Council on Aging searches for new director, volunteers
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RONAN — The Lake County Council on Aging has been serving local senior citizens for decades, and now is reaching out to the community for help finding a new executive director.
A nonprofit started in 1977 as a transportation hub to give senior citizens rides to everything from doctors appoints to a visit to the senior center, the Council on Aging has expanded significantly over the years. They now offer in-home services to help individuals live independently in their homes with everything outside of hands-on care, from light housekeeping to grocery shopping. They also offer food programs, and assistance programs as well.
“If senior citizens have questions about literally anything, they can call us,” current executive director Dara Rodda said. The Council on Aging offers assistance navigating Medicare and has even helped set up an online dating profile. “It’s really fun to help people.”
In the six years since Rodda became executive director, the organization has provided seniors with 26,288 rides to the doctor, 540,000 pounds of shelf-stable food, and 14,248 hours of client care.
“We’re really doing amazing things right now,” Rodda said. “We’ve got a new building going up, we’re getting more new programs … This is a great opportunity for somebody who is compassionate and likes helping people.”
Rodda grew up in the area, and knows many of the people the organization helps; some her whole life. However, a new job opportunity came about that allows her to help veterans nationwide so she’s searching for the right person to take her place at the Council on Aging. She’ll remain in the position until her replacement is found to help assure a smooth transition and look after “the elders who raised (her).”
The Council on Aging is searching for a leader to fill the role who has experience managing a small team, someone who is compassionate, and someone who likes numbers. According to the job description, the executive director position is responsible for “the development, implementation and delivery of Council on Aging programs and activities to meet the current and emerging needs of the community.” They must also collaborate well with the community.
Anyone interested in the executive director position should give Rodda a call at 406-546-7217, or view the job online at lakecountycoa.org/ed.
The organization is also looking for volunteers to help drive their transportation vehicles. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about senior care can call Michael Rich at 406-676-2367.
“It’s a really fun mix of people in our office,” Rodda said. “It really feels good to give back to your community.”
