Every day, older adults in Pima County face challenges like hunger, financial hardship, and the need for essential caregiving support. With Your Gift, Your Choice, you decide where your generosity goes, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.

Choose Your Impact:
Pima Meals on Wheels – Delivering nutritious meals to homebound older adults.
Family Caregiving Support – Providing guidance and respite to family caregivers.
Emergency Fund – Offering urgent assistance for housing and utilities.

Or, let PCOA direct your gift where it’s needed most. However you give, you’re helping older adults age with dignity and security.

Give today and change a life.

We are excited to introduce Robert Ojeda, Ph.D., who will be joining Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) as the new President and CEO starting on March 4, 2025. Robert brings with him over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of communities in Southern Arizona.

A Deep Connection to Tucson and Southern Arizona

Originally from Peru, Robert moved to the United States in 1989 to pursue his higher education. He earned a Ph.D. in Adult & Extension Education from Cornell University, and throughout his career, he has worked in various roles that have deepened his connection to Southern Arizona. Robert has spent most of his professional life in Tucson, where he served as Chief Program Officer at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, playing a key role in programs that supported vulnerable populations. He also held leadership positions at Pima College Adult Education and Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, both of which focused on improving community outcomes. These roles have helped him build a strong understanding of the unique needs and opportunities in Southern Arizona. Robert is well-established in the nonprofit sector and has forged meaningful relationships with local community partners. His long history in the region gives him an invaluable perspective on the community’s needs, and he is excited to return home and continue making an impact.

Building Relationships and Strengthening Community Partnerships

Robert’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, both within PCOA and with external partners. He believes that organizations thrive when their teams and community partners are engaged, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths. His focus is on building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with existing and potential partners across the community, from local nonprofits to government agencies, businesses, and beyond. By fostering these partnerships, Robert aims to ensure PCOA continues to meet the evolving needs of older adults in Southern Arizona while creating a unified, impactful network of support.

Supporting Older Adults: A Personal and Professional Mission

Having worked across various sectors, including his most recent role as CEO of Food Lifeline in Seattle, Robert is passionate about supporting older adults. He first encountered PCOA’s work during his tenure at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, where he saw firsthand the critical impact of services for older adults in the community. He was deeply impressed by PCOA’s commitment to innovation and its ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves.

Reflecting on his past experience at the Food Bank, Robert shared his thoughts on PCOA's role in the community:

“During my time at the Community Food Bank, I saw how PCOA was making a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults in Southern Arizona. I’ve always believed in the power of community partnerships, and PCOA’s ability to bring together local organizations to support older adults was inspiring. I’m excited to build on this work and strengthen our collective impact moving forward.”
– Robert Ojeda

As PCOA’s new President and CEO, Robert is focused on building on the organization's strengths, particularly its ability to meet the needs of older adults at both the individual and community levels. He plans to focus on deepening partnerships, engaging with local organizations, and ensuring that PCOA continues to be a trusted resource for older adults and their families.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Robert is committed to supporting PCOA’s mission by continuing to provide innovative solutions for older adults and by fostering a culture where community partnerships flourish. He values the wisdom and experience of older adults and believes that integrating their insights into community planning will benefit the entire region.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional life, Robert is an avid soccer player and enjoys playing Andean folk music. He also loves spending time with his family, including their three energetic dogs.

[button url="https://online.flippingbook.com/view/161020906" text="Read the March/April 2025 issue of Never Too Late" external="true"]

PCOA has delivered information relevant to older adults through our newspaper, Never Too Late, since shortly after we opened our doors in 1967. From the days when Never Too Late was typed on a manual typewriter and produced by mimeograph, and later by Xerox, to the modern method of printing and delivery by our colleagues at the Arizona Daily Star, Never Too Late has consistently offered information about happenings in our community and at PCOA, ways to engage, available services, and issues important to older adults.

Never Too Late can be delivered directly to your door with a $30 two-year subscription. A digital version of the most recent edition of Never Too Late will always be available here on our website and you can sign up below to receive an email each time a new edition is released so that you never miss an issue! Questions? Contact Adina Wingate at awingate@pcoa.org.

Executive Management Team

Additional Key Staff

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Meet the Faces of PCOA

Get to know the incredible staff members who make a difference every day at PCOA. Learn more about the people behind our mission and their passion for serving older adults in our community. Explore the Faces of PCOA. 

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Honoring His Leadership and Dedication to Older Adults

Thursday January 9th, 2025
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Arizona Inn (Tucson Room)
2200 E Elm St, Tucson, AZ 85719

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RSVP Form

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Support the W. Mark Clark Legacy Fund

In honor of Mark’s retirement, we invite you to contribute to the W. Mark Clark Legacy Fund, which supports legislative advocacy for older adults—Mark's passion throughout his PCOA career.

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Contact Information

For any questions, please contact:
Sarah Spearman
sspearman@pcoa.org
520.790.7573 x5043

Nina contacted PCOA’s End-of-Life program, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of completing her Advance Directives. During her first conversation with Alex, she broke down in tears, struggling with difficult emotions and feeling alone. Alex gently introduced a simpler approach, and over the next several months, they built a trusting relationship.

Through his patient guidance and care, Alex helped Nina work through her emotions and take small steps forward. In November, Nina finally completed her Advance Directives. As she signed the documents, she smiled and said, “I feel like a big weight has been lifted off of me.”

Nina shared her deep gratitude for PCOA, acknowledging that without Alex’s support, she might never have found the peace she had been searching for.

Recently, Sophia reached out to our Home Repair Program in tears—not of sadness, but of overwhelming joy after receiving critical care from our team.

After months of struggling with a bathroom that was no longer safe or functional, Sophia had to leave her home just to use the restroom. Her sense of independence and comfort were slipping away. The impact on her daily life was immense.

Recognizing the urgency of Sophia’s situation, PCOA stepped in as the trusted source of help. We connected her with essential resources and helped facilitate assistance through our partnerships with Tucson Water and the Community Home Repair Projects of Arizona (CHRPA). Our team guided Sophia through the application process for the Free Toilet Replacement Program, but we knew her need couldn’t wait. So, PCOA helped facilitate getting Sophia a new, safe toilet within a day. The next morning, Sophia received the news—and in her own words, she was overwhelmed with gratitude:

“I cried so hard, just happy tears… I’ve never been happier, and I appreciate the help so very, very much. You don’t know how much I appreciate it. There’s no words to tell you how much I appreciate your help. I am beyond blessed.”

Thanks to this simple yet essential repair, Sophia can stay in her home—comfortably and safely. For Sophia, it was the return of her independence, her dignity, and her happiness.

At Pima Council on Aging, we believe that our strength lies in the people who dedicate themselves to supporting older adults in our community. Our "Faces of PCOA" series highlights the passionate, skilled individuals behind the programs and services we offer. Each staff member brings unique talents and experiences to their role, and together, they help us make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a client, volunteer, or supporter, we invite you to get to know the incredible people who make PCOA what it is today.

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The W. Mark Clark Legacy Fund is established to honor the remarkable leadership and enduring contributions of W. Mark Clark, who has dedicated the past decade to enhancing the lives of older adults in our community. This fund will ensure that his vision and commitment continue to guide and support the mission of Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) for years to come.

In recognition of Mark Clark’s exceptional work in advocacy and policy, all monies raised for the W. Mark Clark Legacy Fund will be directed towards strengthening and expanding PCOA’s advocacy and policy efforts. This focus reflects Mark’s profound impact in this area and his legacy of fighting for the rights and well-being of older adults.

By contributing to the W. Mark Clark Legacy Fund, donors will help ensure that PCOA can continue to lead the charge in advocating for policies that protect and empower older adults. These funds will enable us to:

• Drive policy changes that enhance the quality of life for older adults.
• Amplify the voices of older adults in the policy-making process.
• Build a stronger, more informed community that supports the rights and well-being of its aging members.

Welcome to the “Nosh and Know” Series! 

At Pima Council on Aging (PCOA), we are excited to present our new educational series, “Nosh and Know.” This series is designed to offer valuable insights and practical tips on key aging topics, helping you maintain a high quality of life with confidence. 

What is “Nosh and Know”? 

“Nosh and Know” is a series of engaging and informative sessions held at our Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center. Each event focuses on a specific topic relevant to aging, providing expert advice, interactive discussions, and opportunities to connect with others—all while enjoying a light snack. 

Event Schedule: 

• September 19, 2024: Falls Prevention: Learn how to prevent falls and stay safe at home and in your community.

• November 21, 2024: Healthy Brain Tips: Keep Your Mind Active and Strong: Learn about the importance of physical health, cognitive activity, and social engagement, and discover everyday strategies to support your brain health as you age. SOLD OUT - Second Session Added Below on November 22nd.

• November 22, 2024 (SECOND SESSION ADDED DUE TO HIGH DEMAND): Healthy Brain Tips: Keep Your Mind Active and Strong: Learn about the importance of physical health, cognitive activity, and social engagement, and discover everyday strategies to support your brain health as you age.

• January 9, 2025: Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Empower Your Community: Volunteer with Neighbors Care Alliance. Discover how you can make a difference in your community through volunteering.

• March 6, 2025: Making Informed Choices: Understanding In-Home Care and Services: Understanding In-Home Care and Services. Understand the resources and services available to support in-home care.

• May 8, 2025: Aging with Confidence: Exploring Care Options and Resources: Understanding Your Care Options at Every Stage. Explore the care options available as you age and how to make informed decisions.
• May 9, 2025: Aging with Confidence: Exploring Care Options and Resources: Understanding Your Care Options at Every Stage. Explore the care options available as you age and how to make informed decisions.

• July 10, 2025: Reinventing Retirement: Thriving in a Healthcare Career: This session is designed to introduce you to rewarding opportunities in the healthcare field, focusing on entry-level caregiving roles. Whether you are considering a second career, seeking meaningful ways to spend your retirement, or looking to give back to your community, this training will provide essential information for embarking on a fulfilling journey in healthcare.

Event Details: 

• Location: PCOA’s Katie Dusenberry Healthy Aging Center, 600 S. Country Club, Tucson, AZ 

• Time: September’s event from 1:30 – 2:30 pm; all other events from 1 pm – 2 pm 

• Registration Fee: $5 per person per session 

Why Attend? 

• Expert Insights: Hear from knowledgeable speakers on a range of topics relevant to aging. 

• Interactive Discussions: Participate in Q&A sessions and connect with others. 

• Socialize and Snack: Enjoy a mid-afternoon snack while engaging with the community. 

• Enhance Your Well-Being: Gain practical knowledge to improve your safety and overall quality of life. 

Registration: 

Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot for each session. To register and for more information, please visit the respective Event links above. 

Thank You to Our Sponsor: 

This series is made possible thanks to the generous support of Tucson Electric Power (TEP). Their commitment to community well-being helps us bring these valuable sessions to you. 

Stay Connected: 

For updates on the “Nosh and Know” series and other PCOA events, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

Contact Us: 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at skregar@pcoa.org.

Do you have an event such as a community health and wellness fair, employee resource fair, or other event where you would like PCOA to staff an information table? Please fill out the Tabling Request Form below and we will contact you if we can fulfill your request. We would appreciate at least four weeks' notice and cannot guarantee participation.

Pima Council on Aging Privacy Policy for Donations and Membership

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Collection, Use and Security of Personal Information

1. The Pima Council on Aging values and respects an individual’s right to keep certain Personal Information private. Likewise, the PCOA values the need to collect and use Personal Information which will enable PCOA to effectively deliver its products and services.
2. This Privacy Policy applies to activities of the PCOA and additionally to persons visiting PCOA Web sites, signing up for PCOA publications and mailings, or entering into transactions with PCOA, and covers the collection, use, storage and disclosure of information and data as described in this Privacy Policy.
3. The Privacy Policy does not apply to information that PCOA collects on contractors, vendors or other entities with which PCOA does business, although PCOA will contractually require them to comply with relevant provisions of the Privacy Policy.

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A. PCOA’s Collection of Personal Information

1. PCOA will collect Personal Information on an individual only if the individual provides the information to PCOA.PCOA also may collect information about a person who has been referred to the website to send them emails regarding PCOA’s efforts or a person to whom PCOA has been asked to send emails regarding PCOA’s programs or efforts. If a person donates to PCOA, PCOA may collect sensitive Personal Information such as the donor’s credit card number, card type, and expiration date and keep a record of the financial transaction.
2. PCOA may collect Demographic Information it obtains from individuals and third parties for fund raising purposes and to notify persons of PCOA programs, events, educational opportunities and upcoming meetings.
3. PCOA may collect Aggregate and Transactional Information and add to its database every time a person visits PCOA Web Site. Also, PCOA collects Aggregate Information for research purposes.

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B. PCOA’s Use of Personal Information

1. When an individual provides Personal Information to PCOA, PCOA may use the Personal Information for its programs and fund raising.
2. PCOA uses Transactional Information (i.e. credit card, etc.) for the development or implementation of its programs, products and services. The presumption is that, since Transactional Information is highly proprietary, it will  not be disclosed to third parties.
3. PCOA will disclose all information as required by law.
4. PCOA will make every effort to discontinue the use of an individual’s Personal Information as soon as practicable if requested by that individual. PCOA may need to retain Information in its archives and records to comply with law, resolve disputes, analyze problems, assist with any investigations and other policies, and take other actions otherwise permitted or required by law.

Review or request removal of your information

PCOA HAS A POLICY TO NEVER RENT OR EXCHANGE ANY NAMES ON OUR PRIVATE FILE.

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C. Administrative

1. PCOA will take reasonable and appropriate measures to keep Personal Information confidential and in a secure environment, including taking appropriate action in the event of unauthorized disclosure.
2. Access to Personal Information will be restricted to only those personnel with a legitimate business purpose.
3. PCOA owns all Personal Information provided to it by individuals and collected in accordance with this Policy.