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The Lafayette Council on Aging, Inc. is a non-profit organization which
operates a broad range of programs, under the provisions of a state
charter which was issued in November of 1965.
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 |
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“Older persons in this society constitute
a great National resource, which has
largely gone unrecognized, undervalued
and unused.”
The Gray Panthers
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