2014 Giving Guide: Southwest Missouri Office on Aging

Chief Exective Officer: Starr Kohler
Board President:  Judy Warren, Greene County
Board of Directors: 
Paul Brockman, 1st Vice President, Lawrence County 
Ray Weaver, 2nd Vice President, Christian County 
Dale Johnson, Treasurer, Oregon County
Rich Meyerkord, Secretary, Stone County
Richard Meyer, Barry County 
Armetta Sedge, Dade County 
Mae Burtin, Dallas County 
Ulla Farrow, Douglas County 
Bill Lovelace, Howell County 
Norman Hartman, Ozark County 
Alvin Meyer, Polk County 
Shane Van Steenis, Shannon County 
Don Bruns, Taney County 
Barbara A. Beasley, Texas County
John Gentry, Webster County 
Earlene Coday, Wright County

Mission Statement:

To be the single entry point for identifying resources and providing assistance to enrich the quality of life for all seniors and their families.

Service Area: 

SWMOA provides meals and services through 37 senior centers in a 17-county area including Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Lawrence, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright.

Funding: 

Funds authorized through the Older American Act, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Social Services block grants, service contributions, USDA cash, state general revenue and Medicaid, local tax levies, local and federal grants, donations, and Foundation assistance.

12-month Goals: 

1. Increase revenue to support the independence and well being of all seniors.  

2. Expand and promote our full scope of services available to meet the growing needs of seniors including, but not limited to, Care Coordination, Options Counseling, and Information and Assistance.  

3. Ensure the right people find us at the right time.

Annual Events: 

Through the SWMOA Foundation, we offer the area’s largest Health and Wellness Expo in April, a Volunteer recognition luncheon in June, and a Fall Classic Golf Tournament in September. SWMOA also offers annually: New to Medicare classes and annual Medicare enrollment; Tax Counseling services; Chronic Disease and Pain Management workshops; and Matter of Balance workshops to help prevent falls among seniors.

How People & Businesses Can Help:

SWMOA and the Foundation are grateful for all contributions and gifts, memorial donations,  bequests, and endowments. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are available for all of our major fundraising events, as well as individual ticket and participation pricing. We encourage both individual and local business partnership support at our 37 senior centers for meal delivery route volunteers, support for appreciation events, and center volunteer opportunities. We offer many creative options for communities to get involved and show their support for seniors.

Volunteer Opportunities: 

Daily, weekly, or monthly opportunities at our senior centers allow flexibility in volunteer schedules. We are constantly seeking home-delivered meal delivery drivers, qualified counselors for our Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, and Santa’s LIttle Helpers for our Christmas program.

Testimonials:

“Getting ready to retire, I received a mailbox full of Medicare supplement flyers.  To help me make the right choice, I attended one of the monthly New to Medicare information seminars at the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging.  The information helped me sort out the ABCs and Ds of Medicare and Medicare supplements.  The unbiased information helped me make the right choice.” 

–Steven K.

“I was so overwhelmed with taking care of my mom.   
A friend suggested the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging could answer questions and point me in the right direction.  The helpful staff listened to my concerns and shared resources I never even knew existed.  Thanks to my friend and thanks to the compassionate help I received from the Information and Assistance staff,  I’m less stressed as a caregiver.  I thank you and so does my mom.”

–Sylvia H.