Emerald Coast Council on Aging

The Emerald Coast Council on Aging is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Walton County by empowering them to live independently, with dignity, in their own homes. Through compassionate in-home services, case management and meals. We strive to promote well-being, reduce isolation, and ensure wellness. Our commitment is to foster a community where aging in place is not only possible but fulfilling, safe, and supported.

Serving Northwest Florida since 1967

Our Programs

Older Americans Act Programs (OAA)

3B - in home services for client such as companionship, assistance with homemaking and/or shopping, monthly/bi-monthly Assurance calls, to check on clien’ts safety and welfare, and case management to help client with resources.

C1 - Congregate meals, monthly/bi-monthly Assurance calls, nutrition education, and resource information. {This program includes the USDA funding allocation}

C2 - Home-delivered meals/frozen meals, screening and assessment home visits, and monthly/bi-monthly Assurance calls.

3E, 3ES, 3EG - Caregiver/grandparent program. Under this program, our agency can provide respite services for the caregiver, purchase some supplies for the client, and complete monthly Assurance calls to check on their safety and welfare.

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI)
A program supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and memory disorders, along with their caregivers. Services include case management, respite care, companionship, homemaking assistance, shopping, home-delivered meals and welfare check-ins.

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)
A program supporting frail and impaired elderly to maintain independent living and delay institutionalization. Services include case management, respite care, companionship, homemaking assistance, shopping, home-delivered meals and welfare check-ins.

Home Care for the Eldery (HCE) Provides a monthly subsidy to help primary caregivers support low-income elders at home. It also reimburses certain consumable supplies and eligible expenses.

Upcoming Events

Thursday – May 1 - National Day of Prayer Join the DeFuniak Springs community for the 2025 National Day of Prayer gathering on Thursday, May 1, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lakeyard Amphitheater, located at 1200 Circle Drive. This multidenominational event invites believers from all Christian traditions to unite in prayer for our nation, communities, and churches. Organized by local faith leaders, the gathering aims to foster unity and spiritual reflection in a serene lakeside setting.

Saturday – May 10 - Lakefest! We are so thrilled to be taking part in this very important community event. We invite you to come to our tent and learn more about what we do. We will also have delicious treats available for purchase to benefit our mission and cause. We are currently working on other fun activities for that day so don’t miss coming by to meet our ECCOA Team and have some fun! We will have an impressive line-up of treats at this event so you will want to come by early and not miss out on all to be offered for sale on that day.

Remember, when you give to the ECCOA – another senior receives the help they deserve!

Testimonials

  • "ECCOA has truly changed my life. Thanks to their incredible team, I’m proud of my home again. The support, from assurance calls to HDMF deliveries, has made daily life so much easier. I feel heard, cared for, and connected in a way I never did before. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed before ECCOA!"

    - K.W., Veteran

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Meet the Leadership Team

  • Alicia Brackins

    DIRECTOR

  • Kyle Tebbs

    BUSINESS MANAGER

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Center Managers

  • Adrianne Weekley

    DEFUNIAK SPRINGS

  • Marlena Rittenour

    FREEPORT

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Case Managers

  • Laura Heins

    CASE MANAGER

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Our agency has seen it all—like the fastest woman in Florida (seriously, don’t challenge her to a race), a close confidant of the King himself (yes, that King), and fashion models who make everyday life look like a runway. We’ve had a general who told us how to do things, several veterans who’ve served with honor, teachers who can handle anything, police officers who keep things in check, and mayors who’ve run us like a council meeting. And, of course, a whole lot of moms and dads who collectively prove daily that servicing our seniors is never a dull moment, and always a pleasure .