About us
WHO ARE WE?
The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging (NWKAAA) is part of a national network of agencies created in 1973 by the Older Americans Act. It is a private, non-profit organization with the responsibility of administering Older Americans Act programs in the 18 counties of northwest Kansas. Designated as the single point of entry, the NWKAAA serves as the unbiased, trusted source for older Americans and their caregivers. Whether it is information on available options, in-home services, nutrition services or insurance counseling a senior only needs to make a call to the local Area Agency on Aging office to connect them with the resources needed to help them remain independent in their homes and communities. Additionally as a grassroots organization, advocacy for senior services is a high priority of the Area Agency on Aging. The Area Agency is governed by a Board of Directors who are appointed by the county governments. An Advisory Council also reviews agency programs and conducts public hearings on proposed services. NWKAAA staff is located in Hays and is represented by hundreds of generous volunteers who work together to improve the quality of life for older Kansans.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are a vital part of making any organization thrive. The Area Agency on Aging has over one hundred priceless volunteers throughout Northwest Kansas. Without volunteers it would be impossible to circulate information and serve the seniors of Northwest Kansas.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
Trained SHICK volunteers offer individual assistance in explaining Medicare, Supplemental Insurance policies and Medicaid benefits so consumers can make an informed choice. The Area Agency recruits a network of volunteer counselors to assist older Kansans in our region solving health insurance problems.
Nutrition Sites
Whether you are young or young at heart there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities here. Managers are always looking for volunteers to help deliver meals, set tables, serve food or even use your creativity or your children's creativity to make decorations. Our managers are all volunteers and are always looking for ways to provide additional activities, entertainment or programs so they can make the nutrition sites more than just a good meal.
Advocacy
One of the primary purposes of the Area Agency on Aging is to be an Advocate for seniors. Opportunities are available to become part of our Board and Advisory council. Each county has the opportunity to have one board member and up to two advisory council members who attend a quarterly meeting. The Silver Haired Legislature also has the opportunity to have one member per county. The objective of these boards is to know the concerns of the individuals in their counties and to help the NWKAAA run efficiently and effectively.