Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

09/15/2026

It's Hispanic Heritage Month! Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, communities across the world are recognizing the rich history of many generations.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which began in 1968, celebrates the independence of various Latin American countries. It's a time to recognize diverse cultures, stories, traditions, and contributions. There are many ways that you can get involved and celebrate this month!

Visit www.aaawm.org/article/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-with-aaawm to learn more.

09/09/2026

This two-day, 8-hour course is designed for adults 55+ and covers strategies to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

October 1 & 2 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
$20 AARP members | $25 non-members
Cash or personal check payable to the instructor
You'll receive a certificate upon completion, which may qualify you for a possible 3-year auto insurance discount.

Registration is required: (616) 456-5664

09/03/2026

Fall is in the air! And even though many of us will not be returning to the classroom, fall is the perfect time to learn something new and get connected to your community.

At the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM), we're here to meet you where you are, with resources to support your individual journey. Whether you're planning ahead for the future, seeking support for a loved one, or just looking to learn more, we can help!

We've put together a quick list of resources that you can use to discover something new this fall!

Read more at www.aaawm.org/article/fall-leaves-and-aging-with-ease-get-back-to-learning-with-aaawm.

08/31/2026

We’re pleased to share the approval of the FY27 Kent County Senior Millage budget!

For more than 25 years, the Kent County Senior Millage has helped provide essential services and supports that make a difference in the lives of older adults and their caregivers.

We’re grateful to Kent County taxpayers for their continued support and to the Kent County Commissioners for voting to approve the FY27 Senior Millage budget. As the administrator of the millage, AAAWM is committed to ensuring these funds are used responsibly to meet the needs and priorities of older adults and caregivers in our community.

Along with funding from the Older Americans Act, the Senior Millage helps AAAWM and our partners provide services and supports to older adults, caregivers, and families across our nine-county region.

For more information on the millage, visit www.aaawm.org/kcsm.

08/28/2026

Reliable transportation is vital to helping older adults stay independent, connected, and engaged in their communities.

Through the Kent County Senior Millage, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) works with Hope Network and other millage partners to provide older adults with the supports they need to live well and remain connected to their communities. Partnerships like these make a real difference.

In recognition of National Senior Citizens Day, our own Liz Barnett joined Hope Network on WOOD TV8 to talk about the importance of reliable transportation for older adults and how programs like RideLink help people get where they need to go—from medical appointments and grocery shopping to staying connected with friends and family.

Thank you to Hope Network and WOOD TV8 for inviting Liz to be part of this important conversation!

Watch the full interview and learn more about transportation and other supports: https://www.woodtv.com/video/august-21-is-national-senior-citizens-day/12093574/.

08/26/2026

⏱️60-Seconds of Senior Info: Fall is just around the corner, and at AAAWM, that marks a busy season! From our Apple C***r Senior Social community event to the kickoff of Advocates to Senior Issues, to getting assistance with Medicare and Medicaid through the SHIP program, we're here to help you learn more about resources in your community.

And we know that transportation can be a barrier for seniors when trying to access the services that support aging independently and with dignity. If you're an older adult aged 60 and older and live in Kent County, RideLink can help!

To learn more about services available in your area, please call us at (616) 456-5665 or visit us online at www.aaawm.org/find-support.

08/24/2026

Mark your calendar! Our Apple C***r Senior Social is coming this fall.

Join us for a fun evening of community, conversation, and valuable resources for older adults, caregivers, people with disabilities, and their families. It's the perfect time to indulge in seasonal treats, meet local organizations, discover services that can support you or a loved one, and enter for a chance to win giveaways!

What: Apple C***r Senior Social

When: Thursday, October 22nd, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Where: Indoors at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Learn more and register online today at www.aaawm.org/apple-cider.

08/21/2026

Happy National Senior Citizens Day! Today, in particular, we recognize and celebrate our seniors and their contributions in our communities!

At the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, we know that aging services are important—but that need is evergrowing. Over the years, the number of older adults in the United States has steadily increased, with 82 million Americans expected to be 65 and older by 2050 (U.S. Census Bureau).

At AAAWM, we've been empowering seniors with the choice to age in place with home and community-based services for older adults for over 50 years. To find supportive services near you, visit www.aaawm.org/find-support.

08/19/2026

Join our advocates at the next Advocates for Senior Issues meeting on September 18th! For more information, visit www.aaawm.org/afsi.

Advocates for Senior Issues (AFSI) Sponsor's Day is coming soon! Get ready to kick off the next programming season together at the Prince Conference Center on September 18th!

Join us at 9:00 am for our AFSI sponsor tabling and breakfast, before we have the chance to engage in conversation with the League of Women Voters starting at 10:00 am. It's going to be an exciting morning to be an advocate!

Learn more about AFSI, our advocacy work, and how you can join the group at www.aaawm.org/afsi.

08/15/2026

Sometimes, getting connected to the right service is the biggest barrier.

When an older adult in Kent County faced challenges accessing tax assistance online, she called Heart of West Michigan United Way 2-1-1 for help scheduling an appointment. A 2-1-1 team member provided hands-on support, helping her connect with the tax services she needed.

As the team member shared, that support helped the client feel informed, confident, and less overwhelmed.

This is the impact of accessible, person-centered support made possible by the Kent County Senior Millage (KCSM). Learn more at www.aaawm.org/kcsm.