Lee County Council On Aging
100 W. 2nd St. Dixon IL 61021 (815) 288-9236
(815) 288-9236
History of the LCCOA
From a collection of like-minded men and women to a full-fledged and accredited Senior's Center
1974 to 1976
1974-1975
First meeting place of the Lee County Council Of Aging was at Orchard Glen Nursing Home, in May of 1974 and incorporated on May 14, 1974 – with the help and consultation from Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging (NIAAA).
1975-1976
On November 13, 1975 the Title 7 nutrition program was started at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Richard Schilling, Chair Transportation, Committee started working on getting a senior citizens bus. Under leadership of Joyce Miller, Nutritionist, Meals on Wheels started at KSB Hospital.
Jan 1976- With cooperation of LCCOA, the city of Dixon and Dixon Township, the Drop-In center in Dixon was getting ready to open. Reverend Downing asked for donations of furniture.
In April 1976, Dixon Drop-In Center was opened with an Open House held on May 6, 1976 - at the corner of Galena Avenue and 1st street. Many people volunteered their time, talents, and money.
September 30, 1976 –The First Senior Bus arrived.
1977-1978
By 1977 the Drop-In Center at Galena Ave & 1st St. was already becoming too small and an opportunity to get a bigger building presented itself. Through federal and state grants, the lower level of the 1911 Post Office was renovated, including making the building accessible to Senior Citizens. And the lower level dining room area added. Many volunteers and much work later, an official “Open House” celebrated a new era in the history of LCCOA, at the new senior center at 100 W. 2nd St., in the old Dixon Post office building.
Building & Growing
After the rush of 1970's activity comes today's established stability.
After moving into the former Post Office in Dixon in September of 1978, the staff discovered that the new location offered LCCOA a solid foundation where it's staff provides services for the Senior Citizens of Lee County.
The LCCOA continues to provide bus transportation for Seniors, out of this new location.
And now it's Outreach Department had the larger office space and meeting space needed to meet the needs of a growing aging population.
And the Senior Center had it's own full kitchen, too.
Adding elegance in 2000
In March 2000, LCCOA started renovating the upstairs Post House. The Department of Commerce and Community Affairs sent us $200,000. Agency fund-raisers and donors raised another $100,000. And the major Renovation began!
Then in 2021, after a year of COVID-19 Restrictions, we once again began taking reservations for future special occasions such as weddings, showers, parties or corporate events.
The Ballroom phone number is 815-288-9236.
