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A Rich History of Service and Advocacy
In 1973, with the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, Area Agencies on Aging (AAA's) were established in each of the 50 States to assist the older adult population in finding local resources and support services to help keep them in their homes and communities. Understanding this was an important step forward and many local residents would benefit from its services, the Evansville Kiwanis Club established the first council on aging in Southern Indiana, the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging.
1973 - 1974
Located in the Finke Furniture store building in downtown Evansville, SWIRCA opens its doors in 1973 and establishes its first program for older adults - SWIRCA's Nutrition Program.
In July of 1974, SWIRCA is officially incorporated.
1976 - 1980
In 1976, SWIRCA's Care Management program was created to help older adults and their families locate community based, long-term and managed care support services.
In 1980, SWIRCA's Activity Center opened its doors to help adults 50+ make meaningful connections through health and wellness programs, recreational and social activities, and education seminars.
1996
SWIRCA moves from the Finke Furniture Store to its current location at 16 W. Virginia Street in the Jacobsville neighborhood.
2008 - 2010
SWIRCA opens its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to provide free and unbiased options-counseling for all persons seeking available community resources.
SWIRCA adopts a new name: SWIRCA & More. The "More" is added to reference the wide variety of outreach services and resources SWIRCA provides to adults 50+, individuals living with disabilities at any age, and their caregivers.
2017
SWIRCA's Nutrition Department becomes a member of Meals on Wheels America and is now known as Meals on Wheels Southwestern Indiana.
2020
SWIRCA adopts a new logo and begins a rebranding campaign to help build awareness and support around aging topics.
2023
Due to the demand of additional exercise classes, educational opportunities, and social activities from senior members and the community at-large, SWIRCA's Activity Center gets a full makeover.
These necessary upgrades have helped SWIRCA to become more accessible, provide additional health and wellness opportunities, and encourage meaningful connections among seniors in our community.
2024
SWIRCA breaks ground on the new Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation Center. This new 16,000 square foot addition will create and enhance programs for older adults and will include a new technology lab for continuing education, caregiver library, counseling rooms for private sessions with care management staff, food pantry, and a rehabilitation clinic.
SWIRCA also proudly celebrated its 50th year of service to the communities of Southwestern Indiana.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Area Agencies on Aging were established by the 1973 reauthorization of the Older American's Act and were instituted in all 50 states across the U.S. The original act was signed into law in 1965 by Lyndon B. Johnson to meet the diverse needs of older persons in the United States.
AAA's are charged with assessing community needs and developing area plans to address them. They coordinate services and support systems that help enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. AAA's are a part of the National Aging Network, which includes the federal Administration on Aging, State Units on Aging, and community-based providers that AAA's partner with to provide services.
Older Americans Act (OAA)
Enacted in 1965, as part of President Johnson's "Great Society" initiative, the Older Americans Act was established so older Americans could live at home and in their communities with independence and dignity for as long as possible.
The Great Society was launched a year before for the purpose of eliminating poverty and racial injustice and improving the lives of Americans through social welfare programs, civil rights legislation, and other important strategic initiatives. It also expanded access to healthcare for the elderly and the poor with the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.
The Older Americans Act supports a national network of 56 state agencies on aging, 622 area agencies on aging, nearly 20,000 service providers, 281 Tribal organizations, and 1 Native Hawaiian organization representing 400 Tribes.
Many are not aware of the OAA and/or the depth of services and programs it provides for including Meals on Wheels programs, transportation, long-term care support, senior centers, health and wellness education, caregiver support services, in-home support and modifications like grab bars and ramps, elder rights protections, employment training for low-income people, long-term care ombudsman, and legal assistance - just to name a few.
Great Memories
