AREA FIVE AGENCY ON AGING & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Programs

1. During the reporting period, the program successfully assisted older adults and their families in making informed choices about available care options, thereby preventing inappropriate or premature institutional placements.the senior nutrition program continued to play a vital role in supporting both the physical and social well-being of seniors in the community. Congregate meal sites provided opportunities for fellowship, social engagement, and participation in health and wellness activities at seven locations throughout the six-county service area. For those unable to leave their homes, nutritious home-delivered meals were provided to ensure continued access to adequate nutrition and regular well-being checks.in addition to nutrition services, area five continued to offer or coordinate a wide range of supportive programs, including transportation for medical and personal needs, information and referral assistance to connect clients with community resources, caregiver support and respite services to alleviate caregiver burden, and guidance for grandparents raising grandchildren through targeted education and support.collectively, these efforts enabled area five to enhance the…

   $3,654,563 spent$591,581 earned by the program
   34% of program spending

2. Area five's head start program serves 160 children and families across cass, fulton, and wabash counties. Children from low-income families (130% of the federal poverty level or below) receive nutritionally balanced breakfasts, lunches, and snacks each day, along with developmentally appropriate, individualized instruction. The program emphasizes literacy, numeracy, math, and science, helping children learn through context-rich, engaging experiences in an environment of acceptance, love, understanding, and structure.the administrative team, in collaboration with teachers and assistant teachers, supports families throughout the year by helping parents set and achieve personal and family goals. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child's learning, volunteering in classrooms, serving on the parent committee, or contributing to the policy council. Each day, the program sees parents and children growing together through engagement, empowerment, and shared learning experiences.

   $2,313,912 spent
   21% of program spending

3. As a dual area agency on aging and community action agency, area five has the unique capacity to meet the needs of individuals and families from birth through the aging years. Our community services program focuses on helping families move toward greater self-sufficiency through a variety of programs, techniques, and activities tailored to individual needs. We guide families in accessing appropriate services while helping them make the most of their available resources. Through initiatives like individual development accounts (idas), we encourage participants to invest in their future by saving for homeownership, education, or small business development. These opportunities help build long-term financial stability and independence. Area five's programs encompass a wide range of supportive services, including small business development initiatives, parent support and education groups, and health and wellness programs, housing supports, along with many other activities that strengthen and complement these efforts. Our success is driven by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year to help families in our community. Area five's multifaceted…

   $1,679,877 spent
   16% of program spending

4. Housing and development programArea Five Agency on Aging & Community Services has led economic and community development throughout our service region by creating housing and commercial real estate projects tailored to local needs. Our projects are built on innovation, collaboration, and compassion, ensuring that every initiative strengthens the communities we serve.area five has developed more than 300 units of rental housing and more than 30 homeownership opportunities. These projects range from single-family homes to large apartment complexes and are designed to serve special populations, including senior citizens, individuals with mental illness, and persons with disabilities.we also implement the housing choice voucher program (hcv) for cass, howard, grant, miami, and wabash counties assisting clients with locating housing that participates in the hcv program and providing the benefit to the landlords. Beyond housing, the agency has invested in community spaces that enhance quality of life, including senior centers, historic preservation projects such as libraries, and downtown streetscape improvements. Each project is a partnership that brings together financial…

   $3,139,317 spentof which $2,362,446 as grants$43,718 earned by the program
   29% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $10,787,669.