Aging & Family Services of Mineral County
48th Anniversary
This year, at Aging & Family Services, we are celebrating 48 years of serving the elderly, disabled, and their families of our local area. In honor of this historic occasion, our 48th Anniversary is a time to remember all that has been accomplished through YOUR support of A&FS over these last 48 years and to look forward to all we will accomplish as we continue to work TOGETHER!
Aging & Family Services of Mineral County began providing services for the people of our community in 1974 as the Mineral County Committee on Aging. Over time, our agency has become a diverse organization administering many programs that provide nutrition, home-based care, basic living needs, and important referral and networking services to assist residents in locating resources that can serve their needs.
Our mission is broadening to address the total needs of local families, particularly as they relate to the physical and emotional well-being of older residents in Mineral County. Over 6,900 senior citizens call Mineral County home.
At Aging and Family Services of Mineral County, we offer senior citizen programs to fit their individual needs. The purpose of Aging and Family Services is to provide senior citizens with a full range of services structured to enhance the quality of their lives, maintain independence, and prevent premature nursing home placement.
TIMELINE
Nov 1973 Steering Committee for the Aging in Mineral County Meets initially
Nov 1973 Melvin Heiskell elected first Chairman of the Mineral County Committee on Aging
April 1974 Agencies first budget set at $7556
June 1974 Doris Nield hired as Executive Director
Oct 1974 Committee on Aging offices established at the city building
Feb 1977 Signed lease for the Lincoln School Building on Church Street
Feb 1981 Meal Programs begin and MCCOA
Aug 1984 MCCOA celebrates 10 year anniversary with Open House
April 1989 In-Home Programs begin with 21 workers and 25 clients
Oct 1989 Nutrition Program opens in Fort Ashby
Oct 1993 Agency began a computerized accounting system
1994 Celebrated 20 years and changed the name to Aging & Family Services and introduced a new logo
1994 Seniors and staff began working on Santa letters for the first time
1995 Purchased Dr. Montgomery’s home and office on Main Street
1996 Administrative Office and In-Home Care staff moved to the building on Main Street
1997 Doris Nield retires as Executive Director
1999 Began offering tours through our agency
2000 Moved nutrition program out of Wiley Ford Fire hall
2001 Distributed Senior Farmers Market Coupons for the first time
2002 Hosted first Senior Olympics at Potomac State College
2003 New Senior Center in Short Gap Opened
2004 On The Move Walking Program Started
2004 Purchased Home on Overton place to house Health/Wellness programs, training, and other activities
2006 Constructed a walking track around our Frankfort Senior Center
2006 The State began funding an Alzheimer’s Respite Program
2006 Opened a clothing pantry
2007 State-funded In-Home Care Lighthouse Program began
2008 Purchased 5.5 acres of land behind the new BB&T bank for a future senior center
2008 Agency began Case Management services
2008 Received first Hot Cold Truck for Meals on Wheels program
2009 Participated in “March for Meals” Rally in Charleston for the first time
2010 Agency served its one millionth meal
2012 Hosted our first “Conquer the Dam” 5K race at Jennings Randolph Lake
2012 Partnered with the Mineral County Energy Express program to sponsor their Children’s Summer Food Program
2013 Started serving one evening meal per week at each Senior Center
2016 Sold the property on Overton Place
2017 Opened administrative offices at 875 S. Mineral Street (rt 220)
2019 Sold previous administrative building on Main Street
2020 Purchased former Pizza Hut building on outskirts of Keyser
2021 Began construction on new Keyser Senior Center at Pizza Hut location
2022 New Keyser Senior Center opens.
Proud Past, Bright Future
Aging & Family Services has come a long way since 1974 when Doris Nield first brought services to seniors of Mineral County. Today, Aging & Family Services also offers a wide range of social services, including meals, in-home care, case management, and other various activities. And so Aging & Family Services’ 48th anniversary– Proud Past, Bright Future – today is a great way to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to our long-lasting success.
From the days that Doris worked a four day work week in the two small rooms donated by the city of Keyser, through the expansion to the former Lincoln School Building on Church Street, until today the focus of our agency has remained consistent; to help improve the quality of life for the areas seniors and their families.
Over the years clients, programs, and staff have changed, but the purpose and direction of Aging & Family Services have remained the same.