Agency Profile
The Area 12 Agency on Aging, established as a five county Joint Powers Agency in 1987, provides services to approximately 52,000 older adults. It is part of an aging network which includes 33 Area Agencies on Aging statewide and over 675 nationwide.
The Area 12 Agency on Aging is responsible for providing funds, through an impartial request for proposal process, to community senior service providers which exhibit a high standard of program excellence.
As an advocate for older adults, the Area 12 Agency on Aging strives to ensure opportunities for independence and the highest possible quality of life are available to all Area 12 residents age 60+. The effectiveness of the Agency lies in the knowledge, advice and enthusiastic support provided by the older adult community.
Mission Statement
The responsibility of the A12AA is to provide leadership in addressing issues that relate to older Californians; to develop community based systems of care that provide services which support independence within California’s interdependent society, and which protect the quality of life of older persons and persons with functional impairments; and to promote citizen involvement in the planning and delivery of services.
Advisory Council
The A12AA Advisory Council consists of approximately 31 members appointed by the Board of Supervisors in each county. The Council members contribute many volunteer hours serving on various committees within the Advisory Council and serving on community boards. They work closely with the Agency’s Executive Director and staff on matters of senior legislation, local program funding distribution and the Agency’s overall direction and goals.
The Council is strengthened by the diversity of its members. All four counties are represented, thus broadening the Council’s capacity to serve and benefit the entire senior population of Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties. Every other month, the Advisory Council members meet to discuss senior issues and recommend Agency direction.
Area Plan
The Area Plan for Area 12 Agency on Aging provides the opportunity to provide a current picture of the strategies implemented to address the growing older adult population in our five county area – Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne. The gathered information in the plan reflects the challenges of dwindling financial resources and the creative collaboration between organizations to offer quality services to the older adult population.
Needs Assessment Data Analysis – 2016-2020
The Needs Assessment survey was distributed to our five county area – Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties. The Agency received over 1300 responses with varying backgrounds. All data was analyzed using the SPSS system. If you are energized by data and statistics, this is the document for you.
The Older Americans Act
The Older American Act (OAA) was enacted by Congress in 1965 and reestablished in 2015 to establish mandates for the provisions and funding of services to age 60+ population. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) through state units on aging is responsible for distributing funds and monitoring OAA mandates. The OAA and the ACL are the foundation for a nationwide network of Senior Advocates called Area Agencies on Aging.
The Area 12 Agency on Aging works closely with the community to carry out the objectives of the OAA and provide the necessary tools to build a quality way of life with dignity and respect for older adults.
Community Senior Centers
Senior Centers are the hub for older adult activities. If you want to join in a card game, exercise, receive legal or Medicare counseling, play bingo or eat a nutritious lunch with other adults you can do it all through your local Senior Center. Many other activities and events are available through your Senior Center so check their websites to receive up-to-date information.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse encompasses many different forms of dangerous behavior: physical abuse, psychological abuse (emotional and verbal abuse), caregiver neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation.
Catholic Charities is a contracted provider which provides public education regarding Elder Abuse Prevention as well as elder abuse prevention and protection in homes and institutions. It offers outreach, referral and complaint investigation on behalf of vulnerable older adults, ensuring a safe and protected living environment for all older adults.
