About Us

Member of the Ontario Association of Councils of Aging

The COA is a grassroots organization born out of a concern over the need for communication between individuals and agencies/organizations interested in issues of aging and the needs of seniors in Windsor-Essex County.

Service Coordination

Assist in the coordination of services and development of services for
seniors in Windsor-Essex County.

Community Education

Engage in community education in a wide variety of issues related to aging.

Facilitate Knowledge

Encourage and facilitate research on aging in Windsor and Essex County.

maple leaves from windsor ontairo

Community Advocacy

Engage in “cause” advocacy on behalf of seniors on a wide range of social, economic, residential, health related, and other relevant policy issues

Senior Participation

Ensure the active participation of Seniors from Windsor-Essex County in the Council on Aging in relation to the other goals mentioned in this list!

Our History

The Council on Aging, Windsor- Essex County was established by a group of community-minded individuals that developed a representative model for Senior networking and created its mission, goals, and objectives. The United Way provided start-up funding in January 1988. By the end of the year, the Ministry of Community and Social Services approved ongoing core funding.

In February 1989, the Council was incorporated and in May 1989 it received its Charitable status. With staff and policies in place, Health and Welfare Canada, Seniors Independence Program approved the funding of major programs developed by the Council and the Community.

The Council on Aging has always seen community partnerships as one of its main criteria for project development and success.

Mission Statement

“To Act as a coordination, education, advocacy, and research body to enhance the quality of life of seniors in Windsor – Essex County in order that each person has the opportunity to achieve full potential in enjoying life, participating in and contributing to it.”

Services

The Council on Aging provides various services aimed at seniors and increasing awareness among the general public.

Services Include: Public Education, Falls Prevention, Age-Friendly Training, Information and Referral, Community Development, and more services.

Meet Deana Johnson, Director of Communications

Education

University of Windsor, Faculty of Law

Stitt Feld Handy Group
Advanced ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
Certificate of Achievement

University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario
Masters of Human Kinetics
Focus on Gerontology

University of Michigan, Institute of Gerontology
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Certificate Courses for Specialist in Aging

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
Bachelor of Science, Honours Kinesiology

Employment

West Regional Consultant for the Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

For many years she has been a private consultant specializing in Gerontology and Community Development.

One of her contracts was as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care with responsibility for the Organ & Tissue Donation strategy, leading to provincial legislation; Specialized Geriatric Services policy; and Patient Restraints legislation, focusing on regulations development.

From 1989 to the present, she has been the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County

She worked for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch for 12 years in many different roles, including:

  • Gerontology Consultant
  • Acting Executive Director
  • Assistant to the Executive Director
  • Research Coordinator
  • Education Coordinator
Community Liaisons

She has been on several local, provincial and federal boards and committee, including as President of the Ontario Gerontology Association.

Deana has presented at many conferences and scholarly sessions.

The Council on Aging Board

The individuals who make Council on Aging possible.

Elaine O'Neill

Elaine O'Neill

President

Deana Johnson

Deana Johnson

Director of Communications

Dana Kano

Dana Kano

Board Member

Van Kano

Van Kano

Board Member

Celia Southward

Celia Southward

Board Member

Donna Hewlett

Donna Hewlett

Board Member

Irene Timko

Irene Timko

Board Member

Bonnie Pakuta

Bonnie Pakuta

Board Member

seniors on bench looking in distant

We Need Volunteers!

The Council On Aging Windsor-Essex needs volunteers in order to support the local area. If you are interested in volunteering for the COA and meet our volunteer requirements, please contact us on the page below.

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Must be atleast 18 years of age or older.
  • Police clearance is required. (Forms available upon request)
  • Must have independent transportation as locations will vary.