NEW BERN, NC – The Eastern Carolina Council (ECC) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has been recognized through the National Association of Development Organizations’ Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards Program for its Regional Technology for Seniors Program.

The Eastern Carolina Council (ECC) is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization that serves local governments in the region’s nine counties (Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Green, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wayne).

ECC’s Area Agency on Aging (ECCAAA) works with local governments and providers to serve and advocate for the senior population in the region. ECCAAA provides resources, support, and financial / programmatic assistance to senior centers and providers.

Noticing a technology and services gap in the region, ECCAAA looked to expand the service capabilities of local senior centers. With its Regional Technology for Seniors program, ECCAAA purchased the Meeting Owls and Obie interactive projection systems for each senior center. The Meeting Owls help facilitate virtual programs, and the Obie system provides opportunities for cognitive enhancement through interactive games and activities. These purchases are a part of ECCAAA’s efforts to improve service delivery at senior centers and give seniors more opportunities for engagement and involvement.

Heather O’Connor, Director of ECCAAA stated, “We have seen the struggles our senior centers have faced with our elderly population staying engaged during the pandemic. These systems provide a way for the participants to stay engaged, socialize, and interact in many ways. The senior centers were very excited to receive these items and have implemented them into their daily activities and events.”

“Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging has been instrumental in exposing and educating the Agency on Aging providers on the benefits of technology for older adults and introducing the various new technology that is available,” said Paula J. Edwards, Director Wayne County Services on Aging. She added, “Wayne County Services on Aging has taken the knowledge and shared it with the older adults and their caregivers in Wayne County to improve their quality of life. We appreciate the wealth of knowledge from ECCAAA on the benefits of Technology in providing care.”

Each year, NADO’s Impact Awards Program honors NADO members for their creative approaches that have made significant impacts on their regions and demonstrate the diversity of services and programs delivered by regional development organizations across the country. The 2023 class of awardees consists of 108 projects from 71 organizations spanning 28 states.