In the 1960’s, the nation had become focused on senior issues. In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act which established and authorized senior programs, particularly senior centers and related services. At that time, the Agency functioned as a component of the Genesee County Model Cities Program. Federal funds initially flowed through the Model Cities program, a federal initiative designed to strengthen communities nationwide.
In 1974, Valaria Conerly was asked to head a new division in Model Cities, which included planning and administering aging programs. The total budget was $25,000. Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA) was incorporated in 1976 and Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties joined the City of Flint to comprise Michigan’s Region 5 Planning and Service Area. The Agency began, grew, and prospered under the direction of Valaria Conerly as Executive Director, having served the seniors of Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties for 30 years.
Kathryn C. Boles was named the President, CEO in 1994. Under Ms. Boles’ direction, VAAA secured several federal grants, adopted increased technology use, and established new collaborative partnerships. The overall revenue increased to $17,863,012 in total funding. Ms. Boles also strengthened the long-term fiscal position of the Agency, which will allow for startup capital for new programs and expand services to meet the future needs of the population we serve. Ms. Boles served Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee County for over 28 years. Ms. Boles is a beloved mentor with a servant’s heart, and her love for seniors is evident, as she remains a stanch advocating for senior services in our community.
Yaushica Aubert, becoming President & CEO in 2018, has dedicated over 26 years to serving the aging population. As a visionary leader, Ms. Aubert has successfully identified gaps in services and leveraged community partnerships to meet the needs of seniors and caregivers through a systematic, holistic approach.
During the pandemic, Yaushica and VAAA played a pivotal role in assisting the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) by scheduling seniors for vaccinations before the COVID webpage was launched. VAAA also partnered with community organizations to implement mobile COVID testing and vaccinations for homebound seniors. Under Ms. Aubert’s leadership, VAAA established a COVID-19 Hotline, distributed personal protective equipment, and created an educational video featuring community leaders who encouraged vaccination and educated viewers on COVID-safe practices. Additionally, Ms. Aubert developed a Telehealth program to monitor vitals for those with chronic health conditions and a tablet distribution program to reduce social isolation among low-income seniors. Ms. Aubert has also been instrumental in establishing and growing programs that address various Social Determinants of Health. These initiatives include:
✓ Community and Socialization: Programs like Valley Volunteers, Chatting Helps Aging Adults Thrive (CHAAT), and Artistic Recreational Therapy for Seniors (ARTS), which is designed to engage seniors in community activities to reduce social isolation, such as Dementia Friendly Movies, Access to Theater with the New McCree, and Art Therapy
✓ Housing: Assisted participants transitioning from hospitals and long-term care facilities back into housing through the Care Transition Program and partnered with MSDHA to support seniors in need of housing.
✓ Education: Partnerships to increase literacy in elementary schools and among seniors, as well as the implementation of community wellness and educational workshops.
✓ Food: Growth of the Flint Fresh Program, assistance with SNAP benefits, Nutrition Education workshops, and Medical Nutrition Therapy programs.
✓ Access to Services: Partnerships with the Genesee County Office of Senior Services, Veterans Administration, and other organizations to provide comprehensive care management services.
✓ Economic Stability: Collaborations to provide assistance with medical bills, food, and other miscellaneous needs.
✓ Health Care Disparities: Initiated collaborations for CNA and DCW training, assisted in developing a statewide Caregiver Registry, and guided the agency in receiving and maintaining NCQA Accreditation. Under her guidance, Genesee County became certified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as a Dementia Friendly Community in 2023.
Yaushica has also worked to increase caregiver access to services. In 2024, services to caregivers increased by 113% compared to 2023. VAAA’s revenue has grown to approximately $24 million. She continues to strengthen the agency’s financial outlook and diversifying funding sources, allowing for additional programming and expansion services aligned with the mission of providing action, advocacy, and answers on care for the elderly and disabled adults by enhancing lives, empowering choice, sustaining independence and supporting caregivers and families.
In the 1960’s, the nation had become focused on senior issues. In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act which established and authorized senior programs, particularly senior centers and related services. At that time, the Agency functioned as a component of the Genesee County Model Cities Program. Federal funds initially flowed through Model Cities, a federal program intended to strengthen communities across the country. In 1974, Valaria Conerly was asked to head up a new division in Model Cities that included the planning and administration of aging programs. The total budget was $25,000. Valley was incorporated in 1976 and Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties joined the City of Flint to comprise Michigan’s Region 5 Planning and Service Area.
The Agency grew and prospered under the direction of Valaria Conerly as Executive Director, having served the seniors of Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties for 30 years.
Kathryn C. Boles was named the President, CEO in 1994. Under Ms. Boles’ direction, the Agency has secured an unprecedented number of federal grants, the Agency has moved toward the use of more technology, and new collaborative partners have been established. The overall revenue has increased to $16,534,295 which excludes additional funding beyond fiscal year-end of $1,328,717 for a total of $17,863,012 in total funding. Ms. Boles has also strengthened the long-term fiscal position of the Agency which will allow for startup capital for new programs and expand services to meet the future needs of the population we serve.
Yaushica Aubert became President, CEO in 2018. Formally, Vice- President of Operations. As VP she was responsible for increasing community awareness of VAAA via branding and community outreach and implementing several award-winning programs such as RSVP and KISS. She has integrated several programs into VAAA such as, Medical Nutrition Therapy (Medicare-funded program) and SilverSneakers. Ms. Aubert has also successfully streamlined the application submission to bill for Medicare-covered services.