Assistance programs from Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Service.
Providing both crisis and long term assistance, Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services offers family development, low income housing, and other support. The non-profit, community action agency provides coverage in the counties of Wabash, Cass, Howard, Miami, and Tipton in Indiana.
Crisis assistance is part of the Family Development Program. This resource provides families or individuals with referrals, case management and access to other local resources or government benefits, as needed. Families in crisis are the priority, but Area Five will also help those who are working hard to achieve the goal of long term self-sufficiency.
For those that are income qualified, the Area Five community action agency makes case management services available to individuals of all races and ages. Services begin with a home visit by a case manager, who assesses each applicant's individual needs. They do this by using an eligibility tool and assessment process.
Depending on the result of the assessment, clients may be referred to one or more of several programs, such as Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled (CHOICE), the Social Service Block Grant, Low Income Housing, Community and Medicaid Waiver Programs, or caregiver-assistance services. Other potential programs in Indiana include rental subsidized housing or LIHEAP energy bill assistance.
Those who apply may also need to meet eligibility requirements as required by specific programs. Some of the other benefits that may be offered include, but are not limited to, medical equipment, housekeeping services, home health aide, nursing, attendant care, supplies, or loans to pay for home modifications.
Low income housing from Area Five Agency on Aging and Community is available in the form of hundreds of rental housing units. The apartments and housing projects range from single-family homes, condos to large apartment complexes, many of which are dedicated to populations with special needs. They are located in counties such as Howard or Cass and can help the disabled, senior citizens and individuals with mental illnesses.
The Energy Assistance Program, or EAP, can help pay bills to keep a home warm and comfortable. Low-income families or working poor who may be having difficulty paying energy bills may receive help or cash grants for their bills. This is a one-time-only opportunity, with the amount of benefits depending on each household's unique situation. Payments are made directly to the utility company in Indiana that provides the service.
It is the mission of the State of Indiana's Weatherization Assistance Program to make energy updates and alterations to the homes of qualified low-income families. The federal service can improve energy efficiency, reduce the amount of their bills, and safeguard the resident health and safety. Individuals with disabilities, the elderly, families with children, and households with high energy use and/or a high energy burden are program priorities.
The WIC Program is to help families and children from Indiana start out strong. The food voucher program provides pregnant women, new moms (up to six months after delivery), infants, and children under the age of five with nutritional support or free food. This is made possible as the agency will issue checks that are earmarked for obtaining free nutritious foods from local grocery stores. To be eligible for this government benefit, applicants must live in Cass, Howard, Miami, Wabash or Tipton Indiana and meet program income guidelines.
Affordable home delivered meals are for people aged 60 and up as well as the disabled. Area Five offers free or low cost home delivery of hot meals to this segment of the local population.
Beyond the vital service of bringing free food or groceries to those in need, the Meals on Wheels program provides a sense of security to the individual and their family. Many depend on volunteer drivers for the knowledge that there is someone outside of the household who can help in an emergency and just general social contact. The program is funded by community donations, participant contributions, local fundraising efforts, and some reimbursements from federally-funded and state programs.
Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Service Nutrition Program provides another chance to eat a tasty, balanced meal. People can also benefit from social activities. Meals are provided five days a week at over sites throughout Tipton, Cass, Fulton, Wabash, Howard, or Miami Counties.
RxAssist offers information, referrals, and access to a database to help people in locating programs that provide affordable or even free medications to those who qualify. This program acts as a fill-in for clinics or other healthcare gaps that exist in this country. It was meant to only complement the FamilyWize discount plan or Medicare D. Call 574-722-4451 or 800-654-9421. There are also other free medication programs for low income seniors in addition to Medicare.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center's Referral, Information and Assistance Program serves as a link to various resources. Everything is targeted for people with disabilities or adults aged 60 and older. Along with these individuals, the information from the center assists members of the general public, family, caregivers, and target group populations.
Specialists from the community action agency have a general knowledge programs for seniors and the disabled as well as other low income residents. They are able to determine client care needs and connect clients with appropriate assistance programs and social services.
To support the independence of Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton and Wabash County seniors, the Area Five Agency on Aging also works with transportation services. There may be free rides offered to help clients get to jobs, medical appointments and other destinations. In order to ensure a timely arrival at any of your needed appointments, please call a day or two in advance to schedule a ride.
Individual Development Accounts - IDA assists clients in working toward achieving self-sufficiency and financial independence. This Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Service matched-savings program guides clients through the process of developing financial plans and opening savings accounts to purchase an approved asset. As part of the program, clients work through a debt reduction process, attend Financial Literacy Courses, and an Asset Training Course as well.
Head Start is a free, federal government funded preschool program that provides comprehensive services to children from low income families. Area Five runs a center-based program, meaning that children who are qualified will be able to attend at a classroom location on a daily basis. Families without transportation may be eligible for transportation services provided by Area Five.
Apply to these Area Five Agency on Aging & Community Services offices
The main locations of the agency are as follows.
- Tipton County, 341 W. Jefferson St., Ste. C, Tipton, Indiana 46072, dial 765-675-4746
- Wabash County, Address is 105 Olive St., Wabash, IN 46992, call 260-563-8061
- Miami County, 661 E. Main St., Peru, IN 46970, main phone 765-472-7145
- Cass County Administrative Office is located at 1801 Smith St., Logansport, Indiana 46947. Dial 574-722-4451 or 800-654-9421 for information.
- Howard County - 111 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901, telephone 765-454-5562
- Fulton County, 401 E. 8th St. Ste. B, Rochester, Indiana 46975, 574-223-5830
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