By Carol Leish, M.A. –
Monique Nowlin, M.P.P.A., division manager of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), discusses five key questions about the VCAAA, a division of the Ventura County Human Services Agency.
Can you share a brief overview of the VCAAA and its mission?
Nowlin: “As a division of the Human Services Agency, the VCAAA provides supportive services to older adults, people with disabilities, and their care givers,” Nowlin said. “Through a range of programs and a multidisciplinary team of social workers, nurses, registered dietitians, and administrators, we support people’s ability to age with maximum independence and dignity.”
What are some of the key programs and services VCAAA offers?
Nowlin: “Some of our key programs, all of which are free, include:
Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP), which assists with Medicare counseling. Senior Nutrition Program, which funds meals for older adults throughout the county.
Case management programs, which use a person-centered approach to provide services to older adults.
Family Caregiver Resource Program, including La Buena Vida, which offers caregiver training and support groups for those caring for older adults and people with disabilities.”
Are there any new initiatives for VCAAA in 2025 that residents should know about?
Nowlin: “Our focus in 2025 is to prioritize our core-mandated programs, which include nutrition services, enhanced information and assistance, legal services, caregiver services and support, case management, and transportation.
As the VCAAA continues to integrate with the Human Services Agency, we are streamlining and reimagining how services can be delivered to ensure we continue providing quality programs to the population we proudly serve.”
How can community members get involved in supporting VCAAA’s efforts, whether through volunteering or advocacy?
Nowlin: “VCAAA offers many opportunities for volunteering, donating,and advocacy. We especially need volunteers for our Fall Prevention and HICAP programs. Volunteering with the VCAAA is a great way to give back to the community while also learning valuable information that can benefit you and your family.
For those interested in advocacy or learning more about our efforts, we have an Advisory Council that meets every other month. These meetings, which are open to the public, bring together volunteers representing different cities, supervisorial districts, and specific populations, such as veterans.”
What advice would you give to older adults or caregivers who may not know about the services available to them or how to access them?
Nowlin: “There is a wealth of information on our website, vcaaa.org, and we offer an informative resource guide, LiveWell, which is printed in both English and Spanish. You can also call us at 805-477-7300.”
