Council on Aging (COA) has been serving St. Johns County's older adults, their families and caregivers since 1973. COA is dedicated to being there for local seniors and caregivers and supporting them in living their best lives at every age. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, COA is able to accomplish this expansive mission through the generosity of donors and the caring commitment of local volunteers.
“At COA, we consider it a privilege and an honor to serve our community's elders,” explained COA Executive Director Becky Yanni. “As a nonprofit organization, we cannot do it without the support of the entire community to accomplish this important mission."
COA serves as an advocate for quality of life and independence for those who need it, providing services that help older adults remain in their own homes where they are most comfortable for as long as possible. These support services include Meals on Wheels, prescription assistance, minor home repairs, basic lawn care, adult daycare and transportation services. Services are available to anyone in St. Johns County, and may be paid for privately, or if you are over 60 and qualify, may be subsidized.
COA operates six lifelong learning and senior centers throughout St. Johns County where residents can continue to learn, grow and connect with the community. Among their offerings are classes, activities and clubs where residents may meet and pursue common interests, including the COA Travel Club. The centers also offer support groups, including caregiver support, grief support and Parkinson’s support.
In the northeastern area of the county, there are two COA centers: THE PLAYERS Community Senior Center at 175 Landrum Lane in Ponte Vedra Beach, and the COA Center at Flagler Health+ Village at Nocatee at 351 Town Plaza Ave., Suite 205, in Ponte Vedra.
Local resident Kate Thomas is a participant at THE PLAYERS Senior Center in Ponte Vedra Beach where she enjoys studying tap dancing and playing bridge. Kate had this to share about her experience at the center:
"It's the difference between being alive and not being alive," she said. “I like staying connected. It gives you life!"
COA also offers a ground-breaking program called IMEP, the Integrative Memory Enhancement Program. IMEP is an original, research-based program designed to maximize brain health and minimize the progression of memory loss and dementia. IMEP is offered in a relaxed, classroom setting at convenient locations throughout the county, including at COA’s Ponte Vedra Memory Care Center at 1048 A1A N. in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information about IMEP, go to coasjc.org/imepsjc. To sign up to try a free class, contact COA’s Catherine Tupper at 904-729-9535 or ctupper@coasjc.org.
COA offers caregiver education programs, support groups and needs assessments through their Community Care-Giving program. To schedule a free caregiver needs assessment, call 904-209-3674 or email caregiving@stjohnscoa.com. For more information, go to coasjc.org/caregiver-support.
In addition to these services, COA serves as a trusted, one-stop information resource for seniors and their adult children and caregivers who are seeking information, direction to resources, guidance and support.
Whether you are seeking adventure and personal growth, or in need of support services to maintain your independence at home, COA is there for you. For more information, go to coasjc.org or call 904-209-3700. To stay up to date on the latest news for seniors in St. Johns County, sign up to receive COA’s e-newsletter at coasjc.org/sign-up.
To support COA’s work in the community, go to coasjc.org/donate. Donations may also be mailed to COA at 180 Marine St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
