Sophia Cikalo
Intern
About Licking County Aging Partners
For more than 50 years, Licking County Aging Partners (LCAP) has worked to improve the quality of life for seniors in Licking County, Ohio, by contributing to their independence and healthy lifestyles. LCAP provides a full range of services to help the region’s older adults live safely, comfortably, and with dignity—providing access to nutritious food, transportation, in-home services, day services, opportunities for social connection, wellness activities, and other community resources. Each year, LCAP directly serves more than 4,000 seniors, helping to ensure they are active, connected, and engaged in their community.
We serve people who can often be forgotten by society. Our organization felt almost like a secret in the community—I wanted to change that."
As LCAP approached its 50th anniversary, leadership reflected on how to ensure the organization’s future was just as impactful. As aging services organizations across the country prepare to serve an increasing number of seniors—the number of individuals 60 and older in the United States will increase over 40% by 2050—this planning became especially important.
The team had recently completed a rebrand, evolving from the “Licking County Aging Program” to “Licking County Aging Partners” to better reflect the organization’s collaborative spirit and deep connection to the community. With a new name and identity in place, LCAP’s leaders next sought to bring that same clarity to their internal structure and goals.
LCAP partnered with Benefactor Group to develop a strategic plan that would align staff, board, and community partners around a shared vision. The process invited open and candid conversation—what was working, what (if anything) wasn’t, and what mattered most moving forward.
As Melissa shared, one of the most valuable realizations came from what didn’t make the plan.
We were doing many things pretty well, but through this plan, we wanted to focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well.”
By intentionally narrowing its focus to a few key priorities, LCAP’s leaders created space for deeper, more meaningful progress. The final plan introduced a practical framework that helped LCAP clarify its priorities, create consistency across teams, and articulate its long-term goals.
Clarity, Collaboration, and a Stronger Community
Since implementing its strategic plan, LCAP has experienced tangible improvements that reach across the organization and into the community:
- Clearer focus. The plan helped LCAP move from diffusing focus across many areas to prioritizing what matters most. Staff have shared they clearly understand how their day-to-day work connects to long-term goals, creating alignment and momentum across teams.
- Shared priorities. The strategic planning process helped LCAP board and staff align around a clear set of shared priorities. Now everyone knows what matters most and how their work contributes to LCAP’s larger goals.
- A deeper connection with the community. By refining focus and messaging, LCAP strengthened relationships with local partners and residents. The organization’s renewed clarity has helped shift perceptions of aging throughout Licking County.
Melissa shared a few reflections about her experience working with the team at Benefactor Group:
We would recommend Benefactor Group to any organization considering strategic planning—in fact, we already have! Kaitlyn helped us create structures that kept us focused throughout the process. She made sure our plan became part of everything we do, guiding our meetings, our priorities, and the way we carry out our mission every day.”
Investing in the Future
After completing the strategic plan, LCAP opted to continue working with Benefactor Group during the implementation phase, an investment Melissa feels has helped ensure the plan became part of daily operations. With ongoing support, LCAP has maintained momentum, held the team accountable to shared priorities, and used the plan to shape organizational culture and operations.
Just like hiring an accountant to help do your taxes, it can be prudent to bring in experts to help guide your organization’s future. I have always believed that ‘nonprofit’ is a tax status, not a business model—you owe it to your community to invest in doing things well.”
If you are interested in developing a strategic plan for your organization that aligns teams, engages the community, and drives lasting impact, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
