Senior citizens who live at home independently have a local agency ready to help. The Marion County Council on Aging has been serving residents ages 60 and older with a demonstrated need since 2006.
Helping All Senior Citizens in Need Regardless of Income
“Many people assume that we only serve seniors with limited financial resources. Our agency was specifically created to support those who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Our programs are entirely donation-based. We never ask about a client’s finances. Every donation goes directly back into the service the client receives, helping to expand access so that even more seniors can benefit,” said Cassie Gregory, the program’s current director.
Range of Services Available
The first senior services levy was passed in 2006.
“Since then, we’ve been dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life,” Gregory said. “These services include home-delivered meals, personal care assistance, light housekeeping, adult day services and more.”
Support Through Many Providers
The Council on Aging is a two-woman team, so the agency funds services through partner agencies.
“We’re a well-kept secret. Many people don’t realize all the services we provide through the levy because we don’t provide them directly. We fund services including the transportation program at the Marion Senior Center to take seniors to medical appointments and the grocery store,” Gregory said. “We fund adult day services at Kingston in the memory care unit for those with dementia to give caregivers a break,” Gregory said.
Other services funded through the levy includes meal deliveries, personal care assistance through CenterWell Home Health and Interim Home Health and light housekeeping from ProCare Custodial Services. The agency also collaborates with many local partners to serve seniors.
Partners and Funders Help Local Residents
“We work closely with Marion Public Health to increase food access and nutrition. We deliver fresh produce monthly to four of our local senior subsidized housing communities. This is in collaboration with Center Street Market so that more money is going back into Marion as well,” Gregory said. “We do a monthly community meal catered by the Lunch Bunch at one of the four buildings. Some of the produce comes from the River Valley micro-farm. We also partner with the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Gregory also appreciates grants from Rotary and the Marion Community Foundation. This life-long Marion resident finds this to be a strong community.
Collaboration Key at Senior Summit
“Nobody cares about our city like those that live and work here. I think Marion is unique in how well our community agencies and businesses work together for a common goal. You always want to see your neighbor succeed,” Gregory said. “I’m truly amazed by how well all our nonprofits and agencies collaborate, especially compared to other counties where I’ve worked.”
That collaboration was a driving force behind the first Senior Summit.
“We recognized the need for more open conversations between agencies and businesses to better work together, minimize duplication and support each other more effectively to serve more seniors,” Gregory said.
Experience Helps Senior Citizens Thrive
Gregory has been the director since 2022. She had a range of experience as a social worker. She helped seniors at Marion General Hospital, a local nursing care facility, a home health agency and hospice. For Gregory, seniors have always been a priority.
“My grandmother was my favorite person,” Gregory said. “I love seniors wholeheartedly. I have witnessed too many times seniors not getting the services, help, or advocacy that they deserve after working their entire lives, being completely independent, and then needing some type of support and not receiving it.”
Helping Senior Citizens in Crisis
Bob Goyer, a community relations director for Kingston Residence of Marion, said, “I have seen first-hand her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Cassie brings not only expertise but also a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by seniors and the elderly. Marion is truly blessed to have Cassie as a strong and compassionate voice for its senior community.”
“I help older adults and their families navigate a crisis and hopefully put services in place that give them a support in their home that allows them to remain there for a longer amount of time safely…because they all want to live at home as long as possible, as we all do,” Gregory said.
Senior Day at the Marion County Fair
Gregory is looking forward to senior day at the Marion County Fair on June 30, where for $4, about 300 seniors can receive donuts and coffee at 10 a.m., a hot lunch from local restaurants like the Jer-zee, Stewart’s Root Beer Stand, and Lee’s Chicken at noon. Games and giveaways follow.
“It is one of my favorite days of the year,” Gregory said.
For more info:
Marion County Council on Aging
Address: 25 Executive Dr. Suite 102
Marion, OH 43302
Phone: (740) 387-0401
Email: admin@marioncouncilonaging.org
Website: Marion County, Ohio Council on Aging – Taking care of those who took care of us.
Related articles
Marion Senior Center Helps Seniors Thrive | MarionMade
Veterans Services Helps Local Military Families | MarionMade
Real-Life Rosie the Riveter Declares “I’m a survivor” | MarionMade
100-Year-Old World War II Veteran Shares Secret to a Long Life | MarionMade
World War II Veterans Among Those Honored | MarionMade
Honor Flight At Home Seeks Veterans | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
