Area IV in the spotlight
Comet staff report

Area IV Agency on the Aging and Community Action Programs was presented with one of seven Spotlight Awards from the Indiana Community Action Association. The awards are designed to recognize effective, replicable, collaborative and innovative practices of agency problem response.

The Area IV was awarded for a two-pronged solution created to help elderly and disabled individuals manage their finances, allowing them to remain independent.

The agency's Organizational Payee Program allows for clients with multiple and complex issues to have Money Management Program (MMP) staff manage their social security payments to cover expenses for necessities and to avoid homelessness. Clients are also linked with other community resources and social service agencies.

Area IV's AARP Volunteer MMP, in collaboration with AARP and Indiana's Family and Social Service Administration, trains volunteers to ensure that at-risk clients' bills are paid on time.

Area IV Agency on the Aging and Community Action Programs is a nonprofit, social service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals, families and communities. It serves Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties.