Serving Up Support: Big News for Martin County Seniors 💛

Summer 2026

Dear Friends, 

A warm smile, a hot, nutritious meal, and a friendly well-being check are the hallmarks of our Meals on Wheels program. For many vulnerable seniors throughout Martin County, it's much more than a meal - it's a lifeline.

We're deeply grateful to the partners who help us reach more seniors in need. In this issue, you'll read about Cleveland Clinic's generous support, which is expanding the impact of our Meals on Wheels program.

You'll also learn about our new Meals on Wheels delivery truck, made possible through a challenge grant from the United Way Foundation. This important addition to our fleet will help ensure we can continue delivering nutritious meals and caring connections to homebound seniors throughout Martin County for years to come.

Just as important as the vehicle are the incredible volunteers who drive it. Rain or shine, they faithfully deliver meals while offering a friendly smile, a reassuring check-in, and a meaningful connection to the older adults we serve. Their generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment make it possible for Council on Aging Martin County to remain the county's sole provider of Meals on Wheels.

Please mark your calendar for our Summer Sendoff on August 27! We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the impact of our Meals on Wheels program, honor the volunteers, supporters, and community partners who make it possible, and commemorate the official debut and ribbon-cutting ceremony for our newest Meals on Wheels delivery truck. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with you!

Sincerely,

Karen Ripper, President and CEO

The Council on Aging Martin County (COA) is pleased to announce a landmark five-year $250,000 philanthropic collaboration with Cleveland Clinic. The $50,000 annual grant will support two critical programs serving Martin County’s most vulnerable seniors: Meals on Wheels Martin County and the Indiantown Congregate Meal Site.

The Meals on Wheels program is COA’s flagship program serving hot, nutritious meals 5 days a week to homebound seniors throughout all of Martin County. The impact of this program is an invaluable lifeline to the over 1285 seniors enrolled in this program receiving hot, healthy, nutritious meals, as well as social interaction and connection to resources. This program provided 133,937 meals to homebound seniors as well as to the 4 congregate meal site located in Indiantown, East Stuart, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound. 



One of the primary aspects of this program is that it is more than just a meal – it is a wellness checks, by trained volunteers. It provided a sense of connection and community. Volunteers can work with case management staff to connect seniors in crisis to any needed resources. 

The Indiantown Congregate meal site is one of 4 meal sites that COA serves in Martin County. This site is critically important as the poverty rate in Indiantown is about 10% higher than the rest of Martin County. Underserved seniors in this community who are mobile but lacking both resources and opportunities for socialization benefit greatly from this program. 

This contribution builds on Cleveland Clinic's broader efforts to address food insecurity through philanthropy and care-based programs, including teaching kitchens, pediatric summer and weekend meal initiatives, food vouchers, grocery delivery, free produce from local farms and Nourish food pantries for eligible patients.



On behalf of the community seniors we serve, COA is extremely grateful for philanthropic collaboration with Cleveland Clinic supporting both organizations joint goals of increased Access to Care and Combatting Food Insecurity for the most vulnerable community members. 

Chances are you've encountered someone living with dementia. Perhaps in a grocery store, at a restaurant, in your neighborhood, or even within your own family. These interactions can sometimes be confusing or challenging, especially if you don't know how to respond.

That's where HUGS (Help, Understanding, Guidance and Safety) makes a difference!



The goal of HUGS is simple but powerful: to make Martin County a more dementia-friendly community by giving people of all ages and backgrounds the knowledge and confidence to respond with kindness, patience, and understanding.

Led by Donna True, LCSW, the Council on Aging's HUGS Coordinator, the program is offered to businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, faith communities, and other organizations throughout Martin County. Participants gain a basic understanding of dementia along with practical, easy-to-use strategies for supporting both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Each training session is customized to meet the needs, interests, and schedules of the participating group.



If your business or organization hasn't yet participated in HUGS training, we'd love to hear from you. Call 772-223-7879 to schedule a session and help make Martin County an even more welcoming and compassionate community.

Council on Aging Martin County is honored to receive continued support from the United Way of Martin County and the United Way Foundation. Together, these generous investments strengthen vital programs that help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected to the services they need.

Council on Aging Martin County extends its heartfelt gratitude to the United Way of Martin County, the United Way Foundation, and their generous donors for investing in the well-being of local seniors. Their continued partnership strengthens essential programs, helps us respond to emerging needs, and ensures that older adults throughout Martin County can live healthier, safer, and more independent lives.

The Council on Aging Martin County's annual Summer Send Off returns on Thursday, August 27, bringing together friends, supporters, and community partners for an evening of fun, networking, and philanthropy - all while celebrating a major milestone for Meals on Wheels.



A highlight of this year's event will be the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Council's new, specially equipped Meals on Wheels delivery truck. Made possible through a challenge grant from the United Way Foundation of Martin County and the generosity of supporters at the Council's Pep Rally Gala in February, the new vehicle will help deliver nutritious meals - and caring visits -to homebound seniors throughout Martin County.

Known as the "Ultimate Staycation," the Summer Send Off offers guests a relaxed evening in the air-conditioned comfort of the Kane Center on Salerno Road. Enjoy light fare, refreshing beverages, and great company while supporting a mission that makes a difference every day. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m.

Guests who make a $20 donation will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $400 gift card to the beautiful Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. All proceeds benefit the Meals on Wheels program.



To register for the Summer Send Off or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit coamartin.org/summer. 

Congratulations to Kelley Pekarsky, DNP, APRN, and Katie Diamond, DNP, APRN, of Council on Aging Martin County's Day Primary Care Center.  They recently presented at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference in Las Vegas.

Speaking to a portion of the more than 4,000 nurse practitioners from across the country, Kelley and Katie presented "Dementia Updates for the Primary Care NP," a session focused on current assessment and treatment strategies, as well as practical approaches to supporting family caregivers.

Their presentation has also been selected as a continuing education (CE) course in the AANP CE Center through the end of the year, giving thousands of nurse practitioners nationwide access to the latest evidence-based guidance on dementia care. By helping clinicians better recognize and manage dementia, the course also encourages appropriate referrals to Area Agencies on Aging, connecting more families with the resources and support they need.



Please join us in congratulating Kelley and Katie on this outstanding achievement. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to improving dementia care are making an impact not only in Martin County, but across the nation.

There was plenty to celebrate at the Adult Day Club last month as longtime participant Nancy Anken marked a very special birthday surrounded by friends and staff who have become like family.

Nancy has been a cherished member of the Adult Day Club at the Kane Center for 17 years, bringing warmth, laughter, and friendship to our community. It was a joy to celebrate this wonderful milestone with her.



Happy Birthday, Nancy! We wish you continued happiness, good health, and many more joyful celebrations in the years ahead.

Interested in learning more about the Adult Day Club? Visit our website to discover how the program enriches the lives of participants and provides valuable support for caregivers.

Preparation is one of the best ways to stay safe during hurricane season. Each June, the Council on Aging Martin County hosts its annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the Kane Center, giving residents the information and resources they need before, during, and after a storm.

This year's well-attended event featured practical advice from emergency preparedness professionals, local service providers, and National Weather Service Meteorologist Will Ulrich, who shared valuable insights on the 2026 hurricane season. Beyond forecasting, his presentation covered preparedness strategies, local resources, and the importance of having a plan before a storm threatens our area.

Martin County resident Joe Flanagan, a longtime attendee, shared his thoughts following the event:

"I've attended the Council on Aging's Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo several times over the years and always leave with valuable information. This year's presentation by National Weather Service Meteorologist Will Ulrich was especially informative, offering practical guidance on hurricane preparedness and local resources available to our community. The vendors also shared helpful services for before and after a storm. Because of this event, my family will spend the next week reviewing our hurricane plans and making sure we're prepared for the season. Thanks to the Council on Aging for helping keep our community informed and ready."

The Council on Aging extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors: The Sovana, Seniors Helping Seniors, FirstLight Home Care, and UnitedHealthcare as well as participating vendors Seniors vs. Crime, the American Red Cross, Florida Power & Light, the League of Women Voters, and United Way of Martin County for helping make this year's Hurricane Preparedness Expo a success.

Hurricane Tips from Will Ulrich, National Weather Service 

Meterologist Will Ulrich shared these tips with the audience at the COA Hurricane Expo: 

• Every hurricane is different, so residents need to think beyond the category and consider the full range of potential impacts. 
• Residents should better evaluate and understand their risk from the four primary hurricane hazards: wind, storm surge, flooding rain, and tornadoes. Now is the time to review your plan and make sure your hurricane kit reflects the risks where you live.
• Even if the season ends up quieter than normal as is currently forecast, remember that it only takes one storm to make it an impactful year! In Florida, preparedness is a 24/7/365 activity because hazardous weather can happen any time of year.

The generous contributions you make to the Council on Aging Martin County directly support our Mission. When you make a gift to benefit our programs, you help seniors reduce loneliness, anxiety and depression. By supporting our work you help build a sense of purpose and social connection for our community's seniors.

You can make a gift today or plan for the future. Please contact Michele Leigh Jacobs, Chief Philanthropic Officer, to discuss opportunities that best suit you, your philanthropic priorities and your passion for our senior community.

Email: mjacobs@coamartin.org

Direct: 772.223.7803

Secured Online Giving: www.coamartin.org