Who We Are

Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging is an Area Agency on Aging serving the seniors of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties of southeast Alabama. SARCOA is a vibrant and dynamic organization continually seeking ways to better serve the rapidly growing senior population through planning, coordinating and developing community levels of service. As the regional focal point for senior services, SARCOA’s focus today and everyday is to provide services which improve the quality of life and enhance the independence of the seniors of our area.

SARCOA is one of 13 Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama operating under the framework of the Older Americans Act. More than 650 Area Agencies in the nation serve as advocates for the elderly and administer a network of services within their designated regions.

SARCOA was formed in 1986 by a multijurisdictional agreement of the seven county governments. It was designated as the Area Agency on Aging for southeast Alabama by Governor George Wallace and the Alabama Commission on Aging (now known as the Alabama Department of Senior Services).

Primary funding for SARCOA programs is based on the federal Older Americans Act and the Social Security Act. State funds are used to match federal dollars and to fund state senior programs. Additional cash and in-kind support from local government and community further enhances the service network.

SARCOA’s board of directors, appointed by the seven county governments, guides and directs the Area Agency on Aging. An advisory board comprised of seniors and community representatives informs the SARCOA staff and board of directors of the concerns and issues of area seniors.

In addition to assisting the senior population as an Area Agency on Aging, SARCOA is also an Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC). The ADRC is an initiative launched in 2003 and designed to be a “one-stop-shop” for individuals of any age seeking long-term support services. The ADRC seeks to streamline access to assistance services, programs, and information for older adults, all persons with disabilities, family caregivers, veterans, and long- term support service providers.

The overall goal of the ADRC program is to empower individuals to effectively navigate their health and other long-term support options.