Montgomery Area Council on Aging

      The Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) was established as a charitable, nonprofit agency in 1972.  The agency’s purpose is to assist senior citizens by providing services to promote independent living, offering opportunities to enhance their quality of life, and increasing community awareness of senior issues. 

          MACOA provides programs and activities for more than 5,000 people each month.  The popular Meals-On-Wheels is MACOA's most visible program.  Five days a week a volunteer force delivers hot, nutritious lunches to more than 365 homebound seniors.  To older people who cannot prepare meals, the program is a blessing and gives a sense of security because of its regular personal contact.

             MACOA operates four neighborhood senior centers.  Participants gather to take part in organized recreational and educational programs.  Door to door transportation is provided for those unable to drive an automobile.  At the centers, seniors share fellowship, eat a carefully balanced noon meal, and participate in group activities.

             In addition, MACOA provides information and referral, volunteer coordination, and outreach services to more than 800 seniors each month. 

             A key part of MACOA, with a different focus, is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  Under Title II of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act and the auspices of the Corporation for National and Community Service, RSVP offers volunteer opportunities for seniors to lead more meaningful lives by making worthwhile contributions to nonprofit and health-related groups, organizations, and agencies in their community.  Each year, over 1,900 RSVP volunteers dedicate over 288,000 hours while serving Autauga, Coosa,  Elmore, Montgomery, and Tallapoosa counties. 

             Another essential part of MACOA's wide range of services is the Archibald Senior Center.  Its purpose is to provide a focal point in downtown Montgomery for senior citizens to meet, relax, and have fun in pleasant, comfortable surroundings.  Through arts and crafts classes, educational programs, theme luncheons, and recreational activities, participants enrich their lives, enjoy the companionship of friends, and learn more about their world and community.  A computer center offers word processing, Internet, and other software classes for seniors.  The Archibald Center typically serves over 700 seniors each month.  MACOA opened a Senior Center on the east side of Montgomery in 2007.  This Senior Center operates two days per week to serve seniors who prefer not to drive into downtown Montgomery.  Bridge, dominoes, exercise, and other activities are available.  It holds the prospect of future growth for MACOA on the east side. 

             MACOA's activities provide the warmth of family and home along with the hope, motivation, enjoyment, and means to live independently.