Rev. David John Walkowiak, seated, takes part in his ordination and installation as the 12th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Mich., on Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Walkowiak, an Ohio native, was most recently a priest at a parishIn an effort to better serve area seniors and those with disabilities in a more cost-effective manner, two area agencies are combining resources.
On Thursday, officials with Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana and the Allen County Council on Aging announced the plan, which will become effective Sunday, according to a release from the agencies.
Allen County Council on Aging provides Homemaker and Handy Chore Services, transportation and a durable medical equipment loan program in Allen County.
That organization will be legally merging into Aging & In-Home Services, the Area 3 Agency on Aging. Aging & In-Home Services is responsible for planning funding and directing services for older adults and people with disabilities. It covers clients in a nine-county area.
Some of the programs it provides include an Aging and Disability Resource Center; Family Caregiver Management; and Home and Community Services.
Thursday’s announcement comes after months of planning. Early last year, both organizations were looking for new partnerships to enhance service providers and to be more efficient, according to the release.
The two groups then formed a joint merger task force to put together the plan.
“We are excited to have the Allen County Council on Aging merge into our organization and believe that combining the efforts and resources of both organizations will offer new opportunities to serve the residents of Allen County,” said Heidi Adair, board chair for Aging & In-Home Services, “Our goal is to make this a seamless transition for clients and to maintain the supportive care for all who rely on it.”
John Rogers, board president for Allen County Council on Aging, is also in favor of the plan.
“In a time of tight budget constraints, the ACCOA Board was committed to finding the right partner to ensure that services would not only continue but expand for our clients in Allen County,” he said. “This opportunity to join with AIHS provides us with the perfect avenue to secure services both now and in the years to come.”
The Foellinger Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne provided financial support for the merger, according to the release.
