February 13, 2020
Hello all - I apologize for being away for awhile - seems like things get so busy during the holidays and I fall behind. Let me try to bring you up to speed with what's going on at the center.
2020 is going to be a terrific year - here are just a few highlights and you can find out more on our web page.
On November 23, 2019 we had a Thanksgiving feast -Shower of Love-for more than 100 guests sponsored by our friends at AKA Sorority. Lots of great food, music, poetry, dancing and great conversation. Such a blessing to have so much community support!
The Ecumenical Senior Center received funding from the Kalamazoo County Senior Millage for support and expansion of our transportation and senior center programs.
December 13 and December 19th we had large Christmas Celebrations with lunch prepared with the staff, singing, games and gift exchanges for nearly 70 seniors.
December 20th was a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Jolly Fellows Holiday Gala where the Ecumenical Senior center was again selected as the charity and we received generous donations of nearly $11,000. It was a great time, great food, dancing, terrific band and great conversations with family and friends. We are so honored to be a part of this great organization.
In January 2020 I was informed that the Stryker Johnston Foundation approved a grant to the Ecumenical Senior Center for the purchase of a new mini bus. I can't even begin to tell you how special this was and how much the center needed it. Our seniors are so proud to be ramblin around town in a beautiful handicapped accessible mini bus that holds up to 14 passengers. Again, we are so thankful for this giving community - we couldn't do what we do without this great support.
I am sad to report that Kalamazoo lost a hero with the passing our ESC friend Moses Walker. Both Moses and his wife Ruthie have been long time supporters of the center and Ruthie served as a board member and president for many years. May you rest in peace and we will continue to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.
On January 20, 2020 we had a fun and eventful celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am so proud of my staff for all they do to make these events so successful especially with preparing large wonderful home cooking.
Lastly, we were able to host a town hall meeting for the Kalamazoo County Senior Millage to have meaningful discussions about the needs for older adults in our community. Consultants led discussion on current programs and services for older adults in the county and brainstormed ideas and concerns for gaps in services and what is needed to best serve this community.
A Needs Assessment Survey is being conducted through February 28th and paper copies are available at the center - all information is confidential. This is an important survey to help determine where resources and grant dollars will be spend in the future for senior programs in the county. Check our our website for more details.
Thank you for bearing with my update. I will try to do a better job of trying to update this page every couple of weeks to highlight the exciting things taking place at the center. You can also follow up on Facebook at ecumenicalsc. thanks Tim