by Katherine Jordan, Executive Director
Jul 2024
With summer upon us, and half the year gone, I’m reflecting on all the amazing things happening at SPSC—from myself, to the staff, to the Board of Directors; our hearts are full, and our dedication sound, as we strive to meet the needs of our beloved seniors as they live their best lives: vibrant, active, and healthy!
As we grow and advance the mission of SPSC—seeking to offer more services and programming while serving more seniors, a major step has been taken at SPSC as an Advancement department has been established. The work of our Advancement team, which includes our Board of Directors, ensures growth for our future by building the new partnerships and collaborations that will make it all possible. Most significantly, this work has resulted in a recent funding award that will ensure access to medical care for our at-risk seniors. SPSC will be able to assist with funds to meet medical costs including co-pays, prescriptions, auxiliary medical equipment (such as glasses, hearing aids, and walkers), and appointment transportation, assuring our seniors are receiving the on-going access and care they need.
In addition to fun field trips and beautiful cultural celebrations so far this year, SPSC collaborated with AARP to provide free tax services for our seniors—and we have seen a growth in availability for our Foot Care services with ten sessions offered each month growing from five. And our seniors have enjoyed fun activities with seniors from our fellow senior centers (ACRS, IDIC, and CISC) as we are all part of the HAAPI Hub (the Hub for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders). Most recently we gathered at Seward Park for a picnic of 100+ where all enjoyed lunch, Tai Chi, games, raffles, and Karaoke!
This past month, SPSC shared a fond farewell with Charles Bontemps as he transitioned to work with our partner organization, GenPride. Charles will continue to collaborate with us closely within the shared mission work of our orgs, but his fun and friendly presence at the Center will be missed.
Through a really strong handoff from Charles, SPSC has been very excited to welcome Aurora LaBrenz as our new Engagement and Programs Manager. There is much more to share about Aurora later in this newsletter, but for now I will simply say we are delighted to have her with us, and I am so thankful for the amazing values and ideals regarding racial and social justice that Aurora brings to our Center!
And last but not least, I would like to acknowledge the amazing volunteers who support our seniors and community each day. April was Volunteer Appreciation Month and I hope the gratitude and love we have for our volunteers was felt—SPSC simply could not be the same without them. From our Board of Directors as they lead our organization in a space and time of growth and transition—building inroads where they haven’t existed before; to our amazing Graphic Designers who are advancing the professional presence of SPSC, to our artistic photographers who highlight our seniors with warmth and dignity, to our nightly dining volunteers who graciously serve our seniors, providing for a fine dining experience where they feel the respect and admiration we have for them each night. SPSC is not a community without our amazing volunteers and I extend sincere gratitude for all they do in support of our mission and our beloved seniors!
I wish you all a beautiful summer filled with sun, fun, family, and friends!