The Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. (ACOFA) is celebrating five decades of service to the community. Established to help older adults maintain independence and dignity within their homes and communities, ACOFA provides a broad range of services for county residents aged 60 and over.
A 50th anniversary celebration is scheduled for September 26 at the Gettysburg Hotel. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, two drink tickets, and admission to a program hosted by former ACOFA Director Steve Niebler. Approximately 50–75 tickets will be available to the public.
ACOFA offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting seniors in their daily lives. These include care management, home-delivered meals, personal care, caregiver support, protective services, adult day care, and assistance with long-term care assessments. The organization also provides free tax assistance and resources for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including robotic pets, weighted blankets, and cognitive support materials.
ACOFA operates five senior centers throughout the county in Littlestown, McSherrystown, Fairfield, Upper Adams, and York Springs. These centers offer social and recreational activities, including exercise classes, crafts, nutrition education, holiday programs, and health screenings. There is currently no senior center in Gettysburg due to funding limitations.
Rabbitttransit provides transportation to senior centers and essential destinations like grocery stores and banks. Volunteers play a crucial role in many ACOFA programs, including meal delivery, tax preparation, and Medicare counseling.
ACOFA’s budget is funded approximately 65% by federal and state sources, including the Older Americans Act and the Pennsylvania Lottery. These funds support programs like the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), pharmaceutical support, rent and property tax rebate assistance, and long-term services through Medicaid. The organization also receives local human services funding and relies heavily on township and borough donations, private contributions, and fundraising.
Executive Director Lynn Deardorff emphasized the agency’s proactive approach to community education through its “Know Us Before You Need Us” campaign. “Too often we hear people say, ‘I wish I knew you were here,’” said Deardorff. “We want people to reach out before they’re in crisis.”
Protective services are also a key component of ACOFA’s mission. “Safety is critical to keeping individuals in their homes as long as possible,” Deardorff said. “Our protective service team does an excellent job mitigating risk when investigating cases of potential abuse.”
Volunteers are central to ACOFA’s work. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer services like free tax preparation and Medicare counseling,” said Deardorff. Those interested in volunteering may contact Community Services Director Andy Winebrenner at winebren@acofa.org.
Donations of incontinence supplies and hygiene wipes are always welcome. “Our board and Citizens Advisory Council are entirely volunteer-based,” Deardorff added. “Their support makes our work possible.”
ACOFA has also been selected for the second consecutive year as the beneficiary of the Gettysburg Eagles Golf Tournament, which will be held August 15, 2025, at Quail Valley Golf Course in Littlestown. The $80 registration fee supports the agency’s services throughout Adams County.
For more information about ACOFA services, the anniversary celebration, or to make a donation, visit www.acofa.org or contact Lynn Deardorff at 717-334-9296 or ldeardorff@acofa.org. Updates are also available on ACOFA’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
The community thanks ACOFA for its 50 years of commitment to Adams County’s seniors and looks forward to many more years of impactful service.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.