OCEAN is the resource for Charlotte County Seniors! Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network is a “coalition” whose membership consists of public and private health, human and social service organizations and others concerned with elder issues.

Our purpose is to identify services in the Charlotte County area and to share that knowledge; to provide pertinent information and referral; to analyze unmet needs; advocate for appropriate and effective solutions; and to increase public awareness of the elder services available in our community.

In the summer of 1991 a small group of providers and concerned individuals established a networking” coalition” with one common goal; to achieve more comprehensive and consistent services for the elderly in Charlotte County.  Thus, O.C.E.A.N. was formed. No one could possibly have imagined how large and how resilient that group would eventually become. Surviving location changes, deaths of founding members, devastating hurricanes, and even a Pandemic, this diverse group of community members and compassionate senior advocates has become a recognizable network of information, resources and understanding when it comes to the necessary facts needed to make important decisions about elder needs, whether for you, a loved one, client or patient.

Because we are not for profit, we rely on membership dues & donations to have available funds for serving our senior population. We also utilize the services of our membership whenever possible. Fortunately, we serve in a very generous community and have been able to fulfill most requests and needs either privately of through other agencies.

O.C.E.A.N., an acronym for Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network, and we are proud to acknowledge our founding members, in particular Dolly Dessart, who not only had the vision, but more importantly, the “glue” to bring it all together. Today, O.C.E.A.N. consisted of over 145 professionals representing more than 65 companies in 2024, ready and willing to do whatever they can to assist and improve the quality of life for our senior community.

Review our Bylaws

Official roster of companies participating and supporting OCEAN