Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, Inc. (CVAA) is a private, non-profit, United Way organization. We support people 60 and older in their efforts to remain active, healthy, financially secure, and in control of their own lives. CVAA connects older people and the services they need to live independently for as long as possible.
Our staff and volunteers know how to put older people in touch with a wide range of services, programs, and benefits. We can be a valuable resource for older people as well as for family and other caregivers.
The State of Vermont designated CVAA as the Area Agency on Aging for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties in northwestern Vermont. This designation means that CVAA carries out programs authorized by the Older Americans Act - federal legislation that calls for local organizations to take the lead in creating a coordinated system of services for older persons across the country. CVAA is one of five Area Agencies on Aging in Vermont.
Since 1974, CVAA has been providing nutrition and supportive services to seniors. We take our direction from the older people we serve. We do not charge for any services provided, but we do encourage people to contribute toward the cost of the service if they are able.
CVAA is governed by a Board of Directors, has 50 employees, and over 900 volunteers. For information on any service or benefit for seniors or family caregivers, we encourage people to call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-642-5119) and we can put them in touch with the appropriate local resource. The Senior HelpLine is a clearinghouse of information on senior services in the Champlain Valley.
CVAA collaborates closely with a variety of community partners - senior centers, meals on wheels organizations, transit providers, fitness clubs, home health agencies, adult day programs, restaurants and mental health agencies. We work with the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) to represent the concerns of older Vermonters in the Vermont Legislature and have achieved success in a number of areas such as helping people pay for prescriptions and expanding mental health services. We are active participants in local long-term care coalitions.
CVAA receives funding from a number of sources including the Older Americans Act; the Vermont Legislature; United Way organizations in Addison, Chittenden, and Franklin and Grand Isle Counties; Medicaid; cities and towns; and the Department of Agriculture. Of particular importance are the donations we receive from participants in our programs and private donations from individuals and local businesses.
Rules for acceptance and participation in our programs are the same for everyone, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or sexual orientation.
