The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma has again partnered with the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA), along with other Area Agencies on Aging across the state, to assist with funding direct services for people 55 years of age and older.
There is an application process for individuals 55 and over who are in need of some type of assistance that is not otherwise provided by other agencies/programs. These funds will be used on a first come first serve basis until they are all utilized. Some of the types of services that can be purchased by the SWODA AAA include minor home repairs, wheelchair ramps, air conditioner window units or space heaters, lift chairs, a new refrigerator, or other necessary appliances. Funding for each type of service will be limited. Those who have desperate or unique needs should file an application because those situations will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Assistance will be available once per person every three years.
Counties covered by the SWODAAAA are Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita. The SWODA Aging Services Information Assistant receives calls daily from older people and/or their caregivers with needs, and many are told nothing is available to help. This Masonic funding will enable AAA staff to assist many callers with resources that were not available previously.
Anita Martinez, SWODA AAA director of Aging Services stated, “This funding will not only help Oklahoma’s older population, but will also relieve some of the stress placed on caregivers whose older relatives are continually turned down because of the lack of resources.” Applications will be available January 2, 2025.
To learn more about this and other available services, call the SWODA Masonic Program Coordinator, Joanie Swanson, at 1-580-562-5026 or call the statewide toll-free Senior Info Line at 1-800-211-2116.