In 1976, under the Older Americans Act, the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging was set up to administer and develop a program of comprehensive services for the elderly, to act as an advocate for the elderly, to provide various services to help the elderly remain in their homes for as long as possible and to assist the older person to remain a citizen in his or her community.

Since 1987, JCAAA has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. The agency provides around 17 different services for the elderly throughout Jefferson County. The agency operates 5 centers around the county, 4 of which are open Monday through Friday and the other one is open at different days during the month.

All persons over the age of sixty who reside in the county may participate in the programs funded by the Area Agency on Aging. Federal regulations require the Agency to give those persons over the age of sixty preference who are in the greatest economic and social need.

The Area Agency on Aging is governed by a Board of Directors, who has the responsibility of overseeing the Agency’s operations. The Executive Director of the Agency has the responsibility of overseeing the Agency’s activities. The County Advisory Council and local senior center participants provide the Executive Director with additional input in their respective areas.