The Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) is a non-profit organization designated by the Minnesota Board on Aging as the area agency on aging for Wright, Benton, Stearns and Sherburne Counties. The agency, which serves as the advocate and focal point for older adults in the planning and service area. The CMCOA develops the regional plan to meet the needs of older adults, works toward the coordination of programs and services available, and funds programs which will best meet the service needs of older adults. The council feels that continuous local guidance is critical to the successful creation of healthy places for people to grow old in the region. A Central Advisory Committee will represent the people and agencies who are interested in, and informed, about the problems of older Americans. The committee will reflect a balanced representation of the geographic area with three representatives per county for a total committee size of 15 members. Total membership shall be at least 50 percent adults age 60 or older. Members must either live or work in the county they represent. The committee will meet at least six times a year. Meetings will be held in St. Cloud the third Wednesday of the month from 9-11 a.m. The primary functions of the committee are to: o Advise the CMCOA Board of Directors in the development of the Area Plan for older adults as the plan relates to the Planning and Service Area (PSA). o Assist in the identification and determination of needs, problems, concerns and issues to be dealt with in the PSA and in the area plan. o Make local governmental units, public and private agencies and organizations aware of the needs of older adults and act as an advocate for the elderly to national, state and local officials, and service providers. o Members of the committee shall review proposals for grants under the Older Americans Act and make funding recommendations to the board of directors. o Assist in the monitoring and assessment of Older American Act projects. For an application or more information, contact executive director Lori Vrolson at (320) 253-9349 or e-mail lori@cmcoa.org. The deadline for submission is July 15.
