Nearly 40 years ago, several concerned Martin County residents put a small ad in the local newspaper, announcing a meeting to discuss forming an organization to help seniors in need.
Over 200 people packed the tiny meeting hall. Their consensus regarding the needs of the elder community: feed the homebound, transport the frail and disabled, and cut through the red tape seniors and their families face when trying to find assistance. The consensus of needs in the community and commitment to meet those needs resulted in the formation of the Council on Aging, which was incorporated in 1974.
Since its founding, the Council on Aging of Martin County has consistently grown and excelled in the senior service area. Highlights of our history include:
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1976: The Council launches the first Meals on Wheels program in Martin County, delivering 20 meals daily. Today, over 250 meals are delivered Monday through Friday county-wide. Nutritional services have also been expanded to include Senior Dining Centers and monthly grocery options.
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1979: The Council is designated as "Lead Agency” for Martin County under the Community Care for the Elderly Act.
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1987: The Council creates the first licensed adult day care center in Martin County, which has grown from 12 seniors per day to the capacity to serve 90 seniors per day.
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2003: The Council's Nutrition Services/Meals on Wheels program is awarded National Certification through the Meals on Wheels Association of America. The program is one of only four in the state of Florida and 46 nationwide to earn this recognition.
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2006: The Council receives a $5 million appropriation from the State of Florida to be used toward the creation of a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose senior center, kicking off a $15 million public/private capital campaign to build the Charles and Rae Kane Senior Center (www.kanecenter.org).
