News

Media Contact:

Paula Smith, Sr. Strategic Communications Consultant, (513) 509-9211 or [email protected]

BLUE ASH, OHIO, Jan. 20, 2026 – Council on Aging (COA) is a recipient of a $50,000 Interact for Health 2025 Rural Changemaker Grant. COA was among seven organizations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana to receive funding through the 2025 Rural Changemaker Grant, the signature grant opportunity of Interact for Health’s Rural Investment Strategy. The funding will support home52 Transportation, an innovative transportation coordination service developed by COA’s wholly owned subsidiary, home52.  

home52 Transportation was selected for the grant because it provides critical transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities who cannot use traditional public transportation or rideshare services. With the grant, home52 Transportation will be able to serve low and moderate-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who live in rural Clermont County, Ohio. 

Eligibility criteria for rides funded by the Changemaker grant include:

• Clermont County resident
• 65 years and older or disabled adult age 18 and older
• Annual income at least 300% below federal poverty guidelines ($46,950 for household of 1; $63,450 for household of 2)

More information about eligibility guidelines, service area and how to register for a ride can be found on home52’s website.

“Transportation is a common barrier to independent living for many older adults and individuals with disabilities, especially in rural areas,” said Judy Eschmann, vice president of community connections and programs services at Council on Aging. “This grant will help Clermont County residents with special transportation needs get to doctor’s appointments, go grocery shopping and stay connected to their communities.”

For more information about the Rural Changemaker Grants, visit Interact for Health’s website.

About home52 Transportation

Older adults and people with disabilities often need specialized transportation services, including special vehicles, assistive devices, through-the-door, and on-demand service.

home52 Transportation manages multiple transportation providers through a centralized transportation coordination system, providing the right type of vehicle, at the right time, with the right support to meet riders’ unique transportation needs. For more information: www.home52.org. 

About Council on Aging and home52

Council on Aging (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.  COA promotes choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain independent for as long as possible. 

COA is a state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton and Warren counties. One call to COA links people to the wide variety of agencies, information and programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.

Created in 2017, home52 is COA’s innovation hub. It provides a flexible environment where COA can develop innovative services and products to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders and partners. home52 programs and services align with Council on Aging’s mission to help individuals remain independent in their homes and communities. Products and services created and launched by home52 are managed and administered by COA staff.

Regional Headquarters:

4601 Malsbary Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 | 513-721-1025 | 800-252-0155 | www.help4seniors.org