Articles

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is celebrating the collective impact of its partner network in Fiscal Year 2025, highlighting how collaboration and responsible use of local, state, and federal funding have helped more than 35,000 seniors and caregivers this year live independently and at home.

Through the Kent County Senior Millage (KCSM) and the Older Americans Act (OAA), AAAWM coordinates a network of trusted local providers offering vital services such as meals, home modifications, transportation, caregiver support, and adult day programs. Together, these funding streams and programs ensure older adults across West Michigan remain active, connected, and supported in their own communities.

“Our partner network is the heartbeat of this work,” shared Cassie Caple, Vice President of Contract Services and Program Development. “With these two distinct funding streams, we can reach older adults where they are, both in terms of location and care need—keeping seniors safe, connected, and able to age at home.”

AAAWM serves as the fiduciary administrator for both funding streams, ensuring taxpayer, state, and federal funds are distributed efficiently and transparently. Each year, funding recommendations are reviewed and approved by a Review Committee of local representatives, who assess community need and direct dollars where they’ll have the greatest impact. Each funding stream has its own committee to ensure that funds are tailored to the unique needs of the populations they serve.  

In FY2025, Kent County Senior Millage partners utilized 99% of available funding, while Older Americans Act partners reached 97% utilization—demonstrating a strong commitment to meeting the needs of older adults across the region. With utilization rates consistently above 95%, AAAWM demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship and accountability in administering both the Kent County Senior Millage and Older Americans Act funding. Small year-end variances reflect careful fiscal management; carryover funds are thoughtfully reinvested into services for older adults.

“We are deeply grateful for the support we receive from the millage and the Older Americans Act,” said Lisa Wideman, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan. “These funds are essential in helping us fulfill our vision of a community where no senior goes hungry or is forgotten.”

AAAWM’s OAA funding supports services across nine counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola, while KCSM is a senior millage focused on Kent County residents. Together, this network of more than 60 partners delivers critical assistance that allows older adults to age with dignity, safety, and independence.

For more than 50 years, AAAWM has served as the region’s trusted aging expert, coordinating, providing, and advocating for home and community-based services that meet older adults where they are.

Through internal expertise, external partnerships, and advocacy, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan provides older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers with equitable access to services that promote independence and dignity in their communities.

Media Contact:
Emily Armstrong
Director of Communications
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
[email protected]