ABOUT US:

Mission: 
The East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging (EMMCA) devotes itself to providing services to assist our elderly neighbors so they may remain in their own homes while living a healthy, productive, and dignified life.  EMMCA is an independent, nonprofit, neighborhood organization.  It is our goal to maintain the highest possible of quality of service.

Membership:  
Anyone can become a member by submitting an annual fee of $15.00.   Your membership entitles you to a monthly newsletter mailed to your address every month.   You are also eligible to vote at our Annual Meeting.   Your suggestions for programming and services are also welcome.   Your membership fee supports EMMCA by helping to cover the cost of the printing and mailing of the newsletters.

History: 
The East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging began in 1973 when a group of neighborhood church leaders and older adults organized themselves to coordinate all of the activities available for local senior citizens and to address common needs and goals.  The Coalition incorporated April 30, 1974 as a private, nonprofit organization providing community based services and hired a program coordinator. 

From 1975 -1980 funding was granted to seed the Coalition’s initial programs – senior nutrition and outreach.   Four coalitions were formed in Madison providing service for the entire city of Madison and the city of Monona.  

From 1980-1990 outreach evolved into case management as staff worked with older adults on an individual basis, helping them to connect with and manage the services which keep them independent.

In 1987 after much planning and assessment the coalition started a volunteer-based home chore program designed to match volunteers with low-income older adults needing help with basic home chores enabling them to continue living at home.

In the early 2000s the Coalition purchased a building and established an Adult Day Center that provides services in a unique homelike setting.   This service provides much needed respite for caregivers, and socialization and gentle exercise activities for seniors in Dane County.   Most recently in 2009 we made available evening and Saturday care to meet the needs of caregivers throughout Dane County.

As the Coalition evolved and the older adult population grew and needs changed, additional services were added that include: monthly newsletters, support groups, toe nail clinics, resource library and an equipment lending closet.

2010 Board of Directors:

EMMCA is grateful and proud to have active and devoted members.   The Board meets 8-10 times a year and conducts business through various committees throughout the year.   Board members actively give their support both financially and through in-kind contributions from printing brochures and flyers, to building repair and maintenance, to graphic design, donation of equipment and a multitude of other ways.   The board is made up of 7 to 15 members who serve for three year terms with a maximum of nine years.  Members are:

Dan Pechauer, Board President
(Pechauer Insurance, Agent)

Bob DiLoreto, Vice President
(White Knight Carpet Rescue, Inc)

Mike McHugh, CPA, Board Treasurer
(Bremser Group, Principal)

Robert Gannon, Board Secretary
(Gannon Graphics, Owner)

Pete Gunderson
(Gunderson Funeral Homes, President)

Bernice Owen
(Emerita, UW Madison)

Jeff Gunderson
(Acry Fab, Inc, President)

Bill Kneebone
(BK Home Inspections, Owner)

Julie Bass
(State Farm Insurance, Agent)

Board Committees:

Executive:  Board officers and most recent past president
Fundraising and Marketing
Development Subcommittee
Human Resources and Program
Finance
Building and Maintenance
Technology

All board members participate in two or more committees.  Other dedicated community members are welcome to serve on committees as well.  We are grateful to have that commitment from:  Stan Serkosky (Serkosky Creative Services, President) member of the Fundraising/Marketing Committee, Jim Marshall (retired) member of the Development Subcommittee and Mitch Johnson, member of the Technology Subcommittee.  Stan created our website and lends his expertise in maintaining it and in drafting fundraising materials.  Jim spends considerable time using his expertise and experience guiding us through the implementation of our new long term giving plan.  Mitch created and maintains our computer system and guides us through the technological maze into the future. If you are interested in becoming a Board or Committee Member, please contact Sonya at 223-3103.

EMMCA Staff

We have a very caring and dedicated staff consisting of 12 people, some who work full time, some part time. 

Sonya Lindquist - Executive Director
Tricia Stevens - Administrative Assistant
Tammy Haverberg - Day Center Manager
Alasa Wiest - Day Center Assistant Manager and Outreach staff
Tina Gomoll - Day Center lead aid
Molly Krause - Lead Case Manager
Judy Tegtman - Case Manager
Breighton Larson - Case Manager
Claire Culbertson - Caring for the Caregiver
Vicki Ward - Nutrition Site Coordinator
Jeanne DeBraal, Day Care Assistant

We are also fortunate to have both new and long serving office volunteers, building maintenance volunteers and nail clinic volunteers.   In addition each of our programs has volunteers that enable us to provide our services.