Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors

Supporting Local Seniors: Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors

Navigating senior care and finding available community resources can feel overwhelming, especially during a sudden family crisis. On an informative episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sat down with Diana Farran, Chair of Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors, along with board member Deb Fountain (President of the Howard City Senior Action Center), to discuss how their organization helps local seniors navigate care options.

The Difference Between Commission on Aging and Advocates

Many residents confuse the Montcalm County Commission on Aging with Advocates, but they serve distinct roles:

• Montcalm County Commission on Aging: A government agency with paid staff and volunteers providing direct services like transportation and in-home care for residents aged 60 and older.

• Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors: An independent 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit focused on education, outreach, and connecting seniors to available programs across the region.

Bridging the Communication Gap

When a crisis hits—such as a sudden dementia diagnosis, food insecurity, or needing in-home assistance—families often do not know where to turn. Advocates works to bridge that gap by connecting seniors and family caregivers to agencies like EightCAP, local food programs, tax assistance, and Medicare/Medicaid navigation.

The organization also gives back directly to local seniors. In 2026, Advocates provided 340 lunch tickets for seniors attending Senior Day at the Montcalm County Heritage Village Festival and distributed informational goody bags.

Funding and Getting Involved

Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors operates entirely on donations and local fundraising efforts. They distribute educational bookmarks and guides to local libraries, township halls, village offices, and senior centers in Greenville and Howard City.

To learn more, volunteer, or support Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors, visit their official Facebook page.

To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

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