The Center at ACCA Hosts Oct. 6 Open House to Launch New Brand

The Athens Community Council on Aging, now doing business as The Center at ACCA, will host a free community Open House Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 135 Hoyt Street in Athens. The event marks the formal introduction of The Center at ACCA and invites the community to experience the growing number of ways people can learn, create, travel, connect and thrive at The Center.

The new brand reflects a broader vision for aging well. For nearly 60 years, ACCA has been known as an essential community resource, providing services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiver support, and other programs that help older adults remain healthy and independent. Those services remain at the heart of the organization, but The Center at ACCA is also a place to take a class, meet new people, travel, volunteer, try something new and stay actively engaged in the community.

The change comes as Georgia grows older. The state has the ninth-fastest-growing population age 60 and older in the nation, now more than 2.3 million people, and more than one in five Georgians will be 60 or older by 2030, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services, citing U.S. Census Bureau data.

That growing population is also incredibly diverse in what people want and need. A recent retiree may be looking for a mat pilates class, new friendships or a trip abroad. An adult child may be caring for a parent with dementia. An older neighbor may depend on a daily meal and connection. The Center at ACCA is designed to be a resource throughout that journey, with robust active living and lifelong learning programs, travel experiences and opportunities for connection alongside Meals on Wheels, care coordination, the Dementia Resource Center and other essential supports.

“We’re all aging, just at different stages,” said Eve Anthony, President and CEO of The Center at ACCA. “What someone needs from us today may look completely different from what they need five or 10 years from now. We want people to know they can come here to try something new, build relationships, find support, or get help navigating what comes next.”

The organization, which has served the Athens area since 1967, introduced The Center at ACCA with the launch of its new website in August. The Oct. 6 Open House marks the brand’s formal introduction to the community and offers visitors an opportunity to experience that vision firsthand.

Guests can try mini drop-in classes including line dancing, music therapy, yoga, and hula dancing; explore upcoming travel experiences, including a featured trip to Hawaii; meet instructors, staff and community partners; enjoy food samples; and discover programs and opportunities available through The Center at ACCA. Updates to the Hoyt Street campus will also be on display.
A brief presentation introducing The Center at ACCA, the story behind the new brand, and the organization’s vision for the future will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ribbon cutting with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.
Admission is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be on site, with lunch available for purchase. For details, visit accaging.org or call (706) 549-4850.

About The Center at ACCA
The Center at ACCA, formerly known as the Athens Community Council on Aging, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1967 to help people age and live well. Serving Athens and a 27-county region, The Center brings together opportunities to learn, create, travel and connect with essential services including Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs, care coordination, caregiver support and the Dementia Resource Center. Learn more at accaging.org.