The Lafayette Council on Aging, Inc. acts in an advocacy capacity on behalf of the elderly population of the Parish of Lafayette. The mission of the Council is to enhance the well-being of the elderly by providing an expanding and innovative range of services delivered with respect, care and compassion, upholding the dignity and independence of the individual.

The LCOA operates a number of different services and programs aimed at reaching those most in need of services and who find themselves alone, isolated, lonely and in need.

The activities, policies and procedures of the Lafayette Council on Aging, Inc. are supervised by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 14 individuals who are elected by the Council . A staff of 72 individuals (mostly part-time) are hired to conduct, supervise and administer the work and activities under the sponsorship of the Council.

Definition of an Elder An elder is a person who is still growing still a learner, still with potential and whose life continues to have within it promise for and connection to the future. An elder is still in pursuit of happiness, joy and pleasure, and her or his birthright to these remain intact. Moreover, an elder is a person who deserves respect and honor and whose work it is to synthesize wisdom from long life experience and formulate this into a legacy for future generations. The Live Oak Project