Giving new life to Senior Center Programing Presented by: Trisha Weston Senior Services Program Coordinator How to take a Senior Center from 300 members; an average of 20 people for lunch, to 700 members and an average of 50 people for lunch. Senior Centers struggle to remain relevant in the ever growing diversifying customer base. Today’s older population is significantly different than yesterdays. This population remains active, vibrant and thrive in a lively inclusive community. Senior Centers serve people who were raised in the 1930’s to the 1960’s. Without changing the idea of what a Senior Center is, we run a risk of not having a place for older adults to receive a hot meal, socialize with others and feel relevant. Use this first slide for your presentation. Type your presentation title “in capital” and subtitle or date in “lower case”. Always keep logo and text center in the page. What is a Senior Center?

allowed us to build up programing slowly and correctly. Giving New Life to Senior Center Programming “That's the way we've always done it” Break apart your program. Use software systems to track memberships and programs. Taking a step back; changing the mindset of staff; showing the needs by tracking; taking a more modern approach allowed us to build up programing slowly and correctly. Maximize resources Developed partnerships with local agencies. The Site Council hosts two fundraisers, brining in around $4,000 a year, this is in addition to items for resale at our front desk, bringing in money monthly. This gives the members voting power to purchase new items they would like for the center. Tables, Member lockers Utilized Community Action grants for an ADA walkway, resurfaced parking lot. Developing partnerships and going after grants allowed us to use our budget on improving programing. Focus on the exact point you're trying to make, and keep it simple. Remember, when aired on TV, people may only see the slide for about 10 seconds or so. If there's a lot of information, the viewer won't have time to read and process it. 2015 Present Present

Ask yourself these 5 important questions Giving New Life to Senior Center Programming Ask yourself these 5 important questions What are the aesthetics of your building? Is it inviting? Are you comfortable? Would you participate in the programs? Would you eat lunch? Maximized the space. Painted walls; replaced outdated furniture; removed excessive signage; removed artificial plants. Took a modernized approach and developed inclusive programing; Contracted with a new provider, and purchased new items for the congregate meal program. Focus on the exact point you're trying to make, and keep it simple. Remember, when aired on TV, people may only see the slide for about 10 seconds or so. If there's a lot of information, the viewer won't have time to read and process it.

On average members stayed Giving New Life to Senior Center Programming July 2015 Total Memberships: 301 On average members stayed 3 hours a day.   July 2017 Total Memberships: 702 On average members stay 6 hours a day. Focus on the exact point you're trying to make, and keep it simple. Remember, when aired on TV, people may only see the slide for about 10 seconds or so. If there's a lot of information, the viewer won't have time to read and process it.

Changing the Staff Mindset and Programing is key. Giving New Life to Senior Center Programming Changing the Staff Mindset and Programing is key. Last slide in your presentation. These key components met the needs of members and achieved our goal of creating an active environment; where diverse community members can continue to learn, have a nutritious meal, make new friends, give back to the community and feel valued at any age and ability.