City of Charleston Mayor's Office on Aging

Description

The Mayor's Office on Aging responds to requests for information and assistance by working in partnership with service providers and local agencies to connect seniors, families, and caregivers to the providers who can help meet their immediate and long-term needs.

We educate seniors, families and caregivers on a variety of age related issues, such as enhancing sensitivity to and respect for seniors, frauds and scams, and applying for programs and resources such as food assistance, health coverage, and home energy assistance, through workshops and attendance at community events. The office provides seminars and workshops to neighborhood groups, senior living communities, and senior service providers.

In 2016, MOA was selected as one of eight communities to receive the Ending Abuse in Later Life grant from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women to change how community services and law enforcement respond to the mistreatment of seniors. The Ending Abuse in Later Life project provides training to law enforcement and helps to raise awareness about services available in the community to support victims of elder abuse.

In partnership with Youth Volunteer Corps of Charleston, MOA organizes intergenerational activities to bring seniors and youth together for social and community service events. These activities combat the isolation that makes seniors vulnerable to abuse and provide an opportunity for youth to learn from a caring adult.