By Janice Ancrum, NCCOA President & CEO
In the 1990s, as Nassau County grew so did the size and scope of Nassau County Council on Aging. During the final decade before the millennium, the county population grew from 44,252 to 57,957, a 31% increase. The share of the 65+ population increased from 10.2% in 1990 to 12.7% in 2000. It’s also interesting to note that the 50 to 64 age group (pre-seniors and seniors) was the fastest growing between 1990 and 2000 with its population increasing 69.8%.
With this senior population growth in Nassau County, the need for NCCOA products and services matched the increase. The early 90s saw a degree of prosperity, resulting in a build-up of senior-related programs – such as adult day healthcare, Meals on Wheels, CHORE and a variety of support groups (focusing on Alzheimer’s and grief, to name a couple). Mid to late in the decade, after three years of fundraising, private donations enabled the Westside Senior Life Center to build an addition to the existing facility, including a renovated dining room, office area and landscaping. However, booms are usually followed by a bust.
Toward the latter part of the decade, impending budget cuts and service cutbacks were commonplace, spurring several NCCOA leaders to write columns for local media. One submission to the News-Leader said, “Senior citizens find companionship, food and other services at NCCOA in Fernandina Beach and Hilliard. [Our] agency is one of several in the county to cut services if budget shortfalls are not restored.” In a Nassau County Record article dated November 24, 1995, Kerry Woods, NCCOA president, said, “The services provided by the Nassau County Council on Aging, Inc. that are designed to help older people remain independent and avoid premature institutionalization [nursing homes] are currently in jeopardy due to significant funding cuts on federal, state and local levels.”
Overall, the late 1990s generated a “think out of the box” mentality as local, state and federal budget cutbacks (projected and real) incentivized staff to find new and better ways of doing things. For example, both centers offered additional community fundraising activities to balance program cost. In addition, staff dedication and commitment sometimes resulted in voluntary unpaid work hours so that the centers would remain open for local seniors.
While the 1990s had its ups and downs, NCCOA continued carrying out our mission through relevant programs and services to help seniors live their best lives…”to enhance the lives of older adults through services and compassionate care designed to improve the health, independence and economic security of all Nassau County seniors and their families.”
In October, we’ll feature how NCCOA entered the new millennium as our senior population continued to grow throughout Nassau County. For additional information on NCCOA, contact us at 904-261-0701.
PS: Here’s what the U.S. was up to in the 90s: World Wide Web, Google, mobile phones and email sweep the nation; Atlanta, GA hosts Summer Olympic Games; and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 10,000 for the first time. Plus, a postage stamp was 25 cents!
NCCOA celebrates our 50th anniversary on February 15, 2024. Until then, we’re focusing on highlights from each decade, continuing with the 1990s this month. We’ll focus on a different decade in successive months, leading up to our Salute to Seniors 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, January 20 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Limited sponsorships are available; tickets are now on sale.
Contact Liz Dunn, Marketing Director, at ldunn@nassaucountycoa.org for more info.
Source: census.gov