A statewide organization for senior center professionals to advocate for senior centers, network and collaborate on common issues, share information, co-market inititatives, and provide for staff training and development.
Western NC Hurricane Relief Update
10/11/2024
Dear Aging Services Community and Friends,
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Last week, you received an e-mail about the collaborative effort of the North Carolina Association on Aging (NCAOA), the North Carolina Coalition on Aging (NCCOA) and the North Carolina Association of Area Agencies on Aging (nc4a) to establish and promote a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to assist older adults and local aging service providers that are facing challenges due to the severe flooding and widespread damage across western North Carolina. Thank you to those of you who have already contributed to this Fund which will be used to help older adults with their basic needs and support local aging service providers who are working tirelessly on the ground.
We are hearing many stories that highlight why this Fund is so greatly needed. Reports are coming in of many local agencies, some of which sustained significant flooding and other damage, that have opened their doors as distribution centers for assistance and are reaching out directly to older adults to ensure they have food and shelter and that their other critical needs such as access to needed prescription medications are met. Staff members of many of these local providers are working long hours and have been doing so since the storm began, and such a sustained effort can put a strain on agency resources.
Please take a minute to read this excerpt from an email Nancy Hogan, Family Consultant for Project C.A.R.E, Land of Sky Regional Council, received from a client who lives in Henderson County. It describes the horrific reality of what families are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
We've lost several friends and 11 family members and still have some missing. We received word that some are ok, and some are still stranded at Nesbitt's Chapel on Garren Creek Rd. in Fairview. That's where my mom's family is from, and a lot of them still live there. There's no way out still, but they are getting food and water to them by helicopter drops when possible, and other friends, family, and community are taking supplies by horses, mules, and ATVs. The road is gone; it's about another 30-minute drive by car to where they're stranded. They said that everything below the church is gone. My aunt's houses are gone, my cousin's houses are gone, and everything is gone. They recovered two dead bodies from the yard where my Aunt's house used to be. It's a very sad time for us. Some of Momma's 1st cousins and families washed up downstream, and their bodies were recovered. Others have been found buried by huge mudslides. Others still missing. Momma's not even been able to sleep because she's so upset. It's a difficult time for us.
Your financial support of the Fund is invaluable and your assistance in spreading the word within your networks about it is greatly appreciated. Every dollar raised will play a significant role in helping communities in western North Carolina heal and rebuild by supporting efforts such as those noted above.
To contribute to the Fund, go to Hurricane Relief Fund.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to help during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Thessia Everhart-Roberts, President
NCAOA Board of Directors
Mary Bethel, Chair
NCCOA Board of Directors
Mary Marlin, Chair
nc4a Board of Directors
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center was recently awarded the North Carolina Ann Johnson Senior Center of the Year award, for service excellence. It is one of NC’s most prestigious awards, with many superb Senior Centers across North Carolina vying for the award.
Pictured left to right: Staff members Randy Crowell, Ron Church, Hannah Medlin, SCSCA representative Weyland Prebor, Nan Buehrer-Executive Director holding award, Angela Hendrix, Judi Burchard, and Callie Smith
Join or Renew your Membership
Become a contributing member of one of the state’s leading professional associations in the aging field. Your NCAOA membership benefits will easily surpass the cost of annual dues, and include:
ADVOCACY
The NCAOA employs a Lobbyist that works daily to promote legislative priorities such as increased HCCBG and other funding sources for Senior Centers. More often than not, lobbyists are the difference in revenue streams coming to the aging field or being routed elsewhere.
TRAINING
The NCAOA offers Aging Boot Camps and an Annual Conference featuring leading professionals in the aging field. You receive an instant discount with your active membership.
PARTNERSHIPS
Your NCAOA membership comes with a complimentary membership to the North Carolina Senior Center Alliance.
AWARD OPPORTUNITIES
Member only opportunities to receive one of the NCAOA Excellence in the Field of Aging Awards.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
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About Us
The North Carolina Senior Center Alliance (NCSCA) is a program section of the North Carolina Association on Aging.
The goal of the NCSCA is to provide a statewide organization for senior center professionals to advocate for senior centers, network and collaborate on common issues, share information, co-market initiatives, and provide for additional staff training and development.
Member Benefits
If you work with seniors or manage a senior center, you can benefit from membership to the Alliance by becoming a member of the only state organization for aging professionals.
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When you join, you will instantly be connected to a state network of others who want to succeed in their field.
Marketing
Advocacy
Led by a group of experienced advocates, Alliance members are afforded opportunities to influence public policy and the allocation of resources for senior centers.
Marketing to the right audience is key to the success of your center. The alliance marketing team will equip you with tools to showcase your center.
Special Projects
The Special Projects team is dedicated to seeking out initiatives that enhance senior center operations.
Membership/Communications
​This group of people work to collect applications and payment confirmations for centers wanting to be a part of the alliance. They also help to manage the listserv.
Training/Mentoring
The key to success in any field is adequate training. Training is provided through various opportunities. Mentoring is offered to members who would like to be matched with a seasoned Senior Center professional.
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Kits contain everything you need for organizing your documentation for SCOPE questions.