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A community where everyone has the opportunity to age successfully.

Established 1964

Promote the independence, dignity, and well-being of adults through service, education, and advocacy.

Whether you are learning the Medicare system, looking for services to help you stay healthy and independent at home, or need support in taking care of others, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County can help you to make the right connections.

Support our work: Donate to the Council on Aging.

Learn more about how to donate here.

In June 2022, we were the victim of a ransomware attack on their network disrupting their IT systems and creating significant operational challenges as a result. This costly, time-consuming, and sudden event disrupted the organization’s operations and strained its resources. After researching local businesses to provide the services needed to recover, COABC selected Epsilon, Inc. to take the necessary steps to rebuild the network and computer systems.

“Whenever a customer, much less a local non-profit, is affected by ransomware, it is frustrating,” said Matt Fraser, Vice President of Epsilon’s Commercial Services Division.  Epsilon engineers deployed a plan to cut off all systems and services from the internet, and quickly rebuilt the Council on Aging’s primary infrastructure including network, servers, computers, and applications.  “We were pleased to even provide a temporary network and secured computer systems so that Council on Aging could still operate throughout the restoration process.”

In addition, Epsilon addressed network and system security vulnerabilities, enhanced business continuity and backups, and even deployed cyber awareness training services to improve their employees’ knowledge of cyber threats in the world today. “As a nonprofit with limited resources to fulfill the stark increase in demand for our services,” said Heather Bauer the Executive Director of COABC, “having a crisis such as a ransomware attack could have gone as far as closing our doors for good.  By partnering with Epsilon who built their brand on providing white glove IT services based on security and compliance, we are confident that our systems are in good hands.”

After six months of providing these services and stabilizing the IT systems at COABC, Epsilon has further offered to help reduce monthly service costs in the form of a sponsorship. This sponsorship was much needed and valuable relief for COABC in the critical recovery phase. “Ensuring that Council on Aging continues to get top notch IT Services is so important to the success of their mission.  Epsilon is happy to help ensure that COABC and their IT assets are supported, secured, and available for years to come without breaking the bank.”  In addition, COABC secured additional support from a Janirve SUN grant from the Community Foundation of WNC, which enabled COABC to fund the remaining IT support costs for the fiscal year July 2022-June 2023. 

 “Having CFWNC and Epsilon as partners, both with caring, talented, and knowledgeable people on their teams, have made a tremendous difference in where we were as an organization prior to this ransomware attack, and where we are today,” Bauer states. COABC is proud to have this community support and we appreciate our partners beyond measure. Buncombe County’s aging population is being served at a higher level with these relationships.

About Epsilon, Inc. Epsilon, Inc. is a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business with its headquarters in Weaverville, NC and offices in Greenville, SC, Denver, CO, and Washington, DC. Since 2009, Epsilon has endeavored to make adoption of new technologies efficient, scalable, cost effective, and secure for both government and commercial customers. Over 100 businesses and multiple government agencies trust Epsilon to manage the Information Technology functions of their organization. For more information about Epsilon, please visit their website at www.epsilon-inc.com.

About The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a nonprofit serving eighteen counties in Western North Carolina. The Foundation is a permanent regional resource that facilitated $29 million in charitable giving last year. CFWNC inspires philanthropy and mobilizes resources to enrich lives and communities in Western North Carolina. www.cfwnc.org

Upcoming Events

Register for a free, “Introduction to Medicare” class

Visit our Medicare Center at 1 Vanderbilt Park Dr., Ste. 115, Asheville NC 28803


“Thank you for referring me to the Buncombe County Council on Aging to identify a drug insurance program that meets my needs.

I had the good fortune of reaching Tim Clapp who not only walked me through my options but custom-designed a drug insurance program based on my prescriptions.

The hour I spent with him, not only resulted in applying for Plan D but also brought humor and encouragement to an otherwise challenging day.

I am grateful to know such wonderful professionals are available to us as we navigate Act III.”

View our Annual Report for FY22 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022)

2021-2022 Annual Report

 View our Annual Report for FY21 (July 1, 2020-June 30,2021) 

2020-2021 Annual Report

View our Annual Report from 2019-2020
2019-2020 Annual Report

Contact us directly with any questions!
(828) 277-8288 or info@coabc.org

AARP can connect you with additional resources and happenings focused on key age-related initiatives, health promotion and an array of possibilities! Check out what is happening at AARP NC in the Mountain Region:  www.aarp.org/mountainnc

Aging Services Directory

View our local Aging Services Directory online. This booklet contains local resources for Buncombe County residents on topics such as Adult Day Services, Caregiver Support, Food Support, Insurance, Health and Mental Health Services, and much more.

Call us today for help.
(828) 277-8288

Thank You, Sponsors

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Your Support Makes a Difference

Put a leaf on our donor tree and support over a dozen programs for seniors and their caregivers. Our programs need funding to continue and your contribution makes a difference! Support Us

2020-2021 Annual Report

 

“This service means a lot to me. It is very nice for you to do this for seniors and others. I am really grateful for the food I really thank you for it. Your kindness will never be forgotten.”
- Food Delivery Client

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