The Older Americans Act, passed by Congress in 1965 started the initiative to establish Area Agencies on Aging throughout the United States. Our major source of funding comes from federal and state dollars, but we also depend on business and private donations to maintain programs and outreach. In 1989 the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging Foundation was established to receive and distribute tax deductible donations to help fund programs and services for Seniors. In addition to sponsoring fundraising events, the Foundation provides information about opportunities for participating in one-time donations, memorial gifts and trust funds. The Silver Haired Legislature, or SHL as it is often called, is a formally elected body of citizens 60 years of age and older that promote conscientious legislative advocacy for Missouri's older adults.
All members are volunteers who serve without pay.
Elections are held annually during the month of May at the local area agencies on aging's nutrition or senior centers. Senior citizens elect 30 senators and 120 representatives. Following elections, the legislators meet to elect officers and begin to ascertain the needs of seniors in their districts. Bill's and resolutions are then drawn up and prepared for presentation at the statewide conference in the fall. The SHL meets for three days in the fall to conduct a model legislative session.