Aging currently has 3 Café Style meal sites located in St. Johnsville, Canajoharie, Amsterdam. These café sites currently offer hot noon meals.
The Office for Aging has many volunteers who serve the following programs: friendly visitor, telephone reassurance, nutrition and meal delivery, clerical help, Advisory Council, and Board of Directors.
There is a staff of 13 including: an Executive Director, a Business Manager, an Assistant Business Manager, an Office Manager, one Administrative Assistant, a Nutrition Program Manager, two Case Managers, four Client Services Representatives and one part-time maintenance and grounds.
The attached agency brochure outlines the programs and services provided to the Montgomery County senior community. The Office for Aging collaborates with many other local providers to enhance its services and broaden its capacity for assistance to a variety of needs.
In May of 2008, the Office for Aging purchased a building at 135 Guy Park Avenue in Amsterdam and the agency moved to this location in July 2008. Accessibility has greatly improved with our move and the office has experienced a significant increase in client traffic as well as a heightened awareness of the agency’s services.
