ECHO’s mission is to motivate seniors to remain independent and productive members of their community within a secure, caring and nurturing atmosphere, placing great emphasis on the value of human life—individually and collectively. Founded in 1973 by a consortium of seven churches concerned for their elderly members, Energetic Citizens Helping Others (ECHO) was created to serve as a social and recreational organization for older adults (age 55 plus) to become involved with and remain active throughout their lives.