Active Aging Foundation

Specific Need

This year, all unrestricted gifts through Crawford Gives will be directed toward our PAWS program. PAWS (Pet Assistance and Wellness for Seniors) was established to help area seniors feed and care for their pets. Seniors on a fixed income often go without to care for their pets - even sharing their meals with them. PAWS provides pet food, flea & tick control, vaccine subsidies and assistance with veterinary care for area seniors who are enrolled in specific programs through Active Aging, Inc.

Mission

Active Aging is dedicated to enhancing the lives of and advocating for persons over the age of 60 in Crawford County by providing comprehensive services and programs.  The Active Aging Foundation was established to raise funds to support the programs and services of Active Aging, Inc.

Profile

Active Aging, Inc. began in 1974 as the Crawford County Office of Aging.  On July 1, 1985, a non-profit corporation called Active Aging, Inc. was formed.   On July 1, 1986 at the request of the Crawford County Commissioners, it became the designated Area Agency on Aging for Crawford County to act as advocates for the aging and to keep older citizens active and independent in their own communities. 

In 1985, renovation was started on the Community Center of Crawford County.  Construction was completed on the administrative and service management offices.  The following year, the renovations were completed on the Community Center rooms.  In 1995, with a building expansion program for the Meadville location in their sights, the Crawford Community Center Foundation (predecessor to the Active Aging Foundation) was incorporated.  In the next three years, the Foundation and Active Aging, Inc. board, staff and seniors embarked on a project to expand the Meadville facilities, with the dedication of the new facilities on November 19, 1998.  On July 12, 1999, the new building was named The Lew Davies Community Building.

Throughout its 50-year history, Active Aging has expanded its programs and services to address the challenges of meeting the changing needs of our growing senior population.  During this past fiscal year, Active Aging employed 47 staff members helping to support the local economy and utilized 266 volunteers to provide 15,712 hours of service for Crawford County Seniors.