The beginning of Martin County Senior Centers dates back to 1971 when Mrs. Betty Griffin and a friend decided to expand a weekly social program for seniors that began at their local church. With the encouragement of the Mid-East Commission, Mrs. Griffin was hired part-time to conduct “senior groups” across the county. In 1972, Mrs. Griffin was hired as Project Director to organize a Senior Center in Martin County. With the award of a federal grant, the first Senior Center was officially opened in October 1972 and was housed in a local building in Williamston. The community “senior groups” already established by Mrs. Griffin began to meet at the Senior Center. In August of 1973, the Senior Center was relocated to its current site, where it is now known as the Martin County Department of Aging.
The Martin County Council on Aging, Inc. (previously known as the Williamston-Martin County Council on Aging, Inc.) is the non-profit arm of Martin County Adult & Aging Services. Incorporated in 1977, the MCCOA's main purpose is to identify and set priorities regarding the needs of the 60+ population and their caregivers; and to advise in the coordination and planning of those services. The MCCOA truly partners with Martin County Adult & Aging Services to provide a higher level of service to the seniors of Martin County.
