The Older Americans Act requires Area Agencies on Aging to develop an area plan to address the needs of older adults with the greatest economic need and/or the greatest social need. To inform our 2025-2029 area plan, we conducted a community needs assessment from June to August 2024, reaching over 650 Washington County residents. The 2024 community needs assessment was designed with guidance from an ad hoc committee formed under the Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council, which met virtually three times between March and May 2024 to help shape the needs assessment methods. In October, staff presented findings to the Board of County Commissioners. See their presentation slides below.
Current area plan information
About the Older Americans Act and Area Plan
The Older Americans Act of 1965 was the first federal level initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for older adults. It created the National Aging Network comprising the Administration on Aging on the federal level, State Units on Aging at the state level, and Area Agencies on Aging at the local level. DAVS is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Washington County. In accordance with the Older Americans Act, each area agency on aging must develop an area plan and update it annually.
Our mission, vision and values
Mission
Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services empowers older adults, veterans and people with disabilities by connecting them with essential services and resources to enhance quality of life with compassion, dignity and respect.
Vision
Our vision is a thriving community where older adults, veterans, people with disabilities and their families and caregivers feel connected, valued and respected. As a trusted comprehensive resource for Washington County, we envision a future where barriers to services are removed, inclusivity is the norm, and seeking help is free of stigma.
Values
Dedication
We share passion through our work, reflecting our commitment to serve the community with excellence.
Compassion
We meet people with empathy and patience, supporting one another with kindness and respect.
Trustworthiness
We uphold honesty, integrity, and accountability to build lasting relationships with clients, partners and within our team.
Collaboration
We create solutions through teamwork, responsiveness, humor, and pride in our collective effort.
Adaptability
We move forward with flexibility, open-mindedness, and creativity in meeting the needs of each person we serve.