The Dillon County Council for the Aging will always hold a special place in the heart of Joni Huggins-Spivey, who retired as director last year.
Huggins-Spivey shared the history of the agency from its inception.
In 1974 the Dillon County Council for the Aging was located behind the original Dunbar Memorial Library in a small, three-room building with the first executive director being Mrs. Virginia B. Martin.
There were four outreach workers that went into all areas of the county to locate the 60+ population that needed services provided by the new agency.
These early years served as a building block for aging services in Dillon County. Funding was provided by the Older Americans Act to begin these much needed services.
In the summer of 1975, a part-time office assistant was needed. Mrs. Helen R. Page of Lake View, one of the outreach workers, knew that her granddaughter, Joni, should apply for the position. Joni continues to be thankful for her grandmother’s encouragement and for Mrs. Martin hiring her.
Within a year, she became full-time and the office space had become too small for the provision of quality services to seniors. Mrs. Martin worked diligently to receive funding to remodel the city-owned building that once housed the city offices, police department, and fire department located at 205 East Main Street.
The City of Dillon granted a 50-year rent-free lease for the building to be used for the purpose of aging services. Grant money for the building was secured, remodeling was done, and a grand opening was held in 1979. There was now a senior center in Dillon County with plenty of space to conveniently provide needed services to the senior population of Dillon County.
In 1980, Joni was promoted to assistant director. She had seen many changes in the first five years of how client data was gathered.
All client information was kept on an index card in the beginning until a two-page form was manually done on each client. Eventually they received their first agency computer for the purpose of gathering client information and providing reports to the State Office on Aging.
Mrs. Martin passed away in 1984, and the Board of Directors voted to promote Joni to the Executive Director position. Her staff and she were committed to not only provide multiple services to seniors but to make them a part of their agency family.
“We wanted them to know that we cared and were there for them,” said Joni. “For some we may be the only family they have or their family works or lives miles away. I’m certain that many family members have been given peace of mind knowing that their parent or loved one was provided a hot daily meal or housekeeping services. It is so important to remain in our own homes independently for as long as possible. Without a doubt services the Dillon County Council for the Aging provides have allowed many senior adults to remain in their own homes longer and continue to do so.”
Over the years, they have strived to maintain their senior center which has been financially difficult. The Older Americans’ Act and state funds are strictly used for services to seniors unless otherwise specified. They have received grant money in the past for a new roof, painting, update bathrooms and carpet to help keep the senior center looking nice. However, after two hurricanes that flooded the building and normal wear and tear over the years more interior and exterior work needed to be done.
There was the opportunity to apply for a Permanent Improvement Program grant through the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging. This type of grant application is competitive and you may not find out for six to nine months if the request has been approved.
“I knew that I would be retiring in June 2018 but was determined to complete this application and make this grant a reality,” said Joni. “I requested $200,000.00, and there was a 30 percent local match required in the amount of $85,714.00 for a total budget of $285,714.00. The grant was approved and work began to remodel the senior center in early fall with work still being done to complete the project. The improvements to the front facade of the senior center were graciously funded by the City of Dillon.”
“I have been blessed to work 43 years doing something I love and have a passion for. However, retirement has allowed me to spend more time with my family and friends,” said Joni. “I look forward to making more memories with, Eden and Tatum, my two granddaughters. My parents are 82 years young, and I am honored to be able to be there for them. My two sons, Jason and Kyle, who I had the privilege of watching grow into great men. God has truly blessed me, and I can’t wait to see what His plans are for my future.”
