10 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® LIVING WELL 2026-2027 Message From the Area Agency on Aging Dear Monterey County Residents, The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was established in Monterey County by the Board of Supervisors in 1980 under the Department of Social Services. Since then, it has served as a cornerstone for home and community-based services that support older adults. Through its funding and partnerships, the AAA has supported a strong network of senior service providers across the county, including Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Alliance on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Health Projects Center, Legal Services for Seniors, Loaves, Fishes, and Computers, the North County Recreation and Park District, and the Prunedale Senior Center. Together, these organizations deliver vital resources to seniors and caregivers. As our community grows and seniors live longer with increasingly complex needs, the demand for services continues to outpace available resources. The AAA remains committed to building partnerships, expanding capacity, and improving access to critical services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and their families. This Living Well, Aging and Disability Resource Guide is a testament to a strong partnership between the Monterey County Weekly and the AAA, providing a valuable tool for our community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Social Services, Aging and Adult Services Branch’s Information and Referral Assistance (IRA) staff for their dedication to updating the resources listed; to the Monterey County Weekly team for producing and distributing the guide; and to the AAA Advisory Council members who volunteer their time and voices to advocate for seniors’ needs. I hope you find the latest edition of our guide helpful. Wishing you and your families good health, a safe and warm home, and a life filled with food, family, and friends. Respectfully, Diana Jimenez County of Monterey, AAA Director & Aging and Adult Services Deputy Director Dear Residents of Monterey County, The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council is proud to share the 2026– 2027 Living Well, Aging and Disability Resource Guide, created in partnership with Monterey County Weekly. This guide reflects the dedication of community partners working to support older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers across Monterey County. A strong Advisory Council ensures community voices are heard. We offer insight, lived experience, and recommendations to help the Area Agency on Aging keep its programs responsive, effective, and inclusive. As the needs of our aging population grow and change, committed local leadership is essential. Thanks to the Older Americans Act, we have vital funding and direction for services that help older adults live with dignity and independence. Local advocacy and guidance bring these programs to life in our county. We invite residents passionate about supporting seniors and people with disabilities to consider joining the Advisory Council. Your voice can help shape policies and services that impact thousands of families. Together, we can keep Monterey County a place where aging remains vibrant, supported, and dignified. With gratitude and encouragement for continued community involvement. Aimee Cuda, Advisory Council Chair County of Monterey wishes to thank the following members for their continued participation on and commitment to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council: Aimee Cuda, Advisory Council Chair Jessica McKillip, Advisory Council Vice Chair Bobbie Blakeney William Eldredge JoAnne Roth Elizabeth Yanez Jose Vazquez We accept voluntary contributions for services we provide to the community through the Area Agency on Aging. There is no obligation to contribute; it is purely voluntary. No eligible individual shall be denied service because of failure or inability to contribute. Contributions will be private and confidential to respect the individual’s contribution or lack of contribution. If at any time you would like to contribute to this program, please make a check payable to County of Monterey Area Agency on Aging, reference “IRA voluntary contribution” and select which program service (Community Education, Information & Assistance, Public Information, Transportation you would like to contribute to. Mail check to: Attn: AAA Fiscal Officer 1000 S. Main Street, Ste. 306 Salinas, CA 93901
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