History & Impact

Mission Moments

Seeing the Difference That Saves a Life

One of our Community Living Support (CLS) Specialists recently reminded us just how powerful familiarity and connection can be in the work we do every day.

During a routine visit, the specialist noticed that her morning client was not herself. Simple tasks like walking and transferring, things the client typically managed, had suddenly become extremely difficult. She could hardly bear weight. Because of the relationship they had built and the specialist’s deep understanding of the client’s normal abilities, this change was immediately recognized as something serious, not just “an off day.”

Trusting her instincts, the specialist quickly informed the client’s daughter. Acting on that information, the daughter ensured her mother was taken to the hospital the very next morning.

The client was admitted and diagnosed with C. diff, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection if left untreated. Thanks to the specialist’s attentiveness and quick action, the client is now receiving the care she needs and is expected to recover.

This moment highlights something essential about our work: CLS is not just about providing care, it’s about truly knowing the people we serve. It’s about building relationships, recognizing subtle changes, and advocating when something doesn’t feel right. Because of that connection, what could have been a much more serious situation was addressed right away.

Sometimes, the smallest observations make the biggest difference. And sometimes, they save a life.

Going the Extra Mile

During the December shopping trip to Ludington, one of our bus drivers demonstrated the true heart of our mission. As the group prepared to leave the store, the driver noticed one senior standing at the checkout, visibly upset and in tears. She had realized she could not find her wallet and had no way to pay for her purchases.

Other seniors in the group were trying to gather enough money among themselves to help her, not wanting her to leave embarrassed or empty-handed. Seeing this, our driver quietly stepped in and paid for her purchases himself.

This act was not required and certainly not expected, but it speaks volumes about the compassion and dedication of our drivers. It reflects the love, respect, and genuine care we have for the seniors of Oceana County. Moments like this remind us that our service is about much more than transportation—it’s about people, dignity, and community.

OCCOA History

On January 10, 1971, the first Senior Citizens Council for Oceana County was formed. This Council was led by Reverend John Rozendaal, Minister of the West Michigan Cooperative Ministry and Anne Sampson appointed May 11, 1971 as a delegate to the State of Michigan White House Conference on Aging by Governor William Milliken.

 

October 29, 1971, 10 months after forming the Senior Citizens Council the name was changed to The Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCOA) and became a non-profit organization with the adoption of a constitution on October 20, 1971. Elmer Graham was appointed as the first President of the organization and in December that same year the organization received its first charter as a non-profit corporation from the State of Michigan.  As a beneficiary of Federal Grant money from the Older Americans Act, OCCOA was formed to provide leadership, consultation and assistance to interested groups or individuals who foster the wellbeing of the aging citizenry.

 

In 1972 the Council began to hold its meetings in the basement of the Oceana County Building and in October planned for its first nutrition congregate meal program.  After meeting at the County Building, the board and staff held meetings and provided daily luncheons to seniors in a residential home in the City of Hart located at 215 Hart Street called the STEP Center. As the organization grew, it moved to temporary quarters at the Church of God at 400 South Hart Street in Hart before moving to space provided by the Hart Hospital.

 

During the early 80’s the transportation program was added in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), who provided capital funds to purchase buses and some funding for operating the buses that provided rides for seniors to the meal site, medical appointments and shopping. Transportation for “Specialized Services” includes those 60 years of age and older and individuals with disabilities. Another component of the transportation program is volunteer driving.  This service transports seniors to out of county medical appointments.  Advocacy, case coordination, homemaking and respite were also added to services provided by the organization helping seniors remain independent in their homes.

 

Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, the number of seniors served began to increase dramatically as did the cost to provide programs, services and transportation to Oceana County’s senior citizens. State and federal funding sources declined over that period.  Efforts were stepped up by the OCCOA Director to secure funding from local agencies such as the United Way of Oceana County.

 

After the County Board of Commissioners rejected the County Administrator’s proposal of a county funded Commission on Aging, a millage request for .25 mills was placed on the ballot and approved by county residents in 1993.  This provided much needed funding for more services and programs. County residents have continued to show support for OCCOA by renewing its millage requests, currently at the 1 mill maximum allowed.

 

In January of 1990 the City of Hart purchased Hart Hospital’s “excess property” on Main Street for $75,000 in order to assist the financially strapped hospital.  The purchase enabled the OCCOA to find a then permanent home.  The City of Hart offered to provide the land in exchange for one dollar for the purpose of constructing a senior center.  On August 2, 1991, an agreement was reached between the City of Hart and the Department of Natural Resources for the construction of the Senior Center followed by an on-site ground breaking in October 1991.  Construction began in August of 1992 and staff moved in December of 1992.  This center became a main gathering place for social interaction, nutritional services, educational classes as well as fitness and health for older adults for 27 years.

 

As OCCOA continued to grow, expanding its lunch program and providing more services for county seniors it became apparent the Main Street building needed to grow as well. When its first choice of a building expansion was not possible, the organization decided to build a new and larger center.   It purchased property on Tyler Road, held a ground breaking ceremony on August 16, 2018 and began construction September 2018.  The new barn style building opened its doors for staff and seniors in late December 2019.

 

OCCOA provides homemaking services, case coordination, transportation, tax credit assistance, congregate meal program, a loan closet for durable medical equipment as well as offers programs such as health care clinics, fitness, recreational, social and educational programs, senior trips and special events.  New services and programs are offered as needs arise and “Our Friends House”, an adult day care service was added in 2010.  This service offers respite for caregivers as well as social, recreational, meal and bathing programs for our seniors. The day services program was first located at Courtland Street in Hart, then Washington Street and now in the completely renovated senior center at 621 E. Main St.  All OCCOA services and programs are currently run by a staff of 30 dedicated, skilled and professional individuals who are committed to the mission of the organization in providing excellent service and care to older adults and their families of Oceana County.

 

Today, the Oceana County Council on Aging has accrued assets of over $3 million and operates on a budget of over $1.6 million as it continues to provide a full range of needed services and programs to assist older adults in maintaining their independence and their ability to continue to be viable assets in the community.