Jefferson County Council on Aging Inc

The Elder Foundation (formerly known as the Jefferson County Council on Aging), recently celebrated our 35th anniversary serving seniors.  The Jefferson County Meals on Wheels program, our oldest program, actually began almost 40 years ago! Additionally, through a contract with the Alabama Department of Senior Services, the Elder Foundation operates the Jefferson County Long Term Care Ombudsman program which advocates for residents of assisted living facilities as well as long term care facilities. The Elder Foundation also serves as the Alabama Chapter of the Twilight Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to qualified seniors.  

As we look forward to our next 35 years and beyond, we are excited to be known as the Elder Foundation - a name that captures the essence of who we are and who we serve.  Will you join us as we enter this new phase serving seniors by Nurturing Quality Life?

Our most well-known program, the Meals on Wheels program powered by the Elder Foundation, provides a daily meal to homebound seniors in Jefferson County. Through the efforts of over 600 volunteers and a small number of paid staff drivers, the Meals on Wheels  program served over 250,000 meals in our most recently completed fiscal year that ended September 30, 2015. 

While Federal and State funding covers the cost of the food served, the Meals on Wheels program  must raise almost $350,000 each year to cover the costs to pacakage and deliver the meals. 

The Meals on Wheels program provides more than a hot meal.  Each day, our volunteers and drivers provide interaction with participants as well as perform a safety check.  In the event that a client who is expected to be home does not answer the door or telephone, volunteers and drivers are trained to notify the Meals on Wheels office so that the client's  emergency contacts can be reached.  In a number of instances, the quick action by our volunteers and drivers have saved the life of a client in distress.

Your tax deductible donation will help us continue to provide not only a nutritious meal to a homebound senior, but will also provide them with a smile, conversation, and a daily check of their well-being.