Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Announces 2026 Social Isolation & Loneliness Grantees

  Posted on July 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario OH - The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Social Isolation & Loneliness Grants, made possible by the Richland County Senior Services levy. This grant opportunity was extended to organizations and businesses in Richland County that demonstrated effective methods to support seniors (age 60 and older) in combating social isolation and loneliness.

Recognizing the critical need to support and encourage social connections among older adults, the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging partnered with local Richland businesses and organizations to address this issue. Applicants were required to present clear and innovative plans to engage at-risk seniors in group settings. The submitted applications were evaluated based on the number of people served, innovation, sustainability, and compliance with funding and program expectations.

The awarded grants not only support the local economy by distributing funds within Richland County but also emphasize the importance of collaboration with local businesses and organizations. These innovative programs cater to the diverse interests of older adults, allowing them to participate in unique and fulfilling activities with their peers, thereby enhancing their health and well-being.

The 2026 Social Isolation & Loneliness Grant recipients include:

• Dove Candle Bar - (567)292-9412 - Make a candle with refreshments.  Events are held monthly on Saturdays.
• Idea Works Kitchen - (419)610-2413 – Cooking classes.
• NECIC - (419)522-1611 - Special events to bring seniors together through food, farming, creativity activities and community.
• Ohio Social Sports - (954)803-8655 - Participant in Sand Volleyball, Softball League, Soccer League, and Basketball League.
• Renaissance Performing Arts - (419)522-2726 - Tickets for the performances of: Guys and Dolls, Mansfield Symphony: Game on, Oliver, We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas, and Holiday Pops.
• The Wishmaker House - (419)886-9463 - Crafts and murder mystery dinners. (i.e., pressed flower crafts, macrame plant holders).

Participants must be residents of Richland County, be 60 years of age or older, and meet all program eligibility requirements. For details on each project or to register for activities and classes provided by these organizations, please contact the Social Isolation & Loneliness Grant recipients directly. For more information on the organizations’ social isolation and loneliness programs and a complete list of awardees, please visit www.aaa5ohio.org/events/social-isolation-grant-opportunity-/.

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc., located at Hawkins Corner in Ontario, serves the North Central Ohio area, including Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca, and Wyandot Counties, providing assistance to aging individuals and disabled individuals. Contact the Area Agency on Aging at (419) 524-4144 or (800) 560-5799.  Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/aaa5ohio and our website at www.aaa5ohio.org.