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Home > Support Us > Volunteers We c an’t do it without YO U! Council on Aging has numerous programs in which volunteers are needed. We could not even begin to take such good ca re of this community’s older adults without our more-than 1300 volunteers each year. ​ ​ Volunteer Opportuniti es Include: ​ Meals on Wheels Drivers deliver meals to home-bound seniors. ​ Adult Day Respite Program Volunteers assist with discussion, exercise, entertainment, crafts and/or food service. ​ Senior Peer Support Volunteers work with seniors who need emotional support. Training Included. ​ Community Dining Site Helper Assists in food prep, setting tables, acting as a host/hostess, serving meals to participants or cleaning up after meal service. Inter-generational Volunteer Opportunities Those who may be interested in dining with home-bound seniors. ​ Chef Prep A ssists the Meals on Wheels kitchen staff with meal prep and packaging . This is the only volunteer position that counts towards community service hours for court referral. ​ Special Events Volunteers help us accomplish successful fundraising events. ​ To learn what volunteers opportunities are available and to start the application process, please click here: https://councilonaging.galaxydigital.com ​ Each volunteer applicant is interviewed, receives an orientation to Council on Aging’s services, and training pertaining to their placement. ​ All volunteers who will work directly with senior clients must have a criminal background check. ​ Internship Opportunities Contact lgalten@councilonaging.com to learn about our internship opportunities in our Nutrition Department. Typically geared towards Nursing, Gerontology and Nutrition students. ​

Home > Meals on Wheels > Menus A Nutritional Lifestyle is a Cornerstone of Good Health! Meals on Wheels ​ To learn more about Meals on Wheels visit our F requently A sked Q uestions (FAQ's) page or call 707-525-0143 x135 to schedule your meal delivery. Meals on Wheels Entrées ​ The three menus: Poultry, Vegetarian, or Beef/Pork/Fish. Click below to view each menu choice. Poultry Menu for May, June, July Vegetarian Menu for May, June, July Beef, Pork, Fish Menu for May, June, July

Welcome to COA Home > About Us > Welcome to COA We all know a senior ​ Seniors are those wise and experienced beings who were there to celebrate our successes and to ease the bruises of tough lessons learned. They gave us a hand when we needed it. They were our parents, our grandparents, our spouses, and our neighbors. Council on Aging Services for Seniors is here to serve the beloved seniors in your life. ​ We are your first call when a senior needs help ​ Whether it is to find activities and resources to stay active and so cially engaged; temporary meals while recovering from medical treatment, or a shoulder to turn to when loss brings on depression – Council on Aging is here to help. We offer 20 programs across four departments including social, financial, and nutrition. ​ Sonoma County is home to 137,000 seniors 60+. Over the next 10 years, those 60+ will grow by another 20%. More Americans than ever before are living longer and as the “Baby Boomer” generation ages, more and more people will need the valuable services offered by the Council on Aging. ​ Our Mission ​ To enhance the quality of life for our aging community by providing services that promote well-being and maintain independence.

Home > Wine Country Games 2024 Sonoma Wine Country Games: May 31st - June 2nd & June 7th - 9th ​ Registrati on is Open! ​ The Sonoma Wine Count ry Games exists to promote and support active aging for people 50+. Through spirited competition, athletes devel op healthy lifestyle practices and ma intain critical connections within their community and beyond . 2024 marks our 12th year of offering the senior games. ​ Please visit our website regularly to stay updated on the Games. We hope to see you on the court, the track, the lawn or the field in 2024. ​

Home > Aging > Advocacy “We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for.” Colin Beavin Sometimes it takes the act of being in the other person’s shoes to truly understand their situation. Many are aging right into the circumstances of the modern day reality that many seniors face–escalating healthcare and housing costs, food insecurity, devastated savings accounts due to the bust of the recent years, social security threats and a host of other issues many thought would never happen to them. The Council on Aging is here to provide and advise in many areas of need: nutritional, social, and financial assistance. Yet learning how to become your own advocate and an advocate for the future of senior issues may be your best defense. Now is your time to learn the basics of advocacy. Advocacy(n) – “active support of an idea which may include pleading or arguing for a cause” Strength is in the numbers when it comes to advocating for ourselves and those causes closest to our hearts. Won’t you join us in advocating for our aging population? Learn the basics of effective advocacy HERE . Join the National Council on Aging in their advocacy efforts HERE . Join the National Committee to preserve Social Security and M edicare HERE . Join Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest HERE . ​ ​

Home > Events > Community Table Council on Aging's Community Dining program is driven to provide a “More than a Meal” experience. We strive to bring entertainment, educational presentations, and fun to seniors during our lunches. Recently in Sebastopol at Burbank Heights and Orchards, seniors were entertained by a talented group of youth from Nordquist- Taylor Ballroom Dance Studio. Students arranged a performance during their valued Spring Break vacation. They then had an intergenerational meal with our senior patrons. Nordquist-Taylor is a program that provides a safe and comfortable environment where teens learn American-style social ballroom dance. Their classes build the student’s confidence and blend in a balance of social behavior, manners, and dress. One older adult said, “I was a ballroom dancer as a young child, and seeing these dancers brought me back, what a joy." The dancers enjoyed the experience as well. Council on Aging provides a new program that integrates generations to bring a greater sense of purpose and community. The younger generation has the opportunity to better understand and learn from seniors. Seniors who are isolated and lonely have an opportunity to talk and feel more connected to the younger generations. If interested please contact us below: Nordquist Taylor Dance www.nordquisttaylordance.com Community Dining Lunch Service jduran@councilonaging.com or 707-525-0143 ext. 128 Intergenerational Lunch or Volunteering brosell@councilonaging.com or 707-525-0143 ext. 129 On Wednesday, April 5th COA hosted an Intergenerational Dinner event. Local youth from Vista Academy dined and connected with seniors over a freshly prepared dinner. The opportunity to share wisdom as well as learn from other generations was enjoyed by all. If you are interested in an Intergenerational event please contact Brooke: brosell@councilonaging.com or 707-525-0143 x129.

Home > Wine Country Games > Choose a Sport There are a variety of sports to choose from! Click on an icon below to learn more. ​ If you want to play pickleball and any other sport, please contact Coby at 707-525-0143, x 117 for a registration code. This code will prevent you from paying the Games registration fee twice. You will still have to pay the sports fees for all events you want to compete in. ​ Bocce Ball Lawn Bowling Pickle Ball Soccer Table Tennis Throwing

Home > About Us > Speakers Bureau ​ COA Public Presentations ​ As you look for speaker programs for your group’s meetings this coming year, please consider the Council on Aging — the foremost organization serving seniors, their families, and caregivers. The Council’s C EO, Marrianne McBride is a dynamic speaker with extensive knowledge of the issues facing Sonoma County’s growing senior population. She has intimate insight into the challenges man y seniors face and would appreciate the opportunity to provide your group with information about efforts underway locally to create healthier and happier aging. Depending on the amount of time your group has available, Marrianne will address one or more of the following topics: Council on Aging Overview Founded in 1966, the non-profit Council on Aging provides 20 programs to assist Sonoma County seniors with social, financial, and nutritional concerns. ​ The State of Aging in Sonoma County Beyond demographics, Marrianne can share both concerns and successes of those aging here in Sonoma County. ​ Healthy Aging A member of the National Leadership Academy for the Public’s Health, Marrianne McBride is part of a small team of experts implementing a Healthy Aging plan for Sonoma County. ​ Aging Parents The Council on Aging provides advice and a helping hand as parents get older—what to look for, when to be concerned, assistance when issues arise. ​ Meals on Wheels Council on Aging provides more than 285,000 nutritionally balanced meals each year to home-bound seniors through this county-wide outreach program. For many, it’s their only meal for the day! The Council on Aging now offers program specific speakers. Program specific speakers and topics may include: ​ Denise Johnson, Director of Senior Nutrition & Health Services : Nutrition: Denise holds her Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and holds several nationally accredited certifications. Her expertise and passion are seniors aging healthy through exercise and physical activity. She has been published for her contributions to researc h three times. ​ Leigh Galten, Wine Country Games & Volunteer Recruiter: Sonoma Wine Country Games: This premier lifestyle and wellness program offers 17 competitive events and social activities for people ages 50+—inspiring a healthy and fun aging experience! Volunteer Opportunities: Council on Aging is always loo king for compa ssionate volunteers. Volunteer opportunities have a wide range of skills and settings. Some o f which include weekly help in our main office, kitchen, or Meals on Wheels Department. Other volunteer opportunities can include one-time events such as Wine Country Games, Derby Day, and more. Jeanie O’Neill, Elder Advocate at Family Justice Center: Elder Abuse: Our Elder Advocate provides case management services for seniors who may be homeless or victims of violence or elder abuse. The focus is to empower the senior to change their circumstances, stabilize their lives, deal with the criminal justice system and have the support and protection necessary to achieve these goals. With more than 130,000 seniors living in Sonoma County now and a projection of 160,000 by 2030, aging issues are especially relevant today. Please contact Jennifer Kulpa, Administrative & Operations Specialist at (707) 525-0143 X100 or jkulpa@councilonaging.com to schedule a presentation with Marrianne McBride or another member of our Speakers Bureau. ​

Home > Wine Country Games > Photo Albums Wine Country Games Photos 2023 Wine Country Games Photos 2022 Wine Country Games Photos 2019 Wine Country Games Photos

Home > Services Social Services ​ Information & Resource Referral Information about senior services and access to needed services. There is no charge for this service. ​ Adult Day Program Socialization and care for seniors 60+ living with cognitive decline at four sites throughout Sonoma County. ​ Case Management Home visits to assess needs and recommend services. ​ Senior Peer Support Trained volunt eers are matched with older adults to access services and programs. ​ Family Justice Center Immediate assistance for older adults in abusive situations, for victims of domestic violence and financial abuse. ​ Fiduciary Services ​ Successor Trustee Trust Administration at Incapacity Estate Settlement at Death ​ Durable Power of Attorney Power of Attorney for Finance at Incapacity ​ Advanced Health Care Directive* Agent for Health Care decisions * COA will act in the capacity only when also appointed at DPOA ​ Special Needs Trust (SNT) Trustee ​ Future Planning for Inactive Clients A one-off service available only to clients who have n amed us in their Estate Plan who wish to have a budget or financial projection of their assets. ​ Nutritional Servi ces ​ Meals on W heels Delivery of f re sh meals daily to home-bound seniors. For more information visit the Meals on Wheels page. ​ Dining Sit es Nutritious meals and social connections at nine dining sites and four Senior Social Clubs. For more information visit the Community Dining Sites page. ​

Home > Aging > Links & Resources AARP Free Tax Resource Locations AARP Basic Fact Sheet ​ American Association of Retired Persons Senior discounts on many items. ​ California Area Agencies on Aging Federal government resources for seniors A site geared to government resources and information for seniors. Greater Bay Area Transit Information Transit information around the Greater Bay Area. Meals on Wheels Association of America Information about the national Meals on Wheels organization and and links to its programs around the country. ​ Nat’l Assoc. of Geriatric Case Managers Information, guidelines, and care management resources for geriatric professionals. National Council on Aging Nationwide association for senior organizations, facilities and professionals. Advocates on behalf of seniors in public policy matters and business practices. Partnership for Prescription Assistance The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free. Press Democrat The latest news from our local newspaper. ​ Redwood Caregiver Resource Center Support for caregivers of seniors in Sonoma County ​ Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Information about the Santa Rosa business community ​ Santa Rosa City Bus Information Bus schedules, route maps, fares, and other information. Get help using the bus with the “Bus Buddy Program” by calling 707-543-3325. ​ Well Connected Free group activities by telephone for seniors throughout the Bay Area including Sonoma County. Activities include book clubs, support groups, games, current events and many more. ​ Social Security Online The official web site of the Social Security Administration. ​ Sonoma County Human Services County agency providing services related to poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and abuse of children and the elderly. ​ Sonoma County Public Health Information and resources regarding our public health and safety. ​ Sonoma County Tourism Bureau Find all your local needs through this site. ​ Sonoma County Transit bus service Schedules, route maps, and fare information for bus service throughout Sonoma County. Sonoma County Senior Resource Guide A comprehensive guide to available resources for Sonoma County seniors and their families. ​ Sonoma County Senior Support Groups A list of organizations that provide resources & programs that support healthy aging. ​ Sonoma County Senior Centers ​ US Administration on Aging Information and resources for seniors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ​ Veterans Resources Information and resources for veterans' mental health from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs. ​ Aging.com Creating awareness of topics that are related to the millions of older Americans and those who help care for them. ​ Resources & Links Additions At this time, the Council on Aging is not currently posting any additional resources or links from for-profit websites, companies or organizations. If you are interested in advertising/promotions with Council on Aging, please contact Rachel Jones, in Operations, at 707-525-0143 x146 or rjones@councilonaging.com . ​

Home > Services > Community Table ​ ​ Food, Fun, and Friendship! Community Dining ​ Please join us at one of o ur m any community tables for a warm meal, friendship, and fun activities. One of our team members will greet and assist you throughout your dining experience. Enjoy your meal with new friends and lots of laught er. Each site will provide a meal, activity, and a memorable experience for you to take home. ​ Program Requirements Age 60 and better Register and order your meal by calling 707.525.0143 x104 Reserve your meal one week in advance Call to cancel your meal if you will not be attending Suggested contribution of $4.00 per meal; no one will be denied a meal d ue to lack of funds Under the age of 60, meals cost $7.00 ​ Community Table Photos Photos of Community Tables in the area ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Menus