For over 13 years, Marta Keane has led an organization that seeks to make it easier for older community members to grow old. This week the CEO of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) spent some of her time appearing before elected officials in Greene County and Nelson County.
On Tuesday evening, Keane thanked the Greene Board of Supervisors for their support for the Greene County Community Center JABA operates in Stanardsville. She gave them a hand-out with stories about the individuals helped by having a place to go to meet others. (read the hand-out)
“A gentleman in 2022 had been very good about coming to the center but before he came his family was very concerned about his social skills because he was staying home watching tv all the time and seemed very depressed,” Keane said. “Now since he’s been attending the center, whenever he gets the opportunity, he shares his joy of socializing with others and talks about how good the lunches are.”
Keane thanked Supervisors for their financial support and reminded them that JABA also helps people find other services they may need to stay in their homes.
“I know at budget time we talk a lot of numbers, but as we all know it’s really about the service we can do for everyone,” Keane said.
Greene County’s contribution to JABA in FY2025 is $125,813, and Keane has completed her final budget cycle. On Monday, the Jefferson Board for Aging (JABA) announced Keane will retire at the end of the year.
“Marta has taken JABA from a good to an excellent area agency on aging in Virginia,” an information release quotes Dick Gibson, the chair of JABA’s Board of Directors.
Keane took over from Gordon Walker, a former member of the Albemarle County School Board who served as JABA’s CEO for 31 years after being hired in 1982. JABA itself dates back to 1975.
Gibson said Keane had the attributes needed to advance the organization.
“Marta possesses the proper balance between passion for mission and sound business practices, and she has brought incredible energy, compassion, knowledge, innovation, business acumen, team-building, goal setting, and success to all facets of JABA,” Gibson said.
Keane suffered a stroke in 2018 while traveling overseas and was left paralyzed. The JABA Board encouraged her to stay and within six months she was able to stand and deliver a presentation on resiliency.
Keane will continue to work as CEO this year while her position is filled.
No matter who is in charge, the nonprofit agency offers services to adults over the age of 60, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
“If you or someone you love is in need of service or support, contact our Senior Helpline at 434-817-5224 or 833-559-2428,” reads a portion of the 2023 annual report.
According to that report, that year JABA delivered 45,509 meals to homes, assisted 14,906 people with referrals, and served as an advocate for 3,857 people in long-term care facilities. Another 3,232 people were assisted with insurance counseling and JABA volunteers provided nearly 20,000 hours of service.
JABA posted a job announcement on Tuesday. Applications close on August 23.
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