IN SCR0047

REAL Services was established in May 1966 as part of United Way's planning division to develop services for older adults in St. Joseph County, Indiana.

Received the first Indiana grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging in 1967 to establish the Information, Counseling and Referral Program (ICR) for determining elderly needs.

Developed meal and socialization programs that became the model for nationwide nutrition programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Expanded services over decades to include Dial-A-Ride transportation, crime victim services, weatherization assistance, guardianship, and programs for low-income people of any age.

Currently serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Area Two of Indiana and operates more than 20 programs assisting 30,000 elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals across 12 northern Indiana counties annually.