CCS and Senior Centers - February 2010
Since 2007, the Congress of California Seniors (CCS) has committed substantial resources to senior centers. Senior centers are special places where seniors can meet, obtain relevant information about services and benefits, attend classes, engage in social activities, and in most cases receive a low cost hot lunch in a group setting.
In 2006, we learned that no statewide directory of senior centers existed and that the state’s last effort was nearly ten years old and in hard copy printed form only. CCS first created a data base of approximately 750 senior centers by contacting local governments (and a few city websites) and centers to collect information. This information was then used as the basis for a website, created in 2008, that allows anyone to locate any senior center in the state. The website displays the name, address, phone numbers, fax numbers, email address and website URL of each senior center. The director’s name is also listed as are the services, meal times and costs, class offerings, and special recreational activities. This website
www.calseniorcenters.org is unique both within California and nationally.
The CCS along with the California Commission on Aging and the Triple-A Council of California sponsored Strong Today, Stronger Tomorrow, a statewide forum of senior center stakeholders. This February 2009 conference in Sacramento brought the senior center “community” together for the first time to share ideas and plan for the future.
CCS and the Commission on Aging are currently completing a large scale survey of the infrastructure needs of senior centers. The survey catalogs information on current facilities, identifies ways in which improved facilities could support enhanced programs, and details information on three key areas:
Telecommunications/broadband capacity
Disaster preparedness
Energy conservation and utilization of “green” technologies
Many centers are dated, lack up-to-date computer and telecommunications equipment, and are unprepared for the expected avalanche of Baby Boom seniors. The final report will be presented to stakeholders, the Legislature and the Governor later this year and will provide solid evidence of the need for a renewed state investment in California’s senior centers.
These efforts by the Congress of California Seniors not only provide seniors and their loved ones with valuable information about local senior centers; they also provide data needed for privately funded grant proposals. CCS is proud of its role in promoting the wellbeing of seniors and senior centers.
Hank Lacayo State President
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