Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Plans are underway for a new senior services focal point in collaboration with UF/IFAS to open in Jefferson County this April.
Lisa Bretz, the executive director for Advantage Aging Solutions, explained that her agency will continue to manage operations at the new facility under authority of the Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs. Services would include communal meals for senior citizens and other activities to support healthy aging, with free transportation provided by Big Bend Transit for qualifying clients.
Bretz said she would be asking the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners at their March 5 meeting for an agreement to use a building located on the county property where UF/IFAS Extension has local offices.
Community events are being organized to inform the public about the new center. Bretz says to look for upcoming notices about a fair-style event at the Monticello Opera House that will include a reception for meeting service providers and a hearing for public input about services needed for the elderly in Jefferson County. Other outreach events are planned in neighborhoods where potential clients can easily learn about the new center.
Anyone 60 years old or older who is interested in learning more about what the new center will offer can email info@advantageaging.org or call 850-488-0055 ext. 231. In an emergency, the Elder Helpline is 850-922-2420.
Government-supported services for the elderly in Jefferson County reached a crisis point in September of 2025, when the non-profit Jefferson Senior Citizens Center, Inc. (JSCC) lost their contract with the Dept. of Elder Affairs, due to a financial crisis, including around $77,000 of debt to vendors and employees. The department granted a temporary emergency waiver so that the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida (d/b/a in Jefferson County as Advantage Aging Solutions) could assume operations at JSCC's facility on North Jefferson Street in order to ensure continuity of services for the clients.
On Dec. 18, 2025, the Jefferson County Commission allocated $30,000 of support for senior services to Advantage Aging Solutions, rather than to JSCC as had traditionally been the practice.
In a public letter to Jefferson County Citizens on Jan. 9, Bretz said, “In the past, Jefferson Senior Citizens Center … has offered local seniors meals, services and engagement activities through funding from your federal government through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and your state government through the State of Florida General Revenue (GR). Because these funding sources come from taxpayer dollars, both the state and federal governments must ensure all partners who receive funding abide by all laws and rules. Local partners and providers must act with the utmost integrity, business acumen and fiscal responsibility. Due to numerous ongoing concerns including lack of proficiency in service delivery standards and management oversight, board operations, and financial challenges, the state has terminated its relationship with Jefferson Senior Citizens Center, Inc.”
The letter continued by stating that since Sept. 8, 2025, Advantage Aging Solutions, as the contracted agent of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, has been serving Jefferson County's seniors with congregate meals, education, engagement activities, home assessments, home delivered meals and wellness checks.
“State and federal funding has not and will not stop,” Bretz assured.
Plans are moving forward now for Advantage Aging Solutions to provide services through a new center established at a new location in the county.