Left to right: Assistant Director, Multifamily Housing Management, Hunter LeClair; Housing Choice Voucher Program Manager, Megan Akers; Senior VP, Housing, Josh Gemerek; Bay Aging President and CEO, Kathy Vesley; and Peninsula Agency on Aging President and CEO, William Massey.

Bay Aging is proud to announce that Josh Gemerek, Senior Vice President at Bay Housing, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 Game Changer Award at the Virginia Housing Alliance’s annual Housing Awards Ceremony held at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, VA. This event celebrates the exceptional contributions of individuals who have made significant advancements in affordable housing and efforts to end homelessness across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Gemerek was one of nine incredible housing heroes honored at the 2024 awards ceremony. His leadership and dedication to expanding affordable housing options and improving the lives of vulnerable populations have made a lasting impact. Under his guidance, Bay Aging’s housing initiatives have grown, helping ensure more individuals and families have access to safe, affordable housing throughout the region.

“I am deeply honored to have been nominated by my Bay Aging co-workers,” said Gemerek when asked about receiving the award. “It is especially meaningful to be selected by my colleagues who provide leadership across the statewide affordable housing and services industry.”

Gemerek began his career at Bay Aging as a Housing Manager/Ombudsman and steadily rose through the ranks. Starting as a Property Manager, he advanced to Vice President, Property Management and Development, and then to Senior Vice President at Bay Housing, a role he has held since 2008. Over his 25-year career at Bay Aging, Gemerek has been a tireless advocate for individuals in need of housing assistance. He has identified and developed new housing resources, programs, and funding streams to facilitate the many affordable housing programs Bay Aging administers. This includes the production and operation of an extensive portfolio of service-enriched income-restricted supportive rental housing, the creation of a Homeless Solutions program designed to assist people experiencing homelessness, and the administration of a regional Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP).

One of Gemerek’s proudest achievements is securing approximately $40 million in affordable housing grants and loans, which contributed to the development of 373 affordable, service-enriched rental units across 12 projects under Bay Aging’s housing division. These financing sources include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program, and Virginia Housing Trust Fund, among others.

Gemerek also takes pride in his leadership related to Bay Aging’s role as the Lead Agency of the Northern Neck Middle Peninsula Housing Coalition, founded in 2013 as one of 12 Local Planning Groups under the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Balance of State Continuum of Care. He is a founding member of the organization and currently serves as Chair.

“We are thrilled to see Josh recognized for his hard work and passion in addressing housing challenges in our community,” said Kathy Vesley, President & CEO of Bay Aging. “His innovative approach and commitment to making a difference have truly been game-changing for Bay Aging and the people we serve.”

The Virginia Housing Alliance’s annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of those working tirelessly to create equitable housing opportunities and combat homelessness across Virginia. Gemerek’s recognition as a Game Changer is a testament to his vision and the positive impact his efforts have made on countless lives.

From left to right: Gloucester Active Lifestyle Center Manager, Joedey Bell; Gloucester Adult Day Center Director, Suzanne Blanks; Abingdon Ruritan Club Past President, Don Sandridge; and Bay Aging Board of Directors Vice Chair, Dr. Barry Gross.

Abingdon Ruritan Club representative Don Sandridge presents Bay Aging with donations totaling $4,000: $2,000 for Gloucester Meals on Wheels, $1,000 for the Gloucester Active Lifestyle Center, and $1,000 for Gloucester Adult Day Center.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Abingdon Ruritan Club for their generous donation to the Gloucester Adult Day Center. These funds allow us to enrich the lives of our community members through enhancement and support of our program,” stated Gloucester Adult Day Center Director, Suzanne Blanks.

Last year, Bay Aging delivered over 180,000 meals to homebound older adults and provided over 5,400 hours of day care, offering respite to caregivers as well as individual counseling and support.

“Giving from the heart makes a lasting impact within our senior community!” added Gloucester Active Lifestyle Center Manager, Joedey Bell. “Your support helps us empower everyone with the services they need. Thank you!”

Established in 1978, Bay Aging is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Area Agency on Aging that primarily serves residents of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Through its comprehensive transportation, housing, community living and health services programs, Bay Aging is committed to providing programs and services people of all ages need to live independently in their communities.

Bay Aging, a leading non-profit agency serving people of all ages with programs and services they need to remain independent in their community, is pleased to announce initiating services and hiring its first employee to administer Bay Aging’s Veterans Directed Care program in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Veteran Directed Care serves eligible veterans of any age who are at risk of nursing home placement. Our services help veterans continue to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

“I am honored to join Bay Aging as part of the Veteran Directed Care Program,” stated Bengie Candelario, Options Counselor – Veteran Directed Care. “With a background in healthcare and a passion for assisting underserved communities, I am excited to contribute to the vital support services for veterans in Puerto Rico. My experience as a health worker, coupled with my bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, equips me well to address the unique needs of veterans and their caregivers living in my native territory.”

“Veterans in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have not had the services and support they need,” said Kathy Vesley, President and CEO at Bay Aging. “We are thrilled to welcome Bengie Candelario to the Bay Aging team as his background and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services to better serve our veteran population.”

Bay Aging remains committed to providing high-quality care and support to veterans and their families, and the addition of Bengie to the team further strengthens this commitment. Currently, Bay Aging offers services in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, U.S. Virgin Islands, Kansas, Missouri, and West Virginia.

“This role presents a meaningful opportunity to make a difference, expand program offerings in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and foster growth, both personally and professionally,” said Bengie. “I am eager to collaborate with the dedicated team at Bay Aging to enhance the lives of our veterans and their families.”

(Top left to right: Alex Baughan, Sha’niya Taylor, Stephanie Rowe, Brooke Davis, Ashley Sprouse, Cameron Pratt, Shardai Curtis and Kara Rilee. Middle left to right: Melissa Blake, Sarah Kennedy, Robert Doublin and Tamara Wright. Bottom left to right: Kathy Vesley, Brianna Noel, Bengie Candelario and Kimberly Swann-Billups.) 

Bay Aging, a leading non-profit Area Agency on Aging dedicated to serving people of all ages in Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, is proud to announce the release of its Annual Report for the fiscal year 2023 (FY2023). The report showcases the agency’s impactful services, accomplishments, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

In FY2023, Bay Aging continued its mission to create opportunities for independence and dignity, serving a total of 34,439 individuals through various programs and initiatives. The organization provided an impressive 130,711 rides to ensure individuals had access to essential transportation services and distributed 180,452 nutritious meals to those in need.

“We are pleased to share the achievements and impact of Bay Aging over the past year,” said Kathy Vesley, President and CEO at Bay Aging. “Our Annual Report highlights the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners in delivering vital services and support to the community.”

The Annual Report also features stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by Bay Aging’s programs, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to providing compassionate care and assistance to those in need.

You can read the report here

To request a copy of the Annual Report, please contact (804)758-2386.Printed copies of the report are available upon request.

“We invite community members to explore our Annual Report and learn more about the valuable work we do at Bay Aging,” added Kathy Vesley. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.”

From left to right) Christy Hogge, Fiscal Assistant-Housing; Tonya Snide, Administrative Specialist; Hunter LeClair, Assistant Director, Multi-Family Housing; Mary Wilson, Property Site Coordinator; Elizabeth Whitaker, Housing Finance Director; Steve McClure, Assistant Director, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Alan Walker, Assistant Director, Multifamily Housing; Bill Smith, Deputy CFO; Hyena Rose, Proactive Director of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Janice Burse, Single Family Housing – Assistant Director of Weatherization; Kenisha Martin, Housing Case Manager; Ivony Kennedy, Fiscal Assistant-Housing; Shontay Smith, Housing Case Manager; Suzzane Shepard, Housing Support Specialist; and Angie Alley, Assistant Director, Housing Service; showcasing Bay Aging’s Annual Report. Call today to get yours!

– Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing homelessness in the State of Virginia by awarding a $12 million boost to support 55 projects in the Commonwealth. Bay Aging, a leading non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing programs and services that people of all ages need to live independently in their communities, has been selected as one of the recipients of this funding, marking a significant step forward in the battle against homelessness.

With homelessness continuing to be a pressing issue nationwide, the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant Program recognizes the importance of investing in organizations that provide sustainable solutions and support to those in need. Bay Aging and DHCD share a common goal: to reduce homelessness throughout Virginia. Bay Aging has a proven track record of delivering impactful programs and services to vulnerable populations across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, having assisted 534 people and 210 families with rapid rehousing services between October 2022 – September 2023.

“In the pursuit of sustainable economic growth and a thriving business landscape, it is imperative that we develop responsive housing solutions,” said Governor Youngkin. “This funding not only safeguards our most vulnerable citizens, but also addresses the changing housing needs of all Virginians.”

Bay Aging’s Rapid Re-housing program has been awarded $60,000 and Bay Aging’s Scattered Site Permanent Supportive Housing 2024 program has been awarded $265,823. The allocation of funds to Bay Aging underscores DHCD’s dedication to fostering collaboration with community-based organizations to tackle complex social challenges. The award will enable Bay Aging to expand its efforts in providing housing assistance, case management, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“The negative health impacts of homelessness on families and individuals is substantial. Bay Aging’s Homeless Solutions Program is directly addressing social determinants of health, including Economic Stability, Education and Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context” said Angie Alley, Bay Aging Assistant Director, Housing Services.

The partnership between DHCD and Bay Aging exemplifies a collaborative approach to addressing homelessness, leveraging resources and expertise to invoke lasting change in communities across Virginia. Together, they are working toward a future where every individual has access to safe and stable housing. Bay Aging serves as the Lead Agency of the Northern Neck Middle Peninsula Housing Coalition, one of 12 Virginia Local Planning Groups under the DHCD Balance of State Continuum of Care.

“American citizens are confronting record-breaking cost of living increases that leave many just one crisis away from homelessness. One might be surprised to learn that the single greatest systemic cause of homelessness across the nation is a lack of affordable housing. Additionally, the negative health impacts of homelessness on families and individuals are substantial. This combination is especially challenging for older adults who live on fixed incomes and suffer from chronic illnesses” stated Angie Alley. “With the assistance of our community partners, Bay Aging’s Homeless Solutions Program seeks to prevent, reduce, and alleviate homelessness through effective and coordinated community-wide efforts and service.”

Bay Housing holding the keys to our client’s future.

From left to right: Josh Gemerek, Senior Vice-President of Multi-Family Housing; Angie Alley, Assistant Director of Housing Services; Hunter LeClair, Assistant Director of Multi-Family Housing Management; Zach Filtz, AmeriCorps VISTA; Alan Walker, Assistant Director of Multi-Family Housing development; Yazmyn Brimmer, Housing Case Manager; Kenisha Martin, Case Manager for Older Adults; and Matthew Mooneyham, AmeriCorps VISTA

Chuck Beadle, Director of Asset Protection for Walmart, donated boxes of word puzzles, sudoku, word finds, and coloring books to Bay Aging’s Caregiving Support programs, including the programs focusing on Alzheimer’s and dementia. They will be distributed among our Active Lifestyle Centers, Adult Day Care, Memory Café, and Support groups. Chuck Beadle personally delivered Walmart’s donations to Bay Aging and shared his own personal experience with the disease and that his aunt loved those books during her journey with dementia. “It touches a lot of people,” stated Laura Matthews, Manager of Mathews Active Lifestyle Center (ALC). “It fills a certain need in the community. Most folks with dementia aren’t able to go to stores on their own, and this served as a wonderful gift to them to make their holiday brighter.”