About us

The Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) is Howard County’s premier resource for dynamic, quality of life programs, services, and supports for all ages of adulthood. OAI's mission is to ensure that Howard County older adults and persons with disabilities have the resources they need to grow, thrive and live with dignity, by improving access to services and supports, promoting individual choice, and enhancing efficiency and quality of services. Our priorities are to:

  • Decrease social isolation and increase social connection.
  • Expand ethnic & cultural diversity across programs & services.
  • Promote healthy aging.

For information about facility closings or delays due to inclement weather, call 410-313-7777 (voice/relay).

4 photos: Black older man smiling, group of older adult cyclists smiling, older adult white couple dancing, Asian women dancing in traditional outfits

Virtual 50+ Employment Expo

The Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo is FREE. If you are 50+ and looking for employment, register today!

At the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, you can

  • Network with other Jobseekers in Chat.
  • Attend two virtual morning Workshops relevant to the 50+ Jobseekers.
  • Hear from area employers talk about their organization and openings.
  • Ask the employers question in Chat.

Employers with full-time and part-time salaried job opportunities are participating.

Cartoon style image of man looking at a computer screen that says Howard County Office on Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Employment Expo. There are also 6 screens with images of older adults.

OAI Showcase: The Art of Healthy Aging

Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Mall in Columbia, Lower Center Court

Join the Office on Aging & Independence (OAI) as we celebrate Older Americans Month with an exciting event that showcases the art of healthy aging! This fun, FREE, all-ages event will feature:

  • Live Cooking Demonstration
  • Interactive Art 
  • Cultural Performances 
  • Keynote Speaker on Brain Health
  • Fitness Class
  • Free Health Screenings
Cubist image of older adult woman with words "Mark Your Calendar, 05.09 2025 OAI, the art of healthy aging
 

DCRS Information/Event Request Form

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Community Resources and Services participating in and/or speaking at your event. To make a request, please complete and submit the following form at least two weeks prior to the event, and allow five business days for decisions to be made.

Team

Headshot of woman with long dark hair wearing black blazer - Ofelia Ross Ott
Ofelia Ross Ott
Administrator
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Alison Gerber
Operations Division Manager
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Courtney Harangozo
Health Promotion and Nutrition Division Manager
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Matt Madera
50+ Center Division Manager
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Peters Omoregie
Home and Community Based Services Division Manager

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