WAYNESBORO, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), the local area agency on aging, is celebrating 50 years of service in communities throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

VPAS, which was founded in 1974, is part of a nationwide network of area agencies on aging formed in the years following the passage of the federal Older Americans Act to support healthy aging in place. The organization helps adults 60 years and over remain independent by providing a variety of community-based programs and in-home services throughout the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Rockingham and the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro.

VPAS empowers older adults with the resources and opportunities they need to lead engaged lives. With information and referral services, case management, Medicare counseling, senior transportation, recreational and health programming, meal delivery, congregate meals and caregiver support available, VPAS envelopes community members in a circle of care that helps them navigate challenges as they age.

Over the last half century, VPAS has supported older neighbors during periods of major economic and societal change, with the two most significant impacts happening in the past decade.

The first, a “grey wave” demographic shift of baby boomers turning 65, thrust VPAS into a leadership role as communities raced to prepare for a rapidly aging population. VPAS began working more closely with its partners in order to meet the needs of older adults in this new landscape, providing seminars, consultation, dementia education, and substantially more support for family caregivers.

At the height of that effort, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered those same communities. VPAS reorganized its operations, establishing a critical balance between keeping older adults safe from infection while still providing the services needed to keep them healthy.

“VPAS has been an important and reliable presence in our communities for 50 years,” Beth Bland, VPAS Executive Director said in a press release. “Preparing for the grey wave and then keeping our older neighbors safe during the pandemic made us stronger and more resourceful than ever.

“We have really leaned into our role as experts in aging, and I think that expertise will become more evident in the years to come,” she added. “VPAS is prepared to meet the needs of a new generation of older adults.”

VPAS 50th Anniversary celebrations are taking place throughout the Shenandoah Valley all year long, with special fundraisers and gatherings highlighting the role of VPAS in local communities. Upcoming events include “A Reason to Ride” motorcycle and bike ride in Harrisonburg, a “Songs and Sundaes” party at VPAS headquarters in Waynesboro, and “Maury River Players and Singers” live concerts in Buena Vista.

The organization is also sharing newspaper clippings, photos, and other archives from the past 50 years, including impact stories from older adults or family caregivers whose lives have been touched by VPAS. Community members are encouraged to send these to VPAS at 975 S. High St, Harrisonburg, Va, or by email to leighanne@vpas.info.

To learn more about VPAS services, visit vpas.info or call 540-949-7141.