As the graying of America continues and medical advances increase life expectancy, many older adults find themselves in need of an array of services, which allow them to function either independently or with assistance.
That’s why the U.S. government established the Older American’s Act in 1965 in response to the growing number of seniors and their diverse needs. The Older Americans Act has been amended regularly since then to develop a range of programs that offer services and opportunities for older Americans, especially those at risk of losing their independence.
The McDowell County Commission on Aging is a result of that initiative. On a local level, the MCCOA is the go-to place where those age 60 and older turn for help. Whether it’s individual services, respite care, transportation, nutrition or socialization and friendship, the MCCOA is a senior’s best friend.
From the central office on Stewart Street, Welch, to one of the satellite centers in War, Bradshaw or Iaeger, the MCCOA bustles with activities for seniors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at other times for special events.
To meet the need for a balanced diet, the MCCOA provides a nutrition program tailored to provide 33 1/3 percent of a senior’s daily nutritional requirements. The lunch program is served on site at all four centers and may be eaten in or carried out.
Those unable to drive are transported to the centers from the outlying areas
“Here in Welch, we bus in seniors from Davy, Keystone, Northfork, just outside the Welch area and Jenkinjones. We do the same at Iaeger and War,” MCCOA Executive Director Emily Yeager says.
“From this center (Welch) alone, we also deliver lunches from Big Four to Maybeury, Capels to Welch and Coney Island to Gary, Thorpe and Filbert.”
To assist with the home delivery, the MCCOA recently acquired a new hot/cold delivery truck which keeps the meals fresh and tasty for seniors The truck, which can hold up to 200 dinners, is designed to maintain the meals at a constant temperature.
The hot/cold truck was provided through the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services. The Bureau of Senior Services is a cabinet-level agency in state government, which is the lead entity for senior programs.
To qualify for home delivered meals, the recipient must be age 60 or older, must live alone and not have anyone who can prepare a meal for them.
There is a reasonably priced suggested donation scale for all meals based on the recipient’s income.
For information on the meals or any other MCCOA services, Yeager encourages the public to visit the office at 725 Stewart Street, Welch, or to call the office at 436-6588.
Approximately 90 employees, a 16-member board and a fleet of 21 vehicles keep the MCCOA operating efficiently.
In addition to the meals, the MCCOA offers Respite Care to help relieve full-time care givers; transportation for non-emergency transports to doctors’ appointments, hospitals, medical testing and special activities, light housekeeping and CNA-provided personal care.
To qualify for in-home, individual services, the recipient must need the care, must have a WV Medicaid Card and be under a doctor’s care.
Yeager notes that all MCCOA employees are “CPR and First Aid certified and are dedicated, responsible people, who have been screened, trained, and/ or licensed.”
The MCCOA currently has a few housekeeper and CNA positions available.
“But we don’t accept calls about the jobs,” she says. “If anyone is interested in a job they must come to the Welch center and apply in person.”

Aside from the nutrition, transportation and home services, MCCOA sites provide much needed social outlets for seniors who often find themselves alone in their waning years.
Seniors who frequent the centers enjoy Bingo, puzzles, games, refreshments, special occasion dinners, proms, picnics, health fairs and various forms of other entertainment.
In fact, a number of the seniors have banded together to form the Almost Over-the-Hill Choir, which performs at local churches. The members include Pauline Grubb, the Rev. Clay Phillips, Grady Handy, Jim Ingole, Elena Muckenfuss, Catherine Quattrone, Birdie Beavers, Colleen Turner and Carol Arnold.
According to Yeager, the Almost Over-the-Hill singers will perform a special Gospel Concert at the Welch Center on February 13th. Proceeds from the Gospel sing will be donated to Mission Ministries, Welch. The concert time will be announced later.
Having been the director since 2001, Yeager opines that the demand for MCCOA services shows no signs of abating. From 2007 - 2008, the agency provided around 1000 transports, delivered 32,000 meals to homes and served 24,000 on site or carry out meals. Moreover, the centers increased the overall quality of life for all who utilize them.
“We want to continue to provide the best services we can for seniors, as our budget allows,” Yeager says.
MCCOA’s ‘07 - ‘08 budget was about $1.8 million, she adds. Funding sources include federal and state funds through the Bureau of Senior Services, Appalachia Area Agency on Aging, Medicaid, UMWA, Medicaid Waiver and donations.
The invaluable assistance of the MCCOA Board, Yeager says, has helped to set and keep the MCCOA on a successful course.
Board members include Helen Carson, Albert Ciampanella, Lucretia Ford, Walt Garrett, Dr. Tom Hatcher, James Hughes, James R. Ingole, Doris Johnston, Ella Luke, Donald Morgan, Agnes Rutledge, Marie Scales, Helen Sine, James Stafford, Glen Jean Tee and Joyce Thomas.
“We encourage the public to stop by and check us out and see what we have to offer,” Yeager smiles. “We want seniors to know that we’re here for them.”

MCCOA - These smiling faces are among the many you will likely encounter when you visit any of the four McDowell County Commission on Aging centers in Welch, War, Iaeger and Bradshaw.
Pictured are MCCOA Board Member Helen Rutledge, Director Emily Yeager, Board Member Jim Ingole and Transportation Supervisor Roger Addair.
Rutledge has participated in MCCOA programs since the agency was established four decades ago. “I believe in the Commission,” Rutledge said. “I enjoy being with people and helping to create better things for the elderly in our communities.” (Photo by Cathy Patton)