The Region IV Area Agency on Aging, located in St. Joseph, Mich., is a private nonprofit corporation that has been the nerve center for aging services in Southwest Michigan. Established in 1974, for developing age supportive commerce and services, it plays a major role in planning, funding and delivery of various services. It advocates on behalf of older and disabled persons, identifies needs of the elderly and disabled and creates plans for meeting those needs through a system of in-home and community services to enable people to maintain their independence. The Region IV Area Agency on Aging also administers federal, state, local and private funds to support those services.