THE BEGINNING: Mobilizing talent to enrich seniors’ lives
In 2010, a small group of women saw the opportunity for our growing population of seniors to have a more fulfilling lifestyle, and avoid the isolation and stress that can occur as life’s circumstances change. The key was to capitalize on the talent and energy that many fellow seniors were prepared to share, and bring it forward an organized way.
These women made that happen in the form of the Community Senior Center, a non-profit organization serving Bolton, Richmond and Huntington. Within a few years, it evolved into cohesive resource for seniors to engage in health, wellness and learning activities, meet new friends, and just have fun. It also welcomed and grew from new program ideas.
TODAY: A growing list of year-round activities for all abilities and interests
From ten programs a year at its inception, the CSC now offers seniors over twenty opportunities each week to improve health and wellness, learn, and interact with others. Most are free, as is membership. And the list of year-round activities continues to grow as individuals contribute their creativity, time and expertise.
Outdoor activities accommodate all ability levels year-round. Bone Builders®, yoga and other programs are available to help improve health and wellness. Members lead genealogy and memoir writing classes, and foreign language conversation sessions. Discussion groups meet regularly to share ideas on world events, transitioning into retirement and other timely topics.
Table games and arts and crafts programs help improve skills and learn new ones. Other enrichment opportunities include tours of local businesses, gardens and historical sites, and experts’ presentations on local flora and fauna, and travel destinations.
OUR FUTURE: A sustainable commitment to our seniors and communities
Today we are a virtual organization, with no physical “home base.” Our cohesive force is the commitment and energy of many who contribute ideas, time and expertise that allow fellow seniors to stay active and interact with others almost daily. That will never change.
We are sincerely thankful to our communities for the use of the facilities that make our programs possible today. And regardless of the status of a dedicated facility, we will always be committed to enriching seniors’ lives, and contributing to the communities we call home.