History

North Ottawa County Council on Aging (NOCCOA) began in 1969 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation with a few dedicated people committed to providing activities for those 60 and older living in the Tri-Cities area. Originally, they met in the Grand Haven Presbyterian Church three afternoons a week.

In 1976, the City of Grand Haven built a new police and fire station and NOCCOA moved into the old station at 18 N. Fifth Street. The brick multi-storied building with large glass windows where garage doors once opened served us well until 2007. The City expanded the Community Center located across from Central Park and on August 1, 2007 NOCCOA moved into its' new home. Our new address is 422 Fulton Avenue.

We are able to do so much more at out new location. We are able to offer simultaneous activities because of our added space; exercise classes which include yoga, tap and line dancing, stretch and belly dancing, card playing, billiards tournaments, blood pressure clinics, lunches, crafts, travelogues and book clubs just to name a few. Tax preparation assistance is offered the first quarter of each year. Legal Aid is provided monthly. Med D seminars and individual help is available the fourth quarter of each year.

The Center is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 4:00, serving a great meal to everyone at noon. Just call by 10:00 the day before to make a reservation. For people 60 years and older the cost of the meal is a donation based on income. People under age 60 will pay the full price of the meal.

The Independent Living program area has grown substantially over the years. Case Coordinators based in the Grand Haven and Coopersville offices work individually and confidentially with people to determine what services they could use that would enable them to live independently in their homes. Case Coordinators then work with many agencies and service providers to meet these needs.

The Home Services Coordinator oversees programs for low income clients and private pay clients. This Coordinator manages the NOCCOA Homemaker Aide and Helping Hands Program. This Coordinator also helps people update and/or write resumes to help them get a job to maintain their independence. NOCCOA also offers home safety checks through our Seniors Observing Safety (S.O.S.) program.

The third component of the Independent Living program area is Prescription Assistance. By helping people afford their medications, they remain healthier and independent. Within each of these programs are other services provided by NOCCOA. Just call to make an appointment with a Case Coordinator to learn more about what NOCCOA can do to help you remain living independently.

In 2004, the Coopersville Old Kids Senior Center program officially became part of NOCCOA. This group of very active Seniors began through the Coopersville Community Education program. When that program was eliminated, NOCCOA stepped in and made it part of their overall program; thus providing continued funding to keep this active group going. With The Coopersville OKs came the Conklin Forget Me Not lunch program and the Marne Euchre Club. NOCCOA has truly expanded to serve all the area.

The first millage to support NOCCOA was passed in 1996. In 2004 operating millages were passed in 9 of the 13 areas served by NOCCOA varying from .125 mills to .25 mills and between 4 and 10 years duration. Along with millages, funding comes from United Way, state contracts, grants, fundraising and donations.

The first paid director of NOCCOA was Alice Klein-Horsman and she worked part-time. The job became full time and she was followed by directors Cheryl Snow, Norm Williams, Connie Bird, Christine Grimm, Karen Jack, Chris Quinn, Gary Sarut, and Gail Ringelberg.

The volunteer 12 member board of directors represents the entire service area. They hire the Executive Director and oversee the policies, programs, and finances of NOCCOA. They serve a 3 year term and can be reappointed to a second term. They are governed by the by-laws.