Frequently asked questions.

NCCOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served Nassau County since 1974. We help older adults live happy, healthy, independent lives through chef-prepared meals, wellness programs, enrichment classes, in-home care, adult day healthcare, and two welcoming Senior Life Centers.

We primarily serve Nassau County residents age 60 and older, along with their families and caregivers. Many of our programs and events are open to the whole community.

Most of our programs are designed for adults 60 and older, but membership and classes are open to adults of all ages, volunteers of every age are welcome, and our caregiver resources support entire families.

We operate two Senior Life Centers: the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center at 1901 Island Walk Way in Fernandina Beach, and the Westside Senior Life Center at 37002 Ingham Road in Hilliard.

We serve all of Nassau County, Florida — from Fernandina Beach and Yulee to Callahan, Bryceville, and Hilliard.

Yes. NCCOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 23-7375273) and has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 98 out of 100.

Our work is funded through a combination of federal and state grants, local government support, charitable donations, fundraising events, and program revenue. Every dollar stays in Nassau County.

There are many ways to help: make a donation, volunteer your time, become a member, attend our events, purchase a Legacy Paver, or include NCCOA in your estate plans.

Senior Life is our free quarterly magazine featuring the season's classes, events, and stories from around NCCOA. The current issue is available on our website under Resources.

Eligibility varies by program — most services are for Nassau County residents age 60 and older. The easiest way to find out is to call 904-261-0701 and ask for a case manager, who will walk you through your options.

Call us at 904-261-0701, send a message through the Contact page, or stop by either Senior Life Center. We'll listen to your situation and point you to the right program.

Absolutely. Family members and caregivers often make the first call. We'll gather the details, then follow up with your loved one directly.

Most services begin promptly. A few programs may have short waits depending on capacity and funding — we'll always tell you upfront and keep you informed.

A staff member or case manager will talk through your needs, may schedule an in-home assessment, and will then connect you with the right services. We follow up to make sure everything is working.

No referral is needed for most programs. Some services, like Adult Day HealthCare, may ask for basic health information during enrollment.

Nassau County residents age 60 and older who are homebound or unable to prepare their own meals. Eligibility starts with a simple phone assessment — call 904-261-0701.

Meals are delivered on weekdays by our volunteer drivers. Your delivery schedule is confirmed during your assessment.

Chef-prepared, nutritionally balanced meals made fresh in our kitchen and designed to meet the dietary needs of older adults.

We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions — let us know during your assessment and we'll review the available options.

There is no charge to qualifying seniors. The program is supported by grants and donations, and voluntary contributions are always welcome but never required.

For food safety, drivers can't leave a meal unattended. If you'll be away for an appointment, let us know in advance. If we can't reach you unexpectedly, we follow up — every delivery doubles as a wellness check.

Yes — Meals on Wheels drivers are some of our most needed volunteers. Apply through the Volunteer page or call Chris Fournier at 904-775-5490.

Seniors shouldn't have to share their meals with their pets to keep them fed. Meals on Wheels for Pets delivers pet food alongside regular meal deliveries for clients with furry companions.

Advocate provides private-duty, in-home care across Nassau County: homemaking, personal care, meal preparation, escorted doctor's visits, companionship, grocery shopping, and respite care.

Yes. Advocate is NCCOA's licensed home healthcare agency (License HHA #299994638; Homemaker & Companion #5939), and our caregivers are screened, trained, and insured.

Yes — short-term care during recovery is one of the most common ways families use Advocate. We'll build a plan for exactly the length of time you need.

Scheduling is flexible and built around your needs. Talk with our care team about the days and times that work for your family.

Care plans are tailored to each client. Contact Advocate at 904-675-9835 to discuss current scheduling options and minimums.

Often within days. After your inquiry we complete an assessment, match you with the right caregiver, and get started — call 904-675-9835 to begin.

The Club is NCCOA's adult day healthcare program — a safe, engaging daytime community offering therapeutic activities, meals, and attentive care, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It also gives family caregivers a trusted break.

Adults who benefit from daytime supervision, care, or social engagement — including those living with memory loss, limited mobility, or chronic conditions. Our intake process helps determine if The Club is the right fit.

Music, art, games, gentle exercise, social celebrations, and a full calendar of therapeutic activities designed to keep members engaged in body and mind. A monthly Club calendar is available on our website.

NCCOA does not provide transportation, so members and their families arrange their own travel to and from the center. Our Case Management team can help you look into options in the community — call 904-775-5497 to talk it through.

We'd love to show you around. Call Jennifer Gundling at 904-775-5488 or email jgundling@nassaucountycoa.org to schedule a visit.

Yes — members can attend anywhere from a few days a week to all five. We'll help you find the schedule that fits your family.

Case Management is a free service that connects Nassau County seniors to the help they need — in-home support, emergency utility assistance (EHEAP), insurance counseling (SHINE), legal aid, fall prevention, and more.

A case manager assesses your situation, builds a personalized plan, coordinates services on your behalf, and follows up to make sure you're getting the support you need.

No — Case Management services are provided at no cost to Nassau County seniors.

Yes. Case managers help families navigate care options, arrange respite so caregivers can rest, and connect you with support groups and community resources.

Yes — in-home assessments are available throughout all of Nassau County. Call 904-261-0701 and ask for a case manager.

Everything from fitness and yoga to art, language classes, ukulele lessons, games, and social lunches — a full monthly calendar of activities at both Senior Life Centers.

No — many events are free and open to everyone. Membership unlocks unlimited classes at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center in Fernandina Beach.

Current membership pricing is listed on our Become a Member page, or call Membership at 904-775-5477.

Yes — drop-ins are welcome at $5 per class, and events marked FREE on the calendar are open to all.

Absolutely. Classes welcome every fitness level, and instructors offer modifications so everyone can participate comfortably and safely.

Members register for classes through MyActiveCenter online, or stop by the front desk and we'll help you get set up.

Current calendars for both centers, Just Friends, and The Club are available for download on the Monthly Calendars page under Resources.

CHORE volunteers handle minor home safety projects — wheelchair ramps, grab bars, railings, and other small repairs that help seniors stay safe at home.

Nassau County seniors who need a safety repair or modification and could use a hand. Call 904-261-0701 to request help and we'll review your project.

Labor is provided by our volunteers at no charge. The program is supported by donations, which help cover materials.

CHORE is a volunteer service focused on minor safety projects, not a licensed contracting company — but our volunteers take real pride in their work, and we'll make it right if something isn't working.

Fill out our volunteer application online, or contact Chris Fournier at 904-775-5490. We'll talk through your interests and find the right fit.

More than a dozen roles: Meals on Wheels delivery, kitchen help, front desk, special events, CHORE ramp builds, The Club, and more.

Yes — businesses, churches, and community groups regularly volunteer together on builds, events, and service days. We'd love to host yours.

Yes. Every volunteer receives an orientation, plus role-specific training so you feel confident from day one.

Yes — we welcome student volunteers and can document service hours. Age requirements vary by role.

Background checks are required for roles that work directly with our clients. We'll walk you through the process during onboarding.

Yes. NCCOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 23-7375273), and your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You'll receive a receipt for your records.

Yes — recurring monthly giving is available through our secure online donation portal, and it's one of the most helpful ways to support seniors year-round.

Yes. Tribute and memorial gifts are a meaningful way to honor a loved one — note it with your donation, or consider an engraved Legacy Paver at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center.

Many employers match charitable gifts — check with your HR department. We're happy to provide any documentation your employer needs.

Pantry items and program supplies are often needed. Please call 904-261-0701 before donating goods so we can let you know what's currently helpful.

Yes — bequests and planned gifts create a lasting legacy for Nassau County seniors. Contact Don Harley, Chief Resource Officer, at 904-775-5485 to start the conversation.

Legacy Pavers are engraved bricks installed at the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center — a permanent tribute to loved ones, living or remembered. Learn more on the Legacy Pavers page under Resources.

Start with a call to 904-261-0701. A case manager will listen to your situation and map out your options — from in-home help and Meals on Wheels to The Club and caregiver support groups.

Free support groups, the Memory Café, respite care through The Club and Advocate Home Healthcare, and case managers who help you navigate it all.

Yes — that's exactly what our case managers do. They'll explain what's available, what your loved one qualifies for, and how to put it all together.

Common signs include safety concerns at home, missed meals or medications, increasing isolation, or caregiver burnout. If you're unsure, call us — an assessment can bring clarity and peace of mind.

Call the Janice Ancrum Senior Life Center at 904-261-0701 or the Westside Senior Life Center at 904-845-3331. A full department directory is on our Contact page.

Both Senior Life Centers are open Monday through Friday. Call ahead for current hours or check the Contact page.

Yes — walk-ins are always welcome during business hours. Stop by, say hello, and we'll show you around.

For a Senior Life Center tour, call Membership at 904-775-5477. For a tour of The Club, call 904-775-5488. We'd love to meet you.