CLEARFIELD, PA. - The Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging (MRAAA) is seeking public input to assist in developing the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Master Plan for Older Adults. The plan is a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The master plan will also reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the support they need to thrive and age in place.
Stakeholders, older adults, and people living with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community leaders are invited to read an overview of the plan, its core principles, and why such a plan is needed for Pennsylvania at https://www.aging.pa.gov/
Feedback can be submitted through an online form at https://forms.office.com/g/tFt46kYdD5
Regular attendees at the Clearfield Center for Active Living have received a warm welcome at their new home, the Presbyterian Church of Clearfield, 119 North Second Street, Clearfield.
CLEARFIELD, PA. – The Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging’s Clearfield Center for Active Living has found a new home at the Presbyterian Church of Clearfield, 119 North Second Street, Clearfield. Established at its new location in August, the center continues to provide the same quality of services to area senior citizens it is known for, while MRAAA staff seize the opportunity to expand upon these offerings thanks to the potential in the new space, and through partnership with the congregation.
“The consumers are thrilled. They love the space – they love the feel and the environment of the church,” said MRAAA Coordinator of Service Enhancement and Development Kathy Bell. “The church and congregation have been nothing short of wonderful.”
Presbyterian Family Ministries Director Kellie Strouse expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “It is with great joy and in an attitude of profound thanksgiving to God that we welcome the senior center to their new home. We are so grateful to have the chance to get to know these wonderful people and to provide a comfortable space for them to socialize and feel accepted.”
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Emcee Matt Day warmed up the crowd at last year’s Anne S. Thacik Auction.
CLEARFIELD, PA. – Some big-ticket items are already lined up for the auction block at the Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging’s (MRAAA) largest annual fundraiser. The 2023 Anne S. Thacik Auction Committee is collecting donations and sponsorships for the upcoming 28th annual event. This year’s auction will be held both live, and virtually, and you can view auction items online, register for online bidding, and purchase event tickets now by visiting https://MRAAA2023.givesmart.com Tickets can also be purchased at CCAAA offices on Second Street in Clearfield, or on Cooper Road in Curwensville.
Some of the unique auction items up for bid this year include a half a beef from Rhines Farms in Brookville, donated by Vision Creative Solutions; a triaxle load of fire wood, (approximately 10 cords) cut and delivered, donated by CJ Teats Trucking, Inc., and JDM Enterprises; and a Beef Stick/Jerky Experience where the winning bidder will have the chance to develop, produce and name a beef stick or jerky flavor with the Country Butcher, donated by the Country Butcher.
The auction is planned for Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Copper Cork Event Center (former Knights of Columbus) at 512 Arnold Avenue in Clearfield. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Live bidding gets underway at the event at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person, and includes hors d’oeuvres, and refreshments. A 50/50 and other games of chance will also be available.
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CLEARFIELD, PA – The Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging (MRAAA) will host a listening session on the Department of Aging’s development of the Master Plan for Older Adults – a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The master plan will also reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.
The listening session will take place from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, at Lock Haven Clearfield, in Room A131 of the Academic Building.
Stakeholders, older adults, and people living with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community leaders are invited to hear an overview of the plan, its core principles, and why such a plan is needed for Pennsylvania. There will be opportunities for those in attendance to provide comments and input on the plan.
Those interested in attending the listening sessions should RSVP by calling the MRAAA at 814-765-2696.
Individuals who are unable to attend can still provide input on the plan. They can either email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., provide feedback through an online form or mail the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
EDITORS: Media coverage is invited and encouraged.
MRAAA Care Manager Stefanie Supenia her bachelor's degree in social work this spring from Millerville University of Pennsylvania as a returning adult student, while continuing to work full-time.
CURWENSVILLE, PA. – Stefanie Supenia’s passion for helping people may only be surpassed by her drive to innovate new ways to aid seniors and families in the community. A care manager for Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging (MRAAA) since May of 2022, Supenia came to the agency with an associate degree in health care and earned her bachelor's degree in social work this spring from Millerville University of Pennsylvania as a returning adult student, while continuing to work full-time.
“I’m not done yet,” revealed the Madera resident. “I’m currently enrolled and working toward a master’s degree in counseling, and I want to concentrate on senior care and psychology. Then, I want to earn a doctorate in social work. My eventual goal is to go into my own counseling practice.”
Her motivation to continue her education is rooted in her desire to help people, and in realizing the need for counseling in addition to services such as cognitive and physical assessments, and protective services already offered by MRAAA. Supenia explained, “Getting people to open up and talk can be challenging. But when a counselor has the time to really get to know someone, and let that person know them, they become more comfortable with the idea and we can get to the bottom what they’re feeling and thinking.”
Unfortunately, funding for mental health services has dwindled across the country, which according to Supenia has left a void.
“A lot of our consumers can’t afford counseling – they can’t even afford food,” Supenia said. “I would love to offer services in counseling for seniors, as well as families and children. Hopefully I can find a way to subsidize these services somehow so that they’re not paying out of pocket. In addition to all the services the agency already offers, this kind of extended, in-person counseling can increase people’s self-worth, which increases their ability to maintain independent living.”
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