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Our History

Our History

The Center for Positive Aging was founded in 1982 by two dynamic and forward thinking individuals, Virginia Smyth and Joyce Horsley, to prepare seniors in our community for an expanded life of health and well being. Originally called DASS (Downtown Atlanta Senior Services), the Center for Positive Aging has become a vital resource for seniors, their families and caregivers by connecting the members and employees of our affiliate congregations and community partners to the services they need. Through our volunteer driven services and programs, we continue the tradition of partnerships fulfilling the mission, bringing unique aging solutions that cultivate a healthy mind, body and spirit to all seniors, their families and caregivers regardless of ethnicity, disability or financial resources.

Today, the senior population is rapidly increasing as baby boomers are aging and life expectancy has increased. The Atlanta Regional Commission estimates that by the year 2030, one in five residents will be over the age of 60. Tremendous growth in Georgia and the greater Atlanta area is presenting insurmountable challenges for unprepared seniors. Underscoring these problems are the daily calls to our office that emphasizes the continual need to bridge the gap between families in crisis and the available aging services. There is a quandary of needs that require appropriate solutions. In any given year, the Center helps over 200 people a month find community based services, classes, seminars, home health care, senior housing options, mental health, wellness programs, hospice care and legal services.

Original Congregational Affiliates

• All Saints Episcopal Church
• First Congregational Church
• First Presbyterian Church
• North Avenue Presbyterian Church
• Peachtree Christian Church
• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
• Rock Spring Presbyterian Church
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
• St. Mark United Methodist Church

In December of 2008, the Center for Positive Aging became the consumer arm of LeadingAge Georgia (formerly Aging Services of Georgia). With this expansion of the mission of the Center, the Center can now position the unique services it provides to serve all of Georgia. When Georgians sort through the maze of services available to aging persons, they can rely on the Center as the trusted source of information to connect them to the resources they need.

The Center is creating a group of housing and service providers committed to excellence in Eldercare. These quality providers will become local “Centers for Positive Aging” in the communities they serve to help connect consumers at the local level. Each Center will offer the community its expertise on aging issues, hosting educational programs and opportunities for consumers. Also, providers of business products and services as well as congregations throughout Georgia that have a ministry with their seniors will be featured on the new web site. With the support of information on the website, consumers have a key to resources for aging issues and can find solutions for the concerns of those in need.