Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging

04/25/2026

collection sites are NOW OPEN nationwide! Help keep your community safe by cleaning out your medicine cabinet and taking back unneeded meds for safe disposal! Find a collection site near you. www.DEATakeBack.com

04/24/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Grundy County Community Foundation for their generous $5,000 grant to support our meal program. 💙

This investment helps ensure older adults in our community have access to nutritious meals and meaningful connections - supporting their health, independence, and overall well-being.

Grundy County is stronger because of local generosity 💙

The Grundy County Community Foundation awarded $150,047.34 to 22 projects during its 2026 Awards Celebration on April 22, supporting initiatives that enhance health and safety, expand opportunity and access, strengthen vibrant communities, and empower youth across the county.

From fire department equipment and senior meals to childcare, workforce development, and community spaces, these grants will make a meaningful impact for residents throughout Grundy County, today and into the future.

Thank you to the donors and volunteers who make this work possible!

See the full list of grant recipients and projects below, and congratulations to our 2026 grantees!

https://www.cfneia.org/news/grundy-county-community-foundation-distributes-150047-to-local-organizations/

04/24/2026

🌟 National Volunteer Month Spotlight 🌟

Helping seniors stay connected, supported, and engaged is at the heart of what our volunteers do - and we’re proud to recognize those who make it happen every day!

Today, we’re excited to highlight Sharla Sherrets, a valued volunteer at the Buchanan County Senior Center in Independence for over 12 years. 💙

Before becoming a volunteer, Sharla worked as a cook at the center, and her commitment never slowed down. Today, she plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly. From managing the front desk, greeting seniors, answering phones, and tracking meal participation, to running the kitchen by prepping, serving, and cleaning up, Sharla truly does it all.

She also brings fun and connection to the center by calling bingo, and she stays actively involved as a member of the Council on Aging, where she attends meetings and supports activities and fundraisers.

Sharla’s dedication, energy, and care make a lasting difference for so many. We are incredibly grateful for all that she does! 🙌💙

04/22/2026

It's Spring, time to CLEANUP your medicine cabinet of unneeded Rx meds and drop them off on April 25, 10am-2pm, local time, for proper disposal. Find out where now: www.DEATakeBack.com

04/21/2026

04/20/2026

🌽🍅 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is Back! 🍯🌿

Fresh, locally grown foods are within reach! The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides eligible adults age 60+ with vouchers to use at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. Use them to purchase unprepared fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey grown right here in your community.

👉 Learn more or apply today:
https://nei3a.org/our-services/farmers-market-vouchers/

04/19/2026

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the KWWL Health Fair today! We loved connecting with you and sharing more about the resources available to help seniors remain independent.

We also appreciate those who joined the Senior Health Panel on Longevity and Community Well-being discussion, featuring NEI3A CEO Greg Zars. It was a great conversation about supporting healthy aging.

04/17/2026

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) go together like a lock and key: one helps you get the RIGHT coverage, and the other helps you STOP the wrong scams.

SHIP counselors are your free, unbiased guides to understanding Medicare, helping you choose the plan that fits your health needs and budget. SMP empowers you to protect yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

In many communities, SMP and SHIP are even better together because they share the same office space, and many dedicated volunteers and staff wear both hats, serving Medicare beneficiaries through both programs. Together, they’ve got you covered from enrollment to protection.

Learn more about each program at their websites:
Get the right coverage. 🔑 shiphelp.org
Stop the wrong scams.🔒 smpresource.org

04/17/2026

Stop by and visit us at the KWWL Health Fair this Sunday from 12:00–3:00 p.m.! 🌿

Apply to receive $50 in Senior Farmers Market Vouchers and learn about resources that can help with the cost of health care, medications, food, utilities, and more.

Learn how NEI3A supports older adults and caregivers:
✅ Resources for healthy, independent aging
✅ Guidance and support for caregivers
✅ Connections to helpful local community services

Whether you're planning ahead, helping a loved one, or just exploring what’s available in your area, we’re here for you.

Come say hello-we look forward to visiting with you! 😊💙

Join us for the KWWL HEALTH FAIR on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from 12 PM - 3 PM at the Waterloo Convention Center!

Mark your calendars for a day of wellness, vendors, and valuable health information. You won't want to miss it!

https://features.kwwl.com/health-fair/index

04/16/2026

🌟 National Volunteer Month Spotlight 🌟

We’re proud to continue recognizing the incredible volunteers who make a lasting impact in our communities!

Today, we’re honored to highlight Betty Hebrink, an outstanding NEI3A volunteer since 2014. 💙

Betty began her volunteer journey by helping her husband deliver meals to homebound individuals. When she saw a need at the senior center on Mondays, she stepped up there as well, assisting with congregate meals while continuing her delivery route.

When the senior center transitioned from paid staff to a fully volunteer-run operation, Betty naturally stepped into a leadership role. As the head volunteer, she took on responsibilities like completing paperwork, managing deposits, and ensuring everything ran smoothly, all while continuing to serve others through meal deliveries.

During the challenges of COVID, Betty went above and beyond by delivering frozen meals to clients, making sure no one was left without support. To this day, she continues to show up every Monday, bringing positivity and dedication that brightens the entire senior center and community.

Thank you, Betty, for your years of service and unwavering commitment. You truly make a difference! 🙌

04/16/2026

Many people, including older adults living on fixed incomes, miss out on programs that can help with monthly expenses because they don't apply.

This Week, check out this free tool that helps connect eligible older adults to benefits programs. ⬇️