The Porter County Council on Aging started in the spring of 1958 under the leadership of the Valparaiso Business & Professional Women’s Club. Their purpose was to draw attention to special needs and problems of the aging. During that time, our service population has grown to include not only the aging but those with disabilities and those in financial need. Our mission has remained constant during that time, emphasizing compassionate service, improving quality of life, and maintaining independence and dignity for the client. We partner with organizations to serve our region with such programs as Energy and Emergency Assistance, Transportation, Ramp Building, Medical Loan Closet and State Health Insurance Assistance.

Our nation has seen a rapidly increasing aging population and as such our agency is looking to expanding our programing to meet these needs.  We are looking to add a Senior Activity Center to our building as well as an Art Gallery for Local Disabled Artist. We feel that this expansion will allow us to provide services for our most at-risk populations. This expansion will allow our seniors and people with disabilities a new and safe opportunity for social interaction. Our goal is to make life in Porter County more enjoyable for this unserved population while reducing isolation.

 Our Senior Activity Center will include a game area for seniors, a Large Tv for movie night, computers for email, and much more. We plan on having scheduled activities to engage our over 55 population. These include low cost/free technology courses to help our senior population to grow their social network and skills.

Our Art Gallery for Local Disabled Artist will include an outreach to local disabled community groups, social and local media. Our building includes around 225 sq feet of beautiful space to display art from local disabled artist. This will be the first of its kind in Porter County. Our goal is to spotlight these exceptional individuals and give them a new outlet for their creativity. The halls do need to be repainted and we have to purchase frames and shelving.