President's Message

An Open Letter from the President:

Welcome to the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) of Erie.

The ICA of Erie is a membership organization dedicated to foster a positive image of aging for the Erie, PA community. ICA has been a continuous part of the Erie community for more than 55 years.

As the demographics of the elderly population in Erie County, Pennsylvania continues to increase and the needs of the population continues to change, the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) of Erie stands as a steadfast organization to provide opportunities for education, networking amongst professionals and advocacy for older adults.

The 2010 U.S. Census documents that over 50,000 people on Erie County are over age 60 and that number will increase over the next few years.  With federal Affordable Care Act and PA State adjustments, the services and systems that provide for the needs of older adults will change dramatically.  The ICA will use its networking and member skills to collectively inform, educate and advocate for caregivers and older adults.  Please join us in this effort.  

The ICA is a voluntary coalition of individuals, agencies and businesses, public and private, who provide services and support to the elderly population of Erie County Pennsylvania and beyond.   Our organization strives to provide our members with information about current legislation and advocacy issues, available community services and networking opportunities.

The ICA Senior Art Show has continued its growth over the past several years with increased sponsorship, more participants and more works of fine art crafted by seniors throughout the tri-state area.  The artists have been recognized and awarded cash prizes, ribbons and medals.   Over $5,000 has been raised and given back to the senior community via sales of their work, prize money and sponsorships. There is an artist reception held at the Mercy Hilltop Center for the participants and their families.  The Art Show cumulates with a happy hour held at Alto Cucina, sponsored by UPMC for Life.

The ICA’s Health and Wellness Committee has hosted five Caregiver Conferences to help caregivers gain access to resources and information to help them continue to provide the best care possible to their loved ones.  The 2011 event, Comic Relief for Caregivers II, showcased caregivers and ways to keep them strong and healthy.  The event held, at the Shrine Club on March 25, 20011, included educational information, comics and caregivers.  Our community sponsor, Ascera Care Hospice Foundation, provided support for the event.

The ICA Guide to Services is one of the best known ICA projects.  ICA members annually apply their skills and talents to develop the Erie County Guide to Services, an easy reference guide to access resources and services throughout Erie County and some regions of neighboring counties.  Their free distribution has reached over 20,000 consumers.

The ICA Public Relations Committee submits a monthly calendar of events which is published in the Tri-State Senior News and on our website www.icaerie.org .  Several ICA members are regular contributors to the Senior News, providing information related to health concerns, care for loved ones and community resources.

ICA Members strive to improve the lives of thousands of our neighbors.  The members of ICA continue to look for ways to serve our community, provide connections to resources and to advocate for our senior neighbors.    It is a privilege to serve with the ICA’s team of dedicated individuals and the Erie Community.  

Ask a member to bring you as a guest to one of our monthly meetings, or see the membership page to join the Independent Council on Aging (ICA) in Erie, PA. 

Matthew Trott, President

Independent Council on Aging of Erie