COA BOARDS & FRIENDS GROUPS
What is a COA Board?
A Council on Aging (COA/Council) operates under Chapter 40 Section 8B of Massachusetts General Laws, permitting municipalities to establish COAs for coordinating aging programs alongside the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. COA board members hold responsibility to their town or city government and the community, with their duties outlined in legal charters or warrants. Understanding and upholding the COA’s mission, often centered on aiding the aging population, is crucial. COAs function as the primary public social service agency in many municipalities, addressing needs starting from age 50 and facilitating independence through information, support, and resource linkage.
Operating within the municipality’s legal framework, COA board members carry public responsibilities akin to elected officials, necessitating comprehension of state laws and ethical obligations. COAs identify and address unmet needs, often incorporating education and advocacy, requiring board members’ commitment to the agency’s mission and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
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What is COA Friends Group?
News You Can Use
Building Bridges and Fostering Belonging: Bourne Council on Aging’s Commitment to Inclusivity
The Bourne Council on Aging (COA), led by Director Debora Oliviere, serves residents aged 60 and above, a threshold tied to critical grant funding that supports many of their vital programs. Since assuming the director role in 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19...
More Than Just Programs: How Arlington’s Council on Aging Cultivates Deep Community Connection and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Arlington, Massachusetts, stands out as a community deeply committed to supporting its older residents, with nearly 30% of its population over age 60. At the heart of this commitment is the Arlington Council on Aging (COA), led by Executive Director Kristine Shah, and...