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Valley Program for Aging Services, the local area agency on aging, is celebrating 50 years of service in communities throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Established in 1974, VPAS is part of a nationwide network of area agencies on aging formed in the years following the passage of the federal Older Americans Act to support healthy aging in place. VPAS helps adults 60 years and over remain independent by providing a variety of community based programs and in-home services throughout the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Rockingham and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Specifically, VPAS empowers older adults with the resources and opportunities they need to lead engaged lives. With information and referral services, case management, Medicare counseling, senior transportation, recreational and health programming, meal delivery, congregate meals and caregiver support available, VPAS envelopes community members in a circle of care that helps them navigate challenges as they age, said a spokeswoman.
Over the last half century, VPAS has supported older neighbors during periods of major economic and societal change, but perhaps the two greatest impacts on VPAS operations have transpired within the last decade.
The first, a “gray wave” demographic shift of baby boomers turning 65, thrust VPAS into a leadership role as communities raced to prepare for a rapidly aging population. VPAS began working more closely with its partners in order to meet the needs of older adults in this new landscape, providing seminars, consultation, dementia education, and substantially more support for family caregivers. Together, VPAS and local stakeholders worked to create communities where everyone can age well.
At the height of that effort, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered those same communities. VPAS reorganized its operations, establishing a critical balance between keeping older adults safe from infection while still providing the services needed to keep them healthy.
“VPAS has been an important and reliable presence in our communities for 50 years,” said Beth Bland, VPAS executive director.
“Preparing for the gray wave and then keeping our older neighbors safe during the pandemic made us stronger and more resourceful than ever. We have really leaned into our role as experts in aging, and I think that expertise will become more evident in the years to come,” she added. “VPAS is prepared to meet the needs of a new generation of older adults.”
VPAS 50th anniversary celebrations are taking place in several locations all year long, with special fundraisers and gatherings highlighting the role of VPAS in local communities. Events include a “Songs and Sundaes” party at VPAS headquarters in Waynesboro, “A Reason to Ride” motorcycle and bike ride in Harrisonburg, and “Maury River Players and Singers” live concerts in Buena Vista.
VPAS is also bringing its history to life by sharing newspaper clippings, photos, and other archives from the past 50 years, including impact stories from older adults or family caregivers whose lives have been touched by VPAS. Community members are encouraged to send these to VPAS at 975 S. High St, Harrisonburg, VA or by email to [email protected].
To learn more about VPAS services, visit vpas.info or call (540) 949-7141.
