Pretend I Know Nothing About

Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
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Pretend I Know Nothing About is a podcast about the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging staff and programs. Each episode features staff from COAAA sharing about their role at the agency, how they got here, the committees they serve on, challenges in their work, and ideas for the future. To learn more about the inception and goal, check out the trailer episode “Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing About.”

  1. 3h ago

    S5 E3 - How Aging Solutions Foundation Empowers Seniors to Live Independently

    Learn how the Aging Solutions Foundation keeps Central Ohio seniors independent with emergency support for housing, utilities, and daily essentials. If you’ve ever wondered how small gestures can make huge positive changes for older adults, this episode is a must-listen. Katie White sits down with Melissa McMillan, Foundation Manager, to break down how the Aging Solutions Foundation fills critical gaps for those aging at home. Offering everything from microwaves to rent relief, and from supply drives to annual celebrations honoring community elders. In This Episode:Get behind-the-scenes insight into how the foundation was started and how its closed application process ensures every dollar meets true need.Learn what types of assistance are available: supply shelves of toiletries and pet goods, targeted inventory items like vacuums or microwaves, and robust one-time cash assistance for rent and utility emergencies.Hear how the annual budget is allocated, which types of grants and fundraising events (like the Gift Drive and State of Aging) power the mission, and the oversight involved in responsible spending.Discover what real impact looks like through 2025–2026 numbers, with over $37,000 distributed in a single year and personal stories from recipients.Find clear, actionable ways you can support independent living for older adults through wishlists, donations, and participating in events. Top Takeaways:The Foundation provides critical, one-time support for older adults and people with disabilities, keeping them safe, healthy, and independent at home.Support includes essential household goods, medical items, rent and utility payments, and supplies that government benefits don’t cover.All assistance requests go through a rigorous, needs-based review, ensuring donations go exactly where they’re needed most.Fundraising events like the annual Gift Drive and the State of Aging celebration offer fun, community-driven ways to contribute and stay involved.100% of donations directly support services for clients. None goes to overhead. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

  2. 3h ago

    S5 E2 - How The Volunteer Guardian Program Supports Older Adults in Nursing Homes

    Discover how the Volunteer Guardian Program at COAAA connects trained volunteers with older adults in nursing homes needing crucial decision support. Have you ever wondered how volunteers become trusted advocates for isolated older adults? In this episode, Katie White talks with Jane Moog and Wendy Hux, who manage the Volunteer Guardian Program at COAAA, about everything involved. From assessing client needs to training dedicated community members and ensuring quality of life for vulnerable seniors. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity, exploring elder advocacy, or simply curious about how guardianship works, you’ll gain practical insight into the impactful work happening every day in central Ohio’s nursing homes. What You’ll Learn: Who the Volunteer Guardian Program serves: Medicaid-eligible older adults in nursing homes with no available family support (03:02).How volunteers are thoroughly vetted, trained, and matched with residents needing decision-making assistance (06:00 and 07:25).Step-by-step overview of the referral, assessment, and court appointment process (04:07, 14:16).Ongoing support and teamwork between staff and volunteers, including advocacy in challenging situations (25:04).The real-life difference made by guardians, with moving stories of improved health, engagement, and quality of life (35:20). Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

  3. Mar 2

    S5 E1 - Next Generation MyCare Program

    In this episode, I’m joined by two of my incredible colleagues, Rita Crow and Sarah Hall, as we unravel the story behind the Next Generation MyCare Program. Welcome to "Pretend I Know Nothing." I'm Katie White, your host and the administrator of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA). Together, we’ll share how we navigated the transition from the original MyCare Ohio demonstration project to this brand new, statewide initiative. Drawing from our years of experience in case management, program leadership, and serving some of Ohio’s most vulnerable populations, we’ll give you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at all the planning, problem-solving, and teamwork that went into launching Next Generation MyCare Program. You’ll hear how Area Agencies on Aging—like ours—play a crucial role in this work, how collaborating with managed care organizations has changed the landscape, and what it really takes to roll out a massive change like this without leaving people behind. You don’t need to know anything about healthcare or managed care to follow along; we break it all down, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned along the way. Top 3 Takeaways: Care Integration that Works: By uniting Medicare and Medicaid services under a single managed care plan, Ohio’s AAAs have streamlined access to care, closed coverage gaps, and delivered tailored support for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.Collaboration & Consistency Matter: Developing statewide standards—through extensive committee work and contract negotiations—has ensured that every member receives a consistent level of service, no matter where they live or which managed care plan they’re on.Teamwork Powers Success: The culture of collaboration, adaptability, and putting members first sets the AAAs apart. From specialized staff roles to ongoing feedback loops, everyone works together—across units, across counties—to keep people safe, healthy, and at home. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

  4. 11/17/2025

    S4 E6 - Service Coordination

    If you’ve ever wondered how older adults can age in place safely and with dignity, or what keeps things running in affordable housing buildings, this episode shines a light on the heartbeat of those communities—and on the people working quietly behind the scenes to make it happen. I’m sitting down with Michelle Missler, President and CEO of the American Association of Service Coordinators, and Ellen Carey, supervisor at COAAA, for an honest conversation about service coordination—what it is, why it matters, and why most people haven’t heard of it. You’ll hear more about my guests’ experiences working in affordable housing and aging services. We break down what a typical day looks like for a service coordinator: it’s a whole mix of connecting residents to benefits, offering wellness programs, managing emergencies, and building deep relationships within their communities. Michelle Missler shares how advocacy at the national level is helping improve pay, recognition, and support for service coordinators everywhere. Ellen Carey gives us a glimpse into the daily realities on the ground, from juggling multiple needs to partnering with local organizations. Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone passionate about aging services, housing, or community support: Service Coordinators Are Relationship Builders: The heartbeat of affordable housing, service coordinators form essential connections with residents, helping bridge gaps to benefits, healthcare, and community resources. Their work is personal, proactive, and absolutely vital for helping people age in place.Funding & Advocacy Remain Critical: From HUD grants to creative local partnerships, sustaining service coordination is a major challenge. Recent advocacy is driving real progress, including better pay and deeper support structures – but continued investment is needed at every level.Standardized Tools & Training Make A Difference: Systems like Ask Online and comprehensive training programs from professional associations are leveling up what service coordinators can deliver, amplifying their impact across hundreds of buildings nationwide. Moments 00:00 Service Coordinator Advocacy and Support 05:24 Proactive Senior Case Manager 06:43 Community Support and Coordination 10:04 Community Programs and Partnerships 15:16 "Salary Survey and Advocacy Plan" 18:22 Service Coordinator Funding Methods 20:23 Funding Models for Service Coordinators 23:04 Advocating for Timely HUD Funding 26:39 "Funding Service Coordination Innovations" 31:41 Ask Membership Benefits Summary 35:27 "Service Coordination Data Evolution" 36:58 Building Partnerships for Community Needs 41:39 Ellen's Remarkable Crisis Coordination 45:54 Essence of Relationship Building 49:32 "Aging Autonomously in Community" 51:17 Service Coordination Appreciation Remarks Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

  5. 10/21/2025

    S4 E5 - Shallow Rental Subsidy Pilot Program

    Curious about innovative approaches to address housing insecurity for older adults? You won't want to miss this discussion! I sit down with Dr. Katie Calhoun (Assistant Professor, OSU College of Social Work) and Marisa Sheldon (Director, Age Friendly Columbus & Franklin County and the Age Friendly Innovation Center) to talk about the regional Shallow Subsidy Pilot Program and what we've learned about housing instability among older adults in Central Ohio. We kick things off by exploring Dr. Calhoun's background in Denver, where she researched housing stability and worked on the Denver Basic Income Project, which tested guaranteed income as a tool for reducing homelessness. Bringing these experiences to Columbus, she joined forces with our Age-Friendly Innovation Center team and leveraged new data from the Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging, revealing a concerning rise in housing cost burdens among adults 50 and older in our region. We discuss the creation of the Shallow Subsidy Pilot: a program offering a modest but sustained rent subsidy to low-income older renters, aiming to help them remain housed while they await long-term support, such as housing vouchers. I walk you through the careful process of designing and launching this pilot—including the crucial role of our COAAA housing staff, collaboration across community organizations, and a randomized controlled evaluation to truly measure the impact. Together, we unpack findings from both quantitative data and powerful participant interviews. The trends show improvements in housing affordability, financial well-being, and mental health, with a notable reduction in emergency department visits among subsidy recipients. At the same time, we underline the unique challenges older adults face, especially those paying far more than half their income on housing, and highlight the importance of choice, dignity, and "aging in the right place." We also reflect on learnings from the staff-focused implementation analysis and discuss how community-driven projects can shape next steps. Moments 00:00 "Income Support to Combat Homelessness" 05:36 "PhD Research on Elder Homelessness" 07:39 Housing & Homelessness Conversations 11:49 Randomized Trial Evaluating Subsidy Impact 15:41 Randomized Trial Participant Process 17:46 Measuring Housing Intervention Outcomes 21:18 "Shallow Subsidies Empower Housing Choice" 23:03 Housing Costs and Financial Well-Being 28:27 "Shuttle Subsidy Cuts ED Visits" 31:05 Refining Housing Cost Burden Insights 34:16 Implementation Assessment Using CFIR Framework 38:21 "Tension for Change Drives Action" 39:45 "Overhauling Housing Support Systems" 42:47 "Money as Community Support" Here are 5 keys you’ll pick up from this episode: Shallow Subsidies 101: What they are, what they do, and why they’re a game-changer for people on fixed incomes.Behind the Science: How randomized control trials work, and why having a placebo group is both tough and crucial for real results.The Real Impact: Hear about direct benefits, from being able to buy “extras” (think: a haircut, a mattress, or a treat for a granddaughter) to fewer ER visits.Housing Is More Than a Roof: Learn why stability and choice in living situations give older adults more autonomy, dignity, and connection to their communities.Lessons Learned: Why piloting something new doesn’t guarantee instant success—and why asking tough questions helps build a better future (plus, the COAAA team's fearless commitment to doing just that!). Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

  6. 09/29/2025

    S4 E4 - Jewish Family Services Helping Refugees and New Americans

    Whether you’re a case manager, community member, or just eager to understand the forces shaping Central Ohio, this conversation is full of insights, untold stories, and a reminder of the relentless human spirit. Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing, where curiosity leads the way. In this episode, I sit down with Tariq Mohammed, Senior Director for Refugee Programming at Jewish Family Services (JFS), to demystify the realities of refugee resettlement and the journey of new Americans in Central Ohio. Tariq and I talk about the origins and evolution of Jewish Family Services, highlighting its mission to serve not only the Jewish community, but anyone in need—from seniors and job seekers to newcomers navigating life in a foreign country. Together, we unpack the difference between refugees and other immigrants, outline the complex global and federal systems that shape refugee resettlement, and reveal how the U.S. has long been a leader in providing new beginnings to those fleeing persecution. You’ll get an inside look at the practical work JFS does, from employment support and digital literacy to school integration, health care access, and the profound importance of a welcoming environment. Tariq also brings a personal perspective and shares how stories, photography, and lived experience help preserve the narratives of resilience and hope that new Americans bring to our communities. Key Takeaways: JFS Welcomes All: While its roots are in serving the Jewish community, Jewish Family Services now supports people from every background and zip code. Their programs range from helping Holocaust survivors to workforce development and digital literacy for seniors and newcomers alike.Refugee Resettlement is Rigorous & Life-changing: Becoming a refugee is more than just crossing a border—it's a status defined by international law. The resettlement process can take up to 17–20 years for many, but the U.S. has been a global leader in providing a fresh start and supporting integration.Resilience & Contribution: Refugees “arrive with empty hands, but not empty heads.” They revitalize communities, contribute economically, and inspire a vibrant, diverse culture. Support systems like JFS are crucial in ensuring these new Americans thrive. Moments 00:00 Jewish Family Services: Inclusive Mission 04:44 Supporting Community & Holocaust Survivors 08:47 "Refugee Definition Explained" 11:56 Seeking Asylum: Refugee Application Process 15:26 Refugee Resettlement Options Explained 18:05 Refugee Life: 20 Minutes, 20 Years 20:23 Churches' Role in Refugee Resettlement 25:31 Refugee School Integration Program 26:22 Supporting Refugee Families in Schools 31:23 Convincing Landlords Without Social Security 35:07 Expert Guidance Over Family Advice 37:10 U.S. Immigration Process Overview 40:41 Refugee Integration and Support Process 45:35 "America: Top Destination for Refugees" 47:06 Senior Companions: Generational Giving 52:33 Archival Photography for Future Generations 54:02 African Diaspora and Cuba Projects Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

  7. 09/15/2025

    S4 E3 - The Ohio State College of Social Work Age-Friendly Innovation Center and the Weather and Aging Resiliency Model

    This episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how evidence-based, community-engaged research is shaping the future of aging in Central Ohio. I’m your host, Katie White, and today we’re taking the show on the road for a very special conversation at the Age-Friendly Innovation Center at The Ohio State University. Joining me is Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, professor and director of research at the Age-Friendly Innovation Center, to explore how Columbus and Central Ohio are paving the way for inclusive, age-friendly communities. In this episode, we talk about the transformative work behind the Weather and Aging Resiliency Model—or WARM—a research partnership between the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and Ohio State’s Age Friendly Innovation Center. We discuss how the movement for age-friendly communities began in Columbus, what it means to truly listen to and collaborate with older adults and people with disabilities, and why issues like climate change and emergency preparedness are now vital to ensuring communities are safe, resilient, and liveable for everyone. You’ll hear why community-based, participatory research is at the heart of this effort, discover the unexpected impacts of extreme weather on affordable housing, and learn about the practical resources—and human connections—that are saving lives. Plus, we share powerful stories from the frontlines, lessons learned, and the impact of bridging research, policy, and day-to-day services. Here are my top three takeaways from this thoughtful episode: Community-Led Research Is Key: Meaningfully engaging older adults and people with disabilities in research and decision-making leads to more impactful, relevant solutions for aging communities.Climate Change Affects Every Aspect of Aging: The Age-Friendly Innovation Center, in partnership with COAAA, is at the forefront of incorporating climate and sustainability as a crucial “ninth domain” that influences housing, transportation, social connection, and emergency preparedness for older adults.Social Connection Trumps Complexity: When it comes to protecting older adults during emergencies, strong social networks (neighbors, case managers, trusted organizations) are often more protective than any state-of-the-art technology or kit. Simple, human connections save lives. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

  8. 07/22/2025

    S4 E2 - Inside Black Men's Wellness Day and Uplift Her

    I had the privilege of sitting down with two incredible guests, Antoine Hayes and Stephanie Andrews, to shine a light on Black Men's Wellness Day and Uplift Her—a community event that’s not only close to our hearts, but also making a real impact in Central Ohio and beyond. What is Black Men’s Wellness Day? If you’re unfamiliar, Black Men’s Wellness Day was founded by John Gregory in 2004 as a 5K walk/run on the east side of Columbus. What started locally has now blossomed into a nationwide movement in 12 cities. The core mission? To confront health disparities among Black men and promote wellness in the Black community in tangible, supportive ways. The event is so much more than a walk. Free health screenings are available, covering everything from cholesterol and blood pressure to kidney health, HIV, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Last year’s goal was 2,500 screenings, which they achieved, so this year the bar is set even higher at 5,000. It’s wonderful to see ambitious goals driven by a successful track record. More Than Just a Walk: Uplift Her Stephanie introduced us to another related event, Uplift Her. Recognizing that Black women, too, face significant health disparities, Uplift Her extends the spirit of Black Men's Wellness Day to women in the community. It’s held indoors with health checks, counseling, and plenty of entertainment and guest speakers. This year, thanks to efforts from Melissa Gulteri and the COAA team, attendees who needed blood pressure monitoring could receive cuffs and logs for at-home tracking, along with connections to further services. COAA’s Role: Committee and Community COAA’s involvement includes supporting both Black Men’s Wellness Day and Uplift Her, especially by sponsoring the Senior Pavilion—a dedicated space for older adults (or, as they’re now called, “Distinguished Gentlemen” or “Golden Citizens,” a more celebratory take than “seniors”). At the Pavilion, our committee helps set up, host, and entertain. There are also activities for those who can’t participate in the walk itself, ensuring everyone feels included. The committee at COAA meets monthly, coordinating closely with Pam Shields (who spearheads the seniors’ efforts) to provide everything needed: volunteers, set-up help, swag bags filled with useful information, and a visible presence on walk day. Making Wellness Accessible and Fun A central theme throughout our discussion is that this event is accessible, family-friendly, and joyful. There are activities for all ages—kids’ stations, games for “Golden Citizens,” music, food, and giveaways. Importantly, the drive is to foster trust around health in a space that feels welcoming and supportive for everyone. Immediate access to on-site doctors and even medications is an extraordinary feature, as is the realism and urgency around connecting participants to care if needed. Inclusivity and Community Growth While the event emphasizes Black men’s wellness, it’s clear everyone is welcome—men, women, children, and entire families. Last year’s attendance was enormous, with estimates soaring above 10,000 (some numbers in our conversation reached closer to 100,000, reflecting both community enthusiasm and the event’s growth). In fact, this year marks the last time the event will be held at Livingston Park due to outgrowing the space, which is a testament to its reach and impact. How to Get Involved The best part is involvement is free. You can sign up for a “Passion Team” on the official website, or, if you want to join the COAA team specifically, reach out to us directly so we can add you. Whether you’re walking, volunteering, or just coming to check out what’s happening, your presence makes a difference. Why It Matters Both Antoine and Stephanie shared personal stories highlighting why this work matters. For Antoine, it’s about caring for community health and creating opportunities for Black men to prioritize wellness without barriers. For Stephanie, it’s a chance to connect seniors and families to critical services so that everyone—regardless of age—can thrive. Final Thoughts Black Men’s Wellness Day is more than an event—it’s a celebration, a lifeline, and a statement of community resilience. Join us next time, and together let’s build a healthier, more connected community. Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org! Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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About

Pretend I Know Nothing About is a podcast about the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging staff and programs. Each episode features staff from COAAA sharing about their role at the agency, how they got here, the committees they serve on, challenges in their work, and ideas for the future. To learn more about the inception and goal, check out the trailer episode “Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing About.”

Information

  • Creator
    Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
  • Show Website
    Pretend I Know Nothing About