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Home > About Us > Our Strategic Plan Every three years, we complete a Strategic Plan process for Council on Aging. The goals consist of many hours of brainstorming and refining our vision. Our staff, management team, and board of directors all participate in the process. These goals reflect the heart and mission of this organization. Strategic Plan FY 2024-2027 1.) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - To build mutually beneficial partnerships and broaden our reach and ability to serve currently underserved communities Year 1 Goal -To make 10 connections and build 5 partnerships that will broaden our outreach and ability to serve the Latino/a/x community by June 2025. 2.) Sustainability – Create and implement new revenue strategies that will cover 50% of the unfunded budget gap. Year 1 Goal – To fully vet up to 5 new revenue strategies with the combined potential of adding an additional $500k in revenue and choose up to 3 for implementation by April 2025. 3.) Board Development - To add new Board Members who will bring diversity, community influence, and a philanthropic focus and to create an Advisory Council providing subject matter expertise and partnership expansion. Year 1 Goal – Drive Board expansion to include 2 new Board Members and the creation of an Advisory Council by June 2025.

Home > Meals on Wheels > From the Dietitian Here we offer informative articles on making your daily life healthy and happy! Improving Brain Health Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging 2025 Sodium: How much and what it does for the body Making Vegetables Taste Good... without Salt! Why Hydration is Important Choosing Healthy Meals As You Age Nutrition and Chronic Disease Beneficios del Ajo Alimentacion Saludable Enfermedad de Alzheimer Pierda Peso de Forma Saludable Inicia Bien tu día con un Desayuno Energético

Home > Services > Fiduciary Services Council on Aging Fiduciary Services Council on Aging has been providing financial services to older adults in Sonoma County for over 50 years and our commitment to excellence, integrity, and client service over the years is unwavering. Our Financial Services Team is made up of our Director, Professional Licensed Fiduciaries, Financial Case Managers, Record Manager, and Accounts Coordinator. Our team works closely together to ensure your estate plan is implemented correctly and your final wishes are carried out as you had intended. Client feedback: "First I want to say a big Thank You to you and everyone at C.O.A. especially for all your help with my mother especially during the last two years of her life. Without the help of you and your team a bad situation would have been made a whole lot worse. Your team made sure she was properly cared for in the end and for that I am eternally grateful. " Our Services A fiduciary is a perso n or agency, like COA, who holds a legal relationship of trust with another person(s). A fiduciary is responsible for prudently taking care of money or other assets and is charged with acting at all times for the sole benefit and interest of the person(s) who has hired the fiduciary. A fiduciary provides aid, advice, and protection over these assets when an individual is no longer able to do so for themselves. The state of California requires professional fiduciaries to be licensed, bonded, and insured. They are also required to pass an examination after completing 30 hours of approved educational courses and 15 hours of continuing education eac h year for license renewal. Our professional fiduciaries provide critical services to Sonoma County seniors including basic bill paying, investment management oversight, and filing tax returns. We also manage personal matters for clients including daily care, housing, and medical needs. Successor Trustee One way in which we act as a fiduciary is through the role of the Successor Trustee. A trustee is legally appointed by a trust document and is the p erson who administers any assets that were placed in the name of the trust. The successor trustee typically steps in after the grantor (the person creating the trust) becomes incapacitated or dies. If an individual becomes incapacitated and has named COA as their successor trustee, our fiduciaries will then become responsible for overseeing the trust assets and ensuring they are being used to support our client’s needs and wishes even though they are no longer able to make these decisions themselves. Estate Settlement The most common way we act as fiduciary is through Estate Settlement. In this case, we have been named as the successor trustee and the grantor has died. It is then our role to complete the estate administration by valuing and appraising all assets on the date of death and establishing cost basis, pay debts and sell property as appropriate, prepare and file fiduciary tax returns, and ultimately distribute the assets to the remainder beneficiaries. Special Needs Trust Trustee Council on Aging can also be named as the Trustee of a Special Needs Trust (SNT). A SNT is most commonly created by a parent or guardian for the benefit of disabled children or dependent adults. These individuals are living but unable to manage their own assets and affairs and are likely receiving government assistance which they would be disqualified from by the inheritance of significant assets. Special Needs Trust administration requires a higher level of expertise and oversight and we are proud to offer this service to our clients. Durable Power of Attorney The DPOA is an important document in your Estate Planning process but deciding whom to name as your agent may be a challenging decision. The DPOA allows your agent to act on your behalf for all financial decisions, once you’ve become incapacitated. It allows the agent to engage in legal contracts, such as hiring a caregiving agency. The agent is also responsible for filing your income tax returns, among other financial obligations. Council on Aging is available to act in the role of DPOA for our clients. We apply our fiduciary responsibility to ensure decisions are made based on your wishes and in your best interest. Advanced Health Care Directive The AHCD is another important document in your Estate Planning process and deciding whom to name as your agent may be even more important of a decision than that of whom to name for your DPOA. The AHCD allows your agent to act on your behalf for all health care and medical decisions once you’ve become incapacitated. The directive typically allows you to list your wishes in the document, and then it is the legal responsibility of your agent to carry out your wishes. Council on Aging is available to act as AHCD for our clients. We apply our fiduciary responsibility to ensure decisions are made based on your wishes and in your best interest. We will consult with family members or loved ones as well if requested. Our Fees Financial Services are fee-based programs, and fees vary depending on the services you are receiving. To review our fee schedule, please click here. To learn more about how the Financial Services team can support you and your loved ones, contact our Financial Services (707) 525-0143 . We look forward to working with you! Click Here for Advanced Health Care Directive form

Home > About Us > Contact Us We are your first call for senior services! 30 Kawana Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Open: M-Th, 8:30am-5pm; Fri, 8:30am-3:30pm 707-525-0143 info@councilonaging.com www.facebook.com/councilonaging.sonoma www.instagram.com/councilonaging

Home > Meals on Wheels > Kibbles of Kindness The Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program currently serves over 285,000 meals a year to seniors in Sonoma County. We found many seniors were sharing their Meals on Wheels Meals with their beloved pets. Since 2012, through the generous support of our sponsor, Western Farm Center, the Council on Aging had been providing the Kibbles of Kindness program to area seniors who cannot afford to purchase pet food. Seniors rely on their pets for the emotional support, love, and companionship they provide, and studies show that owning and handling animals significantly benefits health and wellness in the senior population. Kibbles of Kindness Program: The Council on Aging will provide dog or cat food monthly for seniors who cannot afford to buy pet food. Requirement: Senior participants must be on the Meals on Wheels Program to receive pet food through the Kibbles of Kindness Program

Home > Support Us > Planned Giving To leave a bequest is to make a permanent statement of your values. It is by this act of charity that the world will remember what you cared about and what you stood for. If providing for seniors matters to you, consider a gift to Council on Aging in your estate plans. In addition to an outright gift, there are various planned giving options, from a trust arrangement that benefits your surviving spouse…to a bequest in a will…to a gift with tax advantages that provides income for your family. Whether you chose a lifetime gift or a bequest, you can structure your gift to meet the needs of those closest to you. Bequests by Will By far the most popular means of gift planning, many donors find that a will is the most convenient way of benefiting the community, perpetuating their generosity, and is an effective way to reduce estate taxes. Contingent Bequests Most people have family obligations that are their primary motive for executing a will. An ideal plan might include a contingency providing, in case family or friends predecease you, that the estate is directed to benefit your charity. Charitable Remainder Trust Assets are placed in a trust, the earnings from which are paid as income to you and your beneficiaries. Upon the death of the last beneficiary, the principal goes to your charity. Charitable Lead Trust Assets are placed in a trust for a specified period of time. Income from the principal goes to your charity during the life of the trust. The principal goes to your beneficiaries when the trust terminates. Real Estate Gifts of appreciated real estate may provide ideal tax savings and a sizable gift to your favorite charity. In addition, arrangements can be made whereby you may retain use of the property for the rest of your life. IRAs and Retirement Plans You can make a charity a primary or secondary beneficiary of your IRA or retirement plan. If you are over the age of 70 1/2, you may also do a direct distribution from your IRA to Council on Aging and avoid paying income tax on the gift. You may use the Charitable Distribution Form to instruct your IRA provider. Life Insurance There are a number of ways you can use existing life insurance policies as means of giving to a charity. Insurance policies initiated in the past may no longer be needed for family security. The gift of a paid-up policy may result in a substantial tax savings. Stock Gifts of stock are a convenient way of giving gifts of appreciated securities, thereby enjoying additional tax savings. Many of these options may be funded with appreciated securities resulting in the avoidance of capital gains taxes. You should always consult your legal, financial, or tax advisor to examine your overall financial situation and decide what the right option is for you. For additional information, please contact Jamie Escoubas, President & CEO, 707-525-0143 ext. 108 or email jescoubas@councilonaging.com

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 menu: Poultry, Vegetarian, or Beef/Pork/Fish. Click below to view each menu choice. April 2026 Menu

Anchor 1 Home > Meals on Wheels > Service Areas Council on Aging Senior Nutrition Services provides over 285,000 meals annually to seniors in the following five programs: Meals on Wheels, Community Table, Drive Up Pick Up (DUPU), Adult Day/Senior Respite Program, and Weekend Meals for our most vulnerable food insecure seniors. We serve Sonoma County areas. Please Contact Us for more information. The Council on Aging provides Meals on Wheels to all of Sonoma County (with the exception of the Petaluma and Penngrove areas). Please contact Petaluma Peoples Services Center for these areas at 707-765-8490.

Home > Aging Aging is inevitable, quality of aging is a choice. The lucky ones get a chance at growing old, and those who choose to prepare have a better chance of aging well. A healthy senior is able to maintain their independence and remain in their home for the duration of their life will not only experience a higher quality of life, but also save more than $50,000 or more a year in the cost of assisted living. At Council on Aging, we offer services to our most frail and vulnerable seniors, but we also provide resources to guide everyone to a better aging experience. Aging Together Sonoma Aging Together Sonoma’s mission is to promote a community that ages together and supports opportunities where we can enlighten, encourage, and care for each other with honor, respect and interdependence. Learn more HERE ! Aging Parent Resources As a society, we are living longer than ever before and we are also experiencing the challenges that go along with that blessing. Many of us are experi encing the issues of raising our children, caring for our own needs and taking care of Mom and Dad. Caring for Mom and Dad forces us to enter a whole new dimension and we need the resources and skills necessary to successfully maneuver this new landscape. Learn more HERE ! Health Action Together Sonoma County is coming together to create a healthier community for all. Health Action Together envisions that Sonoma County will be a healthy place to live, work, and play…this is an equity-centered process; a place where people thrive and achieve their life potential. This effort will take all of us working together to create a healthier community through collective action. Learn more HERE !

Home > News In The News Press Democrat: January 25, 2026 Seniors' lifeline is worth saving Press Democrat: December 7, 2025 Celebrate Community FOX 2 KTVU: September 9, 2024 Sonoma County volunteer program helps seniors document life stories Press Democrat: June 25, 2024 Free meal delivery program for seniors now has a waiting list as funding expires Community Tech Network website: May 28, 2024 PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS Helping Older Adults Get Online in Sonoma County Press Democrat: February 23, 2023 It's just sad because the whole thing was preventable Sonoma County Gazette: Fe bruary 8, 2023 New intergenerational program pairs home-bound seniors with Sonoma County volunteers Press Democrat: June 9, 2022 Benefield: Pickleball for all in Sonoma County sounds like fun Press Democrat: May 7, 2022 Kendall-Jackson hosts largest Kentucky Derby party on West Coast KZST: April 21, 2022 An Interview with Marrianne McBride The Community Voice: April 15, 2022 Rohnert Park to co-sponsor pickleball event Press Democrat: March 10, 2022 Santa Rosa teens to sell 200 prom dresses for $20 to benefit Meals on Wheels Sonoma County Gazette: November 9, 2020 Get Your Gobble on! Council on Aging Providing meals to Seniors 60+ California Healthline: October 13, 2020 As Californians Get Older and Less Mobile, Fires Get Hotter and Faster Press Democrat: April 4, 2020 Meals on Wheels volunteers respond to increased demand amid coronavirus pandemic NPR: October 19, 2017 Why Older People Didn't Fare Well In Northern California Wildfires ABC 7 News: October 19, 2017 On Your Side helps North Bay fire victims in Santa Rosa SF Gate: October 12, 2017 Wine Country Nursing Homes Evacuated Sonoma Index-Tribune: June 15, 2017 Wine Country Games petanque matches Press Democrat: June 6, 2017 Wine Country Games brings out the competitive spirit in all ages Sonoma Index-Tribune: March 17, 2017 Sonoma County Housing, Homeless and Legal Services Brace for Budget Cuts under Trump Plan Press Democrat: February 21, 2017 With Eye on Economy, Services, Sonoma County Becoming More Senior-Friendly Tiny House Talk (blog): December 2016 Buy Your Tiny House Raffle Ticket Today! Press Democrat: November 26, 2016 Sonoma County Underway with Effort to Boost Service to Aging Population Press Democrat: November 2, 2016 Things to Do: Bourbon, Bacon, and Beer Speakeasy Party Press Democrat: October 27, 2016 Sonoma County's G&G Supermarkets Purchased by Safeway (mentions COA's Noble Spoon entrees) Press Democrat Carlton Senior Living Wants to Build New Senior Facility in Larkfield - October 5, 2016 Press Democrat A La Carte: Derby Day at Chateau St. Jean - April 19, 2016 Sonoma Index-Tribune Derby Day Party to Benefit Sonoma County’s Meals on Wheels Program - April 7, 2016 Sonoma Index-Tribune North Bay Construction Industry Builds Council on Aging Tiny House for Raffle - March 31, 2016 North Bay Business Journal North Bay Construction Industry Builds Council on Aging Tiny House for Raffle - March 29, 2016 Press Democrat Hunger Persistent in Sonoma County Despite Improving Economy - March 27, 2016 Press Democrat Chris Smith: Sonoma County Comes Together in a Big Way to Build a Tiny House - March 20, 2016 Made Local Magazine Noble Spoon Lets the Hungry Feed the Hungry - March/April 2016 issue Press Democrat Council on Aging Volunteer a Friend to the Lonely - November 23, 2015 Press Democrat Council on Aging Making Money, Filling Bellies with Meal Business (how COA's line of gourmet entrees, The Noble Spoon, is helping raise money for Meals on Wheels) - September 13, 2015 Press Democrat: Editorial Caring for the County’s Aging Population - May 24, 2015 The Windsor Times - Last year, an estimated 35 million meals were needed in Sonoma County to feed the hungry—a gap that is getting attention by multiple county groups. Read more Here . February 4, 2015 Listen to the most recent KZST "We Believe" ad sponsored by Visiting Angels. Click on the arrow to the left of the black bar below to listen to the ad: [audio mp3="http://www.councilonaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/WBSC-VA-COA-11.24.14.mp3"][/audio] KZST "We Believe" ad sponsored by Friedman's Home Improvement. Click on the arrow to the left of the black bar below to listen to the ad. [audio mp3="http://www.councilonaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/WBSC-FHI-MOW-11-17-14.mp3"][/audio] Press Democrat Becoming Independent Partners with Meals on Wheels – Editorial Page. December 23, 2013 Press Democrat Letter to the editor Policy on Non-Profit Use of Facilities in response to September 11th, Article ( below). September 19, 2013. (Click to pg 2 to see the Letter to the editor.) Press Democrat Santa Rosa to Review Policy on Non-Profit Use of Facilities . September 11, 2013 Press Democrat Gatherings... CigarBQ Benefits Meals on Wheels . July 20, 2013 Press Democrat Derby Day Sets Record . May 4, 2013 Combating the Challenges of Aging Through Stem Cells - October 29, 2011 New Medicare Enrollment and Disenrollment Periods – Oct 15 – Dec 7, 2011 Press Democrat: Cafe alternative to Meals on Wheels . Press Democrat 8/6/2011 Press Democrat: Team sports keeping older people young. Press Democrat 8/7/2011 Press Democrat: In-home help for life’s little things . Press Democrat 8/7/2011 Press Democrat Cafe alternative to Meals on Wheels Cloverdale, the jewel of Council on Aging’s dining sites. Press Democrat 8/7/2011 Great article in the Northbay Biz about the inaugaral Sonoma Wine Country Senior Games ! Senior Games will be a Wine Country Draw – Highlighting Dena Lash Chef Josef spicing things up at Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Women killed in crash were 77 and still full of life A well-balanced plate -Seniors advised to be mindful of getting nutrients, staying hydrated Uncle Sam Plays Hardball with Elderly Woman. Derby Day in Wine Country Meet our new CEO! Press Democrat ” Meeting Demands of Aging” July 26, 2009: “New Council on Aging CEO dedicated to providing for growing senior population…” Press Democrat “Charitable Agencies Feel Fuel Squeeze” July 8, 2008 Press Democrat “Market Woes Strike Fear in Older Workers” January 28, 2008 Press Democrat “Earmarks for North Coast Projects” December 31, 2007 Press Democrat “Generous Biker’s Lucky Day” September 9, 2007

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Home > Wine Country Games > Contact Us Contact Information Coby LaFayette Email: clafayette@councilonaging.com Phone: 707-525-0143 x117 Council on Aging 30 Kawana Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 United States