SARCOA

Aging is Living Conference
2025-08-15
Aging is Living Conference 2025
An Aging is Living Conference will be held at First United Methodist Church of Dothan on August 15, 2025.
Speakers will include:

Dr. Rita Jablonski, University of Alabama at Birmingham, whose internationally-renowned program of research is focused on improving the lives of older adults, especially those with dementia who reside in nursing homes.
Dr. Beth Nolan, chief public health officer, lead mentor, trainer, and speaker from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care® (PAC).
Many other speakers on caregiver well-being, dementia and Alzheimer’s care and legal planning.

We’re delighted to extend the invitation to caregivers and professionals in our community who are dedicated to supporting individuals. This conference is free for all community caregivers to attend. It’s our way of honoring your commitment and providing access to resources and support. Lunch will be provided to all registrants.
This event is $45 for CEU’s.
For more information or to register for this conference, click the button below.
Go To More Information and Registration

Healthy Brain and Aging Workshop
2025-02-12 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Would you like to learn more about lifestyle, nutrition and activities that will keep your brain healthy?
Join us for a free event on dementia prevention and healthy aging education. The event will be held on February 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until noon, at SARCOA, 1075 Brannon Stand Road in Dothan. Event sponsors are The Administration for Community Living, SARCOA, Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities Extension, and Valerie’s Health and Wellness.
Call (334) 793-6843 to sign up. Registration is limited to 50 people. To download a flyer click here.

Public Hearing For Priorities Of Service
2024-07-24 10:30 - 12:00 | SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd., Dothan, AL, 36305, United States
SARCOA will hold a public hearing to establish priorities of service for persons age 60 and above, as established in the Older Americans Act of 1965, for the counties of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston. Information gathered at the hearing will be compiled according to priorities and written into the plan to be administered by the area agency on aging during fiscal year 2025.
Public hearing will be held at 1065 S Brannon Stand Road, Dothan, AL 36305 at 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2024. Contact us for more information.

Fans For Life 2024
2024-06-03 - 2024-08-31
The JOYFM is partnering with SARCOA to give you an opportunity to make a cool impact on your community by donating a box fan or a small AC window unit. The Summer heat makes for some very uncomfortable and unhealthy living conditions for the elderly and disabled in the area who do not have any air circulating in their home.
Click here to go to our Fans for Life page.
You may also donate to Fans For Life through SARCOA by clicking the DONATE button below.

We Want To Hear From You
2024-03-28 10:00 - 11:15
The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) is holding a public meeting to hear comments and suggestions from senior adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and others interested in people living at home and in their communities for as long as possible. Collected information will be used in the development of the 2025-2028 State Plan on Aging by the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) in partnership with the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA).
The meeting will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at the Andalusia Senior Center, 401 Walker Avenue, Andalusia, AL 36420. For more information, contact Nick Nyberg at (334) 242-5767. To download a flyer with complete information, click the button below.
Download Event Flyer

Benefits Screening Sign-Up
2024-02-07 - 2024-02-29
SARCOA is traveling across the Wiregrass to get seniors (60+) signed up for the Farmers Market Benefit and to be screened for any other money saving programs that they may be missing out on receiving! To download a flyer showing all locations, dates and times click the button below. Visit these locations to be signed up for the $50 Farmers Market benefit. You can also be screened for other cost-saving programs including Food Assistance, Medicare Savings Plans, and other resources. We look forward to serving you!
Download Flyer

Walk With Ease Program
2024-01-01 - 2025-07-13
The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is a 6-week community-based physical activity and self-management education program. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. SARCOA is pleased to offer Walk With Ease to our 7-County regions that we serve. This is a self-directed program so you can start as slowly or progress as quickly and safely possible. For more information and to sign up, click the button below.
Go To Walk With Ease Page

Take The Virtual Dementia Tour
2023-11-29
Take The Virtual Dementia Tour

Experience what it’s like to live with dementia by taking this eye-opening tour. The Virtual Dementia Tour is an evidence-based, patented program designed so that, through simulation, anyone can experience what it’s like to live with dementia. The tour is specifically curated for caregivers, friends, and healthcare providers who interact with individuals living with dementia. To download a flyer click here.
Time: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023
The event is FREE. However, registration is required to schedule your tour time.
Sign-up is on a limited basis. To register click the button below.
Register

Senior Day At The Fair
2023-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | National Peanut Festival, 622 US Hwy 231 S, Dothan, AL, 36301, United States
Each year during the National Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama, a special day is set aside to honor all area senior citizens (55 and older). Admission is free for seniors to enjoy the festival and all it has to offer. Special programs are also provided.
Gates open at 10 a.m.
National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds
Highway 231 South, Dothan
Free admission for seniors age 55+
Free Ferris Wheel Rides
Food Vendors

Caregiver College
2023-08-24 09:30 - 14:00
Caregiver College
Caring for a loved one is not a role for which most of us are prepared, but a job that nonetheless often becomes part of our lives and future. To help families and professionals better understand and meet the needs of our caregiving roles, SARCOA presents Caregiver College. The event is hosted by Alabama Cares. Alabama Care supports caregivers so they may continue providing valuable care services to their loved ones while living fully and well. To register for this event, fill out the form below and click Send.
Educational topics and speakers include:
Scams and Fraud
Medicare
SARCOA Legal Dept.
Covington County Sheriff’s Dept. and More!
Date:
August 24, 2023
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Event Location:
Opp Senior Activity Center
500 Brantley St.
Opp, AL
Registration

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Fraud Summit
2023-02-16 09:00 - 11:30
Educate And Protect Yourself Against Financial Fraud And Scams
Join us for the 2023 Fraud Summit where speakers from the Better Business Bureau, Alabama Securities Commission, Alabama Attorney General’s office, and more will be educating senior citizens on protecting themselves from scams, financial and other types of exploitation. A complimentary lunch will be served.
Date: Thursday February 16, 2023
Time: 9 am – 11:30 am
Location: SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd., Dothan, AL
To RSVP for this no-cost event, email joy.riddle@sarcoa.org or call (334) 793-6843.
To download the event flier click here.

Valentine Concert And Dance
2023-02-09 18:30 - 20:30
Please join us for the 2023 Valentine Concert & Dance on February 9th from 6:30 – 8:30PM at the Enterprise Civic Center. The concert will feature the Dothan Moonlighters band. This no-cost event for older adults and is hosted by SARCOA, the City of Enterprise, and the Dothan Moonlighters. Please call SARCOA to RSVP (334)793-6843. Space is limited. Click here to download the flyer.
The Valentine’s Day Concert and Dance for Wiregrass Boomers and Seniors was held for the first time in 2013. It was a such a great success that it has become an annual event that is enjoyed by hundred’s of seniors and boomers each year. Local big band The Moonlighters perform and attendees crowd the dance floor. This event is usually held at the Enterprise Civic Center on the Thursday night before Valentine’s Day each year.

Bingocize
2023-01-01 - 2024-12-31
Bingocize® is a socially engaging group-based program that combines exercise, health education, and the widely popular game of bingo. Research has shown that participants can significantly improve their physical, social, and mental health. Virtual and physical Bingocize events are scheduled throughout the year. For more information, to view upcoming events, and to register click the button below:
Learn More

Santa For Seniors 2022
2022-11-04 08:00 - 2022-12-10 17:00
All of Our Seniors Have Been Sponsored But we still Need Donations!

And you have done it again! All seniors have been sponsored! We are always so blown away at the generosity of our Wiregrass community. However we are not done yet! If you would like to spread the magic, you can still donate to this project by clicking the donate button below. There are still large items from Wish Lists that need to be purchased. Wish List items such as electronics, a recliner, mattress and box spring, outdoor rocking chairs, heaters and more need to be purchased in order for all the seniors to receive their Christmas gifts. Please donate to Santa For Seniors so that we can complete their Christmas wishes.
CLICK TO GO TO OUR SANTA FOR SENIORS DONATE PAGE

Medicare Open Enrollment Events
2022-10-14 - 2022-12-07
Let SARCOA help you get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment!
We will be coming into Senior Centers to allow seniors and Medicare beneficiaries of all ages in the community an opportunity to get prepared for the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period that starts October 15, 2022 and lasts through December 7, 2022.
These events are intended to help persons enroll in a Medicare plan for 2023 during the Open Enrollment period beginning on October 15 and ending on December 7, 2022. If you currently have a Medicare plan, you can switch to a new plan during the Open Enrollment period. All seniors are encouraged to remember that just because a plan worked well for last year does not mean it will work best for you this year. Plans change and your medications may have changed. Everyone should have their plan reviewed prior to attending this event.
For complete information and dates for these events, click the button below.

GO TO MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT EVENTS CALENDAR

Sr. Citizens Hall Of Fame Nominations
2022-04-25 - 2022-05-01
The Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has honored and recognized Alabamians aged 60 or older for their outstanding contribution to the lives of older members in their local communities since 1983. Those selected as Permanent Members of the Hall of Fame are formally honored and recognized for their selfless advocacy and dedication of service to others at an official ceremony held in Montgomery each year.
The Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame also recognizes Alabama seniors who are 100 years or older and couples married 65 years or more.
The deadline to submit nominations is May 1, 2022.
Call For 2022 Nominations
Hall of Fame Nomination Form (PDF)
Hall of Fame Nomination Form (Fillable PDF)
Recognition of Centenarians and Couples Married 65 Years or More

Volunteer Appreciation Week
2022-04-18 - 2022-04-23
It’s Volunteer Appreciation week!
SARCOA would like to thank all our volunteers who assist in serving Wiregrass older adults and individuals with disabilities.
SARCOA thanks you for your time and talents over the past year.

Suicide Prevention Town Hall
2022-02-16 10:00 - 11:00
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is pleased to announce the City of Dothan will serve as the first stop on a statewide tour of town halls for the Alabama’s Challenge for Preventing Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF).
The town hall is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Dothan Opera House and is open to all Veterans, friends, and family in the Wiregrass region.
“We are grateful to have the City of Dothan and Mayor Mark Saliba serve as the first town hall site for Alabama’s Challenge,” said Alabama’s Challenge Co-Chair Kent Davis, who is also the Commissioner of the ADVA. “The Wiregrass region is a great example of Alabama’s pride in its military and Veterans. We look forward to establishing a footprint and sustaining partnership with the City of Dothan and the surrounding communities and to continue serving those who have served us.”
Alabama’s Challenge is a statewide effort to combat a continuing stigma Veterans face with mental health. While approximately 17 Veterans in the U.S. die by suicide per day, the Veteran suicide rate in Alabama is even higher than the national Veteran average and significantly higher than the national civilian average. Recently released data shows nearly 18% of those who died by suicide in Alabama in 2020 were Veterans, though only 9.1% of Alabamians have served. Male Veterans die by suicide at a rate 1.3 times higher than civilian counterparts, and for women Veterans it is 2.1 times higher.

Santa For Seniors 2021
2021-09-21 - 2021-12-17
All seniors have been sponsored! We are always so blown away at the generosity of our Wiregrass community. Because of you, 400 seniors will have a Merry Christmas! We are so grateful for all of our volunteers and donors that have worked to make this project a success! Also, Santa doesn’t just help at Christmas. If you would like to spread the magic, you can donate to this project at any time by clicking the button below.
Go To Santa For Seniors Page

Gifts will be collected from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, Friday, December 10, and Saturday, December 11. Our collection site will remain the same as last year at 2755 Choctaw Street (behind the former Westgate Parkway National Guard Armory) in Dothan.
VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED! If you would like to volunteer, there are many areas where we need your help. Please sign up today by clicking below!
Become A Volunteer

Santa for Seniors is a grassroots volunteer project to bring Christmas joy to Wiregrass seniors who are in need of basic items for everyday living. SARCOA case managers chose the neediest seniors in the area as Santa for Seniors recipients. All have low income and most are homebound and alone. There are typically over 400 clients with requests on the wish list each year.
Now in its sixteenth year, Santa for Seniors 2021 will deliver Christmas to hundreds of individuals who might otherwise have been forgotten. The gifts usually requested represent the essentials. The single biggest request each year is for food, with “groceries” becoming the most requested Santa item and our largest purchase of the project. We are also usually able to provide each participant with cleaning supplies. For those on a low fixed income, cleaning supplies are often the last thing on your shopping list.
On behalf of SARCOA and the Wiregrass seniors and disabled who were recipients of your kindness and generosity, we thank you for helping to bring Christmas joy and hope to many, especially during the pandemic. Watch the video to see the wonderful results.
Santa continues to help year-round because of caring people like you.
Thank you!!

COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance
2021-06-29 08:00 - 2021-09-30 17:00
SARCOA has been given an opportunity to assist seniors and their caregivers overcome barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. If there are personal barriers such as; transportation, assistance with scheduling an appointment or caregiver respite is an issue – contact SARCOA at (334) 793-6843 to get more information on how we can assist you.

Older Americans Month
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-31
Our Older American’s Day celebration looks a little different this year due to COVID-19 precautions. In lieu of celebrating Older American Day at the National Peanut Festival we are providing you with a virtual concert that we hope you will enjoy on your own or with family and friends. Create your own celebration all month long as we celebrate you!

Southeast Health COVID Vaccine Update
2021-04-07 - 2021-05-01
Anyone age 16 or older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the state of Alabama. Southeast Health offers online self-scheduling for individuals that are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals may request an appointment at the Southeast Health Vaccine Clinic by clicking here.

Farmers Market Vouchers Available
2021-01-07 - 2021-05-01
Sign-ups are now open through May 1, 2021, for Senior Farmers Market Vouchers. SARCOA is doing sign-ups via phone only this year instead of via phone and in-person. If you would like help registering please call SARCOA at 334-793-6843. You may also register online by clicking here.
This $30 voucher can be exchanged for eligible foods (fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs) at farmers markets, roadside stands and community support agriculture (CSA) programs.
Eligibility requirements are:
Age – person must be 60 years of age or older the day of application, AND
Income level – recipients’ gross household income (income before taxes) must not exceed the following limits:
$1,756.00 monthly……for a household of ——1
$2,371.00 monthly……for a household of ——2
$2,987.00 monthly……for a household of ——3
$3,604.00 monthly……for a household of ——4
$4,219.00 monthly……for a household of ——5
$4,835.00 monthly……for a household of ——6
$5,452.00 monthly……for a household of ——7
$6,067.00 monthly……for a household of ——8
(Household: a group of related or non-related individuals living together as one economic unit. These amounts are at 165% of 2020-2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines.)

Medicare Open Enrollment
2020-09-13 - 2021-11-17
Medicare enrollment events will be held via phone this year. In order to sign up for assistance, please complete the enrollment form found here. FORMS SUBMITTED ONLINE OR VIA MAIL MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 17. For those that need assistance after NOVEMBER 17, please reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
These events are intended to help persons enroll in a Medicare plan for 2022 during the Open Enrollment period beginning on October 15 and ending on December 7, 2021. If you currently have a Medicare plan, you can switch to a new plan during the Open Enrollment period. All seniors are encouraged to remember that just because a plan worked well for last year does not mean it will work best for you this year. Plans change and your medications may have changed. Everyone should have their plan reviewed prior to attending this event.
For more information on SHIP click here.

Absentee Voting Process
2020-08-25 - 2020-11-02
Voting is the most fundamental act of our democracy. Because of the Covid19 pandemic you may be considering voting with an absentee ballot. This video provides a simple and straightforward description of how to apply for an absentee ballot for Alabama’s 2020 General Election.

Governor Urges Census Participation
2020-07-20 - 2020-08-15
Governor Ivey asked all Alabamians to reach a 90% participation rate. If you haven’t filed your 2020 Census information, please do so soon. These funds help build roads, provide funding for schools, help senior citizen programs, and countless other infrastructure projects.
Please do your part today and fill out your 2020 Census! Click here to go to the census questionnaire.

Protect Yourself From Scams
2020-07-15 - 2020-09-01
Scams related to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, are rapidly increasing as the public health emergency develops. Scammers are targeting older adults and those with serious long-term health conditions who appear to have a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. To help protect yourself, please watch the following video:

Upcoming Board Meeting
2020-06-24 10:30 - 12:00 | SARCOA, 1075 S. Brannon Stand Rd., Dothan, AL, 36305, United States
There will be a quarterly meeting of the SARCOA Board of Directors Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 am, at SARCOA. For more information, please call SARCOA.

Senior Helpers Special Presentation
2020-06-18 15:00 - 16:00
You’re invited to join Senior Helpers and Teepa Snow for a special presentation, “The Effects of Social Isolation on Those Living with Dementia,” on Thursday, June 18th at 3:00 pm ET.
This FREE virtual presentation for care partners and caregivers of individuals living with dementia will focus on dementia and care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of maintaining social distancing boundaries to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is challenging for all individuals but is typically even more so for those living with dementia.
Teepa Snow will highlight the serious effects that social isolation may have on those living with brain change and will address how to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in those living with dementia.
This session will also help providers recognize and respond more accurately to the unwanted effects of social isolation to reduce the chances of escalation and ‘non-helpful’ hospitalizations.
Click here to register.

Telephone Assurance Program Offered
2020-06-01 - 2020-12-31
We recognize that older adults and caregivers are facing many hardships due to COVID-19. Being separated from family, experiencing the loss of loved ones, and changing health status can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. There are people who care and there are ways to stay connected. We want to show you care through conversation and ways to stay connected to others. Each week, SARCOA can arrange a volunteer call to check on you or a loved one. At a minimum, our volunteers will conduct one call a week, but more calls can be made if requested. Each phone call provides reassurance by offering a listening ear and an encouraging word.
This is also a way to check on the safety of the individual and offer socialization. There are no income requirements, nor age or living status criteria for joining the program. There is no cost to join or participate. If you would like to be added or would like to add someone to our telephone reassurance registry, please submit the registration information that can be downloaded below.
To find out more or to download an application click here.
