The History of the Arizona Coalition on Aging (AZCOA)

Connect with Senior Services Throughout Arizona

A SmartAsset examination of U.S. Census Bureau migration data found that more retirees have been moving to Mesa, AZ, than any other city in the country. With over 1.4 million adults aged 65+ living across the state, it is crucial that the older population has access to the services they need.

Through the Arizona Coalition on Aging (AZCOA), organizations that offer senior services can come together and connect to support the aging population through enrichment and independence. AZCOA offers three networking meetings every month where you can share resources and presentations and form new relationships. You can join their meeting invitation list to stay up to date with meeting times and locations.

Origins of AZCOA

AZCOA previously existed as three different meetings:

• The East Valley Committee on Aging, established in the 1980s,
• The North Valley Coalition on Aging, founded in 2013, and
• The West Valley Coalition on Aging, founded in 2016

At first, the East Valley Committee on Aging started as a committee within Mesa’s Community Council. Volunteer Clara B. Emmett led this committee for over ten years. Clara also helped establish the Mesa Senior Center. Additionally, she was involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way, and more.

The North Valley Coalition on Aging came together through the efforts of Steve Laughary, the CEO of Desired Resources, LLC, Scott Savel, Co-Owner of Griswold Home Care for Gilbert & Chandler, and Masha Goodman, Attorney at Law. Scott and Masha approached Steve, looking for assistance in starting a networking group in the region.

Finally, Kaye Baker encouraged Steve and Scott to form the West Valley Coalition on Aging in 2016. Kaye is the Vice President of the Friendship Foundation at the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging

With the help of Dustin Jackson, Co-Owner/Director of Griswold Home Care for Gilbert & Chandler, these three meetings were eventually combined to form AZCOA from 2020-2021. The meetings are now known as the East Valley Networking Mixer, the West Valley Live Networking Meeting, and the North Valley AZCOA Networking Meetings. They continue to offer a forum to share ideas and advocate for the older population across the state.

Home Care in Gilbert & Chandler

Our team at Griswold Home Care for Gilbert & Chandler has over 15 years of experience providing non-medical home care services to Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s due to aging, illness, disability, or injury, we are here to help you and your loved ones with Companionship, Homemaking, Personal Care, and more.

If you or a loved one needs in-home care, give us a call today! We are happy to create a personalized care plan aligned with your unique situation.