The Richland Voluntary Council on Aging is continuing its mission to serve the needs of senior citizens across Richland Parish through daily meals, social activities and support services.
The organization, a nonprofit serving residents age 60 and older, focuses on helping seniors maintain independence while addressing their needs.
“The Richland Voluntary Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization designed to meet the needs of the elderly, (60 and older) of Richland Parish,” Executive Director Bonnie Payne said. “It is our goal to assist the elderly in maintaining the level of independence they desire, and implementing programs to address their needs.”
The council provides both congregate and home-delivered meals, serving more than 100 home-delivered meals each day throughout the parish. In addition, an average of 20 to 30 meals are served daily at the Rayville center and 20 meals per day at the Delhi meal site.
“RVCOA provides a nutritious meal daily in a congregate setting and provides home-delivered meals to the elderly who are home-bound,” Payne said.
Meals are prepared by certified dietitians, and the program also offers opportunities for seniors to gather and participate in activities that support their physical and emotional well-being.
“We provide a place to meet and interact with peers while providing recreational, educational and health facilitation services and at the same time providing physical and psychosocial support,” Payne said.
The council hosts activities throughout the week, including bingo on Mondays and Fridays, karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Bible study on Wednesdays.
“Wednesdays we have Bible Study provided by many amazing local Pastors and Sunday School teachers. What a blessing for the participants to be involved in the Bible study,” Payne said.
Additional activities include puzzles, dominoes, word searches and coloring, along with occasional local trips and special outings.
“We take the seniors on local trips from time to time such as, Day at the Lake each year provided by Sheriff Neal Harwell of the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Department,” Payne said. “This is a wonderful time for the seniors of Richland Parish, drawings for prizes, wonderful music, vendor booths who offers information of their services. Last but not least a wonderful meal.”
Participants are also invited to join in regular meals and fellowship following activities. A $1 donation is requested per meal.
“We would like to welcome anyone 60 or older to come join us for our fun activities,” Payne said.
The council operates Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Activities such as bingo and Bible study begin at 10 a.m., with lunch served at 11 a.m.
Payne said the organization relies heavily on community support to continue its work.
“None of the activities could be possible without the wonderful support of donations from local residents and businesses throughout Richland Parish,” she said. “We appreciate each of the donors and the volunteers.”
For more information, contact the Richland Voluntary Council on Aging at 318-728-3646 or visit the office at 414 Harrison St. in Rayville.
