Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Yanni.
Hi Becky, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
In 2005 I started a new chapter in my life. I had one son in college and another about to graduate high school. The hotel business my husband and I had run together for 20 years had just sold. And I was starting in the real estate business. When one of my real estate customers talked to me about her job working for Council on Aging as the Volunteer Coordinator, it sounded like a worthy cause- helping seniors age in place with dignity, respect, and independence. It was the best decision I could have made! I decided to volunteer some of my time at the agency.
When the real estate crash came in 2008, I told my manager, Kay Green, I would have more free time if she could use my help. I volunteered to help with several fundraising events Council on Aging held. Soon, to my delight, she offered me a job on staff as the development events coordinator.! When Kay retired two years later, I was offered her position. And then, in 2013, when the agency’s executive director retired, the board of directors provided me that position. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as Executive Director of the St. Johns County Council on Aging ever since.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It would not be an understatement to say that leading an agency that offers multiple services in 10 locations with 180 employees assisted by more than 500 volunteers has its challenges. Early in my tenure as director here, the model for offering services to our seniors through Medicaid reimbursement changed, not for the better. Obstacles to providing services arose around regulations and reimbursement rates put in place by managed care organizations. We, as an agency, adapted and moved ahead, but the negative impacts on the seniors we serve still linger. Of course, the most significant challenge has been the COVID pandemic and the aftereffects we are still dealing with. The population we serve is the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of COVID. We shut down our senior centers, adult day services, and multiple Integrative Memory Enhancement Program centers. We altered our model of providing transportation to make it safer for passengers and drivers. And then, after the vaccine was widely available and we began to reopen, we faced staffing shortages, funding issues, and the understandable fears of some of our participants and their caregivers. These two issues were the most difficult to navigate during my time as director of COA.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about St. Johns County Council on Aging?
Council on Aging is dedicated to helping older people in our community live their best possible lives, aging in place with dignity and independence in the place they call home. We offer that help through essential nutrition, transportation, and program services. How do those who rely on our services describe what we do? People who utilize Meals on Wheels or Transportation to medical appointments call us their lifeline. Folks who need assistance or information call us as their trusted resource. Volunteers say the COA gives them purpose. Those who take lifelong learning classes or travel with us say we are their adventure. Families who send their loved ones to our memory care call us their respite. Seniors who attend one of our community centers call us family.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born in Jacksonville and have lived in St Augustine for 45 years. I love my hometown! From the river to the sea, northeast Florida is just beautiful. I love being outdoors, walking, biking, kayaking, and enjoying nature. Our community has so many places to explore. The only thing I dislike is mismanaged, out-of-control growth threatening all those lovely outdoor opportunities I enjoy and want my children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: coasjc.org
Image Credits
David Macri
