Maury River Pickers and Singers Concert
The Maury River Picker and Singers will bring Virginia's rich history
and heritage to life with a program of music inspired by the Commonwealth.
This event is on June 12 at 12:00 noon, is free of charge and
is in honor of Virginia's 250th Birthday.
Maury River Senior Services
2137 Magnolia Ave.
Buena Vista, VA 24416
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.