The Council on Aging of Central Oregon (CoA) is proud to mark 50 years of
serving older adults and their families across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties on June 16th, 2025. Since 1975, CoA has grown from a grassroots initiative to a leading regional nonprofit dedicated to supporting all Central Oregonians to age well wherever and however they choose.
To celebrate this milestone, the Council on Aging is hosting events across Central Oregon, beginning with a 50th Anniversary Party on Thursday, June 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Senior Services Center in Bend. This free event will feature live music, food from Jermaican Jerk Culture, fun activities, and a special resource fair highlighting local organizations that support older adults and caregivers. All are welcome, and guests are encouraged to RSVP at https://givebutter.com/CouncilonAging50th.
The celebration will continue throughout the summer and fall with a series of community events in partnership with the La Pine Activity Center, Redmond Senior Center, Prineville Senior Center Charitable Trust, and the Madras Senior Center, reflecting the Council’s longstanding commitment to older adults across the tri-county region. Highlights include Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo on July 13 at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend, and a summer barbecue with the La Pine Activity Center on August 14. More event dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This anniversary is not just about our history, it’s about honoring the tens of thousands of older adults we’ve had the privilege to serve, and the incredible volunteers and community members who make our work possible,” said Cassie Regimbal, Executive Director of CoA. “All are welcome to join us as we honor the strength, spirit, and connection that define our community.”
Jenni Neahring, MD, Board President of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, added, “Fifty years ago, a small group of dedicated people laid the foundation for an organization that has grown into a vital resource for thousands of older adults in our region. We’re proud to carry their vision forward, and even prouder to celebrate with the community that makes this work possible.”
A Legacy of Advocacy and Service
The Council on Aging’s work is rooted in a nationwide movement to improve the lives of older adults. In 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law, establishing the Administration on Aging and authorizing funding for programs that support older adults at the community level. That same year, Medicare and Medicaid were created, transforming access to health care for older adults and low-income individuals.
The groundwork for local aging services in Central Oregon began in the early 70s, with the establishment of Dial-A-Ride, the United Senior Citizens of Bend and Redmond Council for Senior Citizens. In 1975, the Central Oregon Council on Aging was incorporated as a private non-profit organization and designated by the State of Oregon as an Area Agency on Aging for Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.
Over the decades, CoA has continued to evolve in response to the region’s growing and changing older adult population.
Key milestones include:
-1976: Oregon Project Independence established to help low-income older adults remain at home with part-time support and has been administered by the Council on Aging since its founding.
-1998: Co-located administrative offices with the State of Oregon Senior Services in Redmond, launching a “one-stop shop” for older adults and caregivers.
-2011: Moved headquarters from Redmond to Bend.
-2018: Purchased 1036 NE 5th Street in Bend to serve as the organization’s administrative and services hub.
-2022: Officially opened the Senior Services Center, offering centralized services, meals, volunteer programs, and opportunities for social connection.
Today, the Council on Aging and its senior center partners provide over 175,000 meals each year through Meals on Wheels and community dining sites. It offers information and resources for older adults and their loved ones, supports family caregivers with respite funding, provides Medicare counseling and health education, fosters social engagement, and connects nearly 700 volunteers with meaningful ways to serve.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to evolving with the needs of Central Oregon’s aging population,” said Regimbal. “This 50th anniversary is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and renew our commitment to the work ahead. We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors PacificSource, Cascade Natural Gas, KTVZ21, St. Charles Healthcare, Touchmark, and Sunwest Builders, whose support is vital to making this celebration and our ongoing work possible.
Event Details
What: Council on Aging of Central Oregon’s 50th Anniversary Party
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Senior Services Center, 1036 NE 5th Street, Bend, OR 97701
Cost: Free and open to the public
RSVP: https://givebutter.com/CouncilonAging50th
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in Source Weekly June 12, 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
