Our Services
Navigating the realities of aging or caregiving can feel complicated.
Heritage Area Agency on Aging connects you with trusted services and programs designed to help you live independently, with dignity and choice.
Whether you’re looking for help today or planning for the future, our team is ready to listen and guide you every step of the way. Contact us to speak with a certified specialist.
Note
All services provided by Heritage staff are offered on a contribution basis. All eligible adults age 60+ and their caregivers can expect the same high-quality services, regardless of ability to make a contribution. If you’d like to make a donation, use the link below or contact us.
Information Services
Your go-to source for answers on aging.
Our resource directory includes more than 9,000 services to help you navigate in-home care, housing, transportation, meals, and more.
Information, Referral & Assistance
Certified specialists listen carefully to your needs and provide you with customized, unbiased referral options to help you make informed decisions.
Options Counseling
Options Counselors help you understand services available to address your needs and assess eligibility for programs. We’ll help you develop an action plan to reach your goals and follow up to ensure you receive the right level of support.
Case Management
Provides care coordination in circumstances where the older adult is experiencing diminished functioning capacities and needs help connecting with in-home support to maintain health and independence.
Caregiver Support Program
You care for others—we’re here to support you.
Whether you’re running an occasional errand or running on fumes, our Caregiver Specialists help you find peace of mind and resources for your unique needs.
Caregiver Counseling
Assists you in making decisions and solving problems related to your caregiver role.
Options Counseling
Provides guidance to make informed choices about long-term services and supports.
Caregiver Case Management
Develops a service plan to support the caregiver and monitors or adapts that plan for long-term success.
Information Services
Provides information on resources and services in your community.
Educational Sessions
From helpful tips to in-depth discussions, education on caregiving topics benefits both the caregiver and care receiver. Follow our Facebook page for information on upcoming sessions.
Caregiver Wellness Day
Caregiver Wellness Day is a celebration of caregivers, filled with laughter, relaxation, and learning. We’re grateful to the generous sponsors who make this free event possible. From engaging presentations to delicious food and meaningful connections, the day is a tribute to caregiving. Send us an email to receive future updates.
Nutrition & Wellness Program
Health starts with access to nutrition and connection.
Our award-winning nutrition and wellness programs make it easier to eat well and stay active.
Encore Café
Our award-winning Encore Café has turned heads around the country for its unique approach to addressing overall health and wellness while serving delicious, dietitian-approved meals.
Congregate Meals
Heritage funds almost 20 meal sites in its seven-county region. Congregate dining offers the chance to enjoy a meal, socialize, and participate in educational programs.
Benton County
- Belle Plaine Community Center — 319.444.3135
Cedar County
- Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Durant — 563.785.4525
- Cedar County Senior Center, Tipton — 563.886.3293
Iowa County
- Marengo Senior Dining — 319.642.5817
- Millersburg City Hall — 319.655.7007
- North English Community Center — 319.664.3283
Johnson County
- Encore Express – 319.398.7682
Jones County
- Jones County Senior Center, Anamosa — 319.462.4484
- St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Monticello — 319.462.4484
- Wyoming Memorial Hall — 319.462.4484
Linn County
- Brownstone Lunch Club, Cedar Rapids — 319.398.3574
- Falcon Civic Center, Central City — 319.438.6691
- Encore Café, all locations — 319.398.2585
- Encore Express — 319.398.7682
- Southeast Linn Community Center, Lisbon — 319.455.2844
Washington County
- Encore Express – 319.653.3950
Home-Delivered Meals
Programs like Meals on Wheels are available to adults ages 60+ and their spouses when one or both are homebound. For questions about programs in your community and eligibility, contact us.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Available each summer, the program is open to adults ages 60+ who meet income guidelines. Participants receive checks redeemable at participating farmers market vendors. This program is funded and managed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Nutrition Counseling
A 1:1 session with a registered dietitian to discuss specific dietary needs and concerns related to aging or personal health conditions.
Evidence-Based Classes
Heritage offers a variety of classes that improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Contact us to find a class near you.
Encore Café
Marion & Cedar Rapids
Encore is Heritage’s award-winning take on senior dining—made for more than just meals. Enjoy nutritious food, good company, and programs that support your overall health and well-being.
Tuesday–Friday • 11:30am–12:30pm
Encore Café rotates between Cedar Rapids and Marion sites throughout the week, serving dietitian-approved meals alongside activities and wellness programs. Menus and activities change monthly. Diners ages 60+ and their caretakers are welcome!
Tuesday–Friday
11:30am–12:30pm
Encore Café rotates between Cedar Rapids and Marion sites throughout the week, serving dietitian-approved meals alongside activities and wellness programs. Menus and activities change monthly. Diners ages 60+ and their caretakers are welcome!
Do I need a reservation?
To ensure we have enough food, please reserve by 1:00pm the day before. Diners with reservations are served first.
How much does it cost?
For those ages 60+, there is a suggested voluntary contribution of $5 per meal. Contributions go entirely toward supporting the Encore Café program. Spouses and individuals under age 60 can participate at the suggested $5 rate. For diners under age 60, the cost is $10 per meal and can be given to the Site Coordinator or host when checking in.
Do you close for inclement weather?
Closures due to weather will be announced on the Heritage Facebook page and as a voice message on the reservation line.
Encore Express
Washington County & Cedar Rapids
A spin-off of the Café program, Encore Express provides vouchers for meals at participating Hy-Vee stores. Express is available in Washington County and in certain Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.
Washington Program
Encore Express in Washington is the best of both worlds in senior nutrition: group dining to enjoy hot meals with good company, plus a monthly credit on your Encore Express Card to pick up meals at your convenience.
Group dining is held the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1226 E Washington St, Washington). Hot meals are catered by Hy-Vee, good times are had with fellow older adults, and speakers are often brought in to entertain and inform.
Encore Express Cards are reloaded on a monthly basis and can be redeemed at the Washington Hy-Vee. More details are available when you sign up for your card.
Reservations are requested to ensure enough food is prepared. Diners with reservations will be served first. Call the church by Tuesday to save your spot.
Menus for group dining are posted each month. The meals available for pickup with Encore Express Cards will vary based on what is available at Hy-Vee.
Cedar Rapids Program
Enjoy the convenience of an Encore Express Card and stop by our monthly food distributions in downtown Cedar Rapids. Contact us to learn more about the Cedar Rapids program.
Elder Rights Program
Know your rights. Protect your dignity.
No one should face abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Our Elder Rights Program exists to prevent harm and connect individuals with the right help.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Consultation Services
Elder Rights Specialists provide 1:1 discussion in person, by phone, or electronically. They gain an understanding of your problems and capabilities, connect you with the right support services, and follow up to ensure you receive the services you need.
Assessment & Intervention
Heritage specialists identify and assess your barriers to successful, independent aging. They connect you with resources that will address your current situation and set you up for long-term success.
Training & Education
Whether you want to learn about Heritage, scam prevention, dementia support, or other aging topics, the Elder Rights Program, or other Heritage services in general, our staff are available to present to your group. Contact our office Community Engagement Coordinator to schedule a training or presentation.
Other Resources
Need more information or don’t see what you’re looking for? Visit our Resources page or give us a call—we’re here to help.
