Home Safety Presentation
As part of VPAS' mission to ensure successful aging in place, we will host a home safety seminar on Thursday, April 30 at 1:00pm at the Highland County Public Library.
Presented by Amy DePoy, OT and PT, and owner of The Pivot Point Group, LLC, the program is designed to help you create safer living spaces using approachable, cost-effective strategies.
Topics will include:
• The basics of home safety, including common risk areas and simple ways to reduce hazards
• Self-directed safety checklists that attendees can use to evaluate their own homes
• Guidance on when to consult with a professional, such as an occupational or physical therapist
• Cost-effective solutions and modifications that support independence and reduce fall risk
The presentation is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Join us!
Need more support about aging in place but don’t know where to start? Learn more about VPAS Case Managers.
Opening Minds Through Art - Reception and Art Show
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) is an internationally recognized arts program designed for those living with dementia and other cognitive concerns. It invites volunteers to pair up with these persons (the artists) and guide them through a process of creating various abstract art projects. Some of the goals of OMA include: learning about abstract artists and creating abstract art, building positive rapport between the volunteer and the artist, and offering time to engage in the creative process with autonomy and fun.
Please join us for an Opening Reception and Art Show featuring the works of these individuals who have completed the program! Artists will have their art on display during the reception, and many of the artists will be present.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 10:30am - 12:00pm
WHERE: VPAS, 985 S. High Street, Harrisonburg, VA
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 540.471.5633
VPAS Awarded Groundbreaking Grant to Launch Respite Center
November 10, 2025 - Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), the local area agency on aging, was awarded a USAging seed grant of nearly $50,000 to fund a respite center for older adults living with dementia and their caregivers.
The Innovative Caregiver Services Grant was one of only eight awarded nationwide by USAging, the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging.
VPAS will work with local partners to establish an 18-month pilot respite program called “The Gathering Place” in Waynesboro. The Gathering Place is a volunteer-driven program designed to provide caregivers much-needed respite while offering those living with dementia high quality engagement and person-centered activities.
This respite program is a collaborative effort between VPAS, Greater Augusta Coalition against Adult Abuse (GACAAA) and life plan/assisted living communities and similar organizations in the Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro (SAW) area.
“This grant will allow us to create a win-win-win opportunity for those living with dementia, their caregivers, and local residents seeking meaningful volunteer work,” said VPAS Executive Director, Beth Bland. “The Gathering Place will provide caregivers with a much-needed break while their loved ones enjoy valuable social connection and volunteer-led activities, increasing their ability to age in place. And, it will give these families access to the education, resources and support they need on their journey,” she added.
The Gathering Place will be open on Wednesdays beginning in mid-November at VPAS Waynesboro Senior Services. Families do not need to reside in the SAW area to participate. VPAS staff will provide screenings to ensure eligibility. The cost to participate is $20 for up to two hours or $40 for up to four hours of respite. Scholarships may be available. For more information about how to register, contact Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Program Director, at 540.615.5341.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial award totaling $49,610.92 with 56% percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $38,964.80 and 44% percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
VPAS 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Released
February 24, 2025 - VPAS' 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is now complete and available to the public. Producing this plan has involved much time and input from the VPAS staff, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and the clients VPAS serves. We look forward to seeing the further development and implementation of these plans and goals and welcome the community's support.