Gadsden County retools elder services, cites growth in senior‑center attendance and Older Americans Act funding

Latoya Bryson, director of the county’s newly formed Department of Elder Affairs, told commissioners the department has expanded from two sites serving about 55 seniors to three centers serving more than 84 people and is focusing on nutrition, transportation and wellness programs.

Bryson said the department was re‑awarded a five‑year Older Americans Act grant and that, for the current year, Older Americans Act funding to the county totals about $272,000. She listed site coordinators and program staff and outlined services that include congregate and home‑delivered meals, utility assistance, monthly legal clinics, farmers’ market vouchers and a dementia‑care initiative.

"We are creating activities, quality activities, that are long standing our mission to promote optimal aging and encourage active living," Bryson said, describing programs from exercise and creative arts to outreach after hurricanes and inter‑county collaborations. She said a Chattahoochee senior center will open soon and that the department has asked for additional budget funds to serve more clients.

Commissioners praised the department’s work and asked for clarification about funding and enrollment data. Bryson said the department is improving data collection, including keeping records on helpline calls and referral volumes. She said the department coordinates with the North Florida Area Agency on Aging and the Florida Council on Aging for training, meal programs and emergency preparedness.

Ending: Bryson said the department will return with additional program data and budget requests; commissioners encouraged continued outreach and inter‑governmental collaboration.