The Mississippi Council on Aging (COA) works to protect and support Mississippi’s older adults by building strong partnerships between criminal justice, social services, and community organizations. The Council’s mission is to coordinate efforts that address the unique challenges seniors face, especially around victimization, crime prevention, and safety education.
Purpose and Focus
Through collaboration with law enforcement and community partners, the Council promotes strategies that:
- Foster coordinated crime prevention efforts involving seniors and law enforcement
- Raise public awareness and equip older adults with safety skills
- Expand and support programs designed to reduce crime against older Mississippians
Melinda Bertucci – American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Eunice Robinson – American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Kenyada Blake Washington – Mississippi Department of Human Services
Elise Cowart – Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police
Vacant – Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police
Leyser Hayes – Office of the Attorney General
Barbara Douglas – Community Volunteer Councils on Aging
Patricia Nelson – Community Volunteer Councils on Aging
Sheriff Randy Tolar (Board President) – Mississippi Sheriff’s Association
Sheriff Willie March (Board Vice President) – Mississippi Sheriff’s Association
Joshua Bromen – Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Vacant – Aging Advocate Network
Vacant – Aging Advocate Network
- September 9, 2025
- December 10, 2025
- March 11, 2026
- June 10, 2026
Additional information on location and time can be found at https://www.ms.gov/dfa/pmn
TRIAD Program
The Council supports TRIAD, a collaborative initiative between law enforcement agencies and senior community members. TRIAD enhances safety by developing crime prevention strategies, delivering public education, and providing assistance to older victims of crime.
Participating counties and agencies currently include Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Jones, Kemper, Leake, Lee, the Madison Police Department, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Simpson, Stone, Tunica, Union, Winston–Monroe, Pearl River, DeSoto, Choctaw, Oktibbeha, and Washington.
Grant Opportunities
The Council provides funding for local, senior-focused public safety projects. These grants prioritize activities consistent with the TRIAD model, such as crime prevention education and safety enhancements for older adults.
Applications Aug 6 – Oct 15, 2025 (Closed)
Project Period Oct 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Purpose
Funds small, local projects that reduce crime against seniors (age 60 and older), with priority given to activities aligned with the TRIAD model.
Award Amount
- $1,500 per award
- Reimbursement-only (no advance payments)
Project Period
- October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Reimbursements
- Reimbursement requests may be submitted as costs are incurred.
Grant Timeline
- RFP & Application Window:
August 6 – September 8, 2025
Extended through October 15, 2025 - Application Review & Scoring:
September 8 – 12, 2025 - Mandatory Grant Implementation Training (Microsoft Teams):
- September 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
- September 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
- Grant Start Date: October 1, 2025
- Grant End Date: March 31, 2026
- Final Deadline for Grant Paperwork: May 31, 2026
Who Can Apply
- Local Council on Aging (COA) coalitions operating under a county law enforcement agency
- Law enforcement must serve as the lead and primary applicant
- Coalitions should include:
- Law enforcement
- Social service agencies
- Community partners
- One application per county
- All participating entities must be listed in the application
Allowable Costs
Printing & Reproduction
Brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, postage, and TRIAD materials.
Food & Refreshments
Food for workshops or seminars delivering senior safety content.
- Limit: May not exceed 20% of the total award.
Crime Prevention & Safety Items
Includes, but is not limited to:
- Deadbolts
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Peepholes
- Fire blankets (new only)
- Whistles
- Emergency light bulbs
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguishers
- Weather radios
- File of Life decals or medical refrigerator magnets
- Driveway alarms
- Reflective address numbering
- Grab bars
- LED lanterns
- First-aid kits
- Credit card protection sleeves
- Two-person emergency kits (new only)
- Box fans (maximum of 20 units)
E-911 Signage Supplies
Address numbers and letters, posts or PVC, brackets, screws, bolts, and related hardware.
Branded Clothing
TRIAD T-shirts or caps for seniors or SALT members.
- Limit: May not exceed 10% of the total award.
Other Costs (By Prior Approval Only)
Items not listed above require prior written approval from the Council on Aging.
Costs Not Allowed
- Salaries
- Vehicle mileage
Must-Read Compliance Notes
Only one application per county is permitted, with law enforcement as the lead applicant.
No advance payments; all funding is reimbursement-only.
Itemized receipts and proof of payment are required for all reimbursements.
Cost limits must be followed:
Food ≤ 20%
Clothing ≤ 10%
Box fans ≤ 20 units
Unlisted purchases require prior written approval.
Contact
Carla Taylor, Director
Email: ctaylor@dps.ms.gov
Phone: (601) 391-4931
