The document summarizes a senior center located in Melrose, Florida. It notes that the center was started in 2008 with grant funding to address the needs of the local senior population, many of whom live alone, below the poverty line, or with disabilities. Since opening in 2011, the center has increased participation, added new activities, grown its mailing list, and developed partnerships within the community. It aims to continue expanding programs and services to support aging in place for local older adults.

1. “Staying Active,
Connected,
and Living Well”
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Florida Association of Senior Centers 2013

2. WHY DID THE INSTITUTE START THE CENTER?
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The Institute for Workforce Innovation
worked with Older Workers in the area
through a grant funded program
and noticed a need.

3. THE FACTS
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• Melrose is the junction of 4 counties –
traditionally underserved
• Population 4,700
• 42% are senior citizens
• Within 10 miles of Melrose are 10,000
seniors
• 15% of seniors live below poverty level
• 30% of the seniors are disabled
• 1 in 3 seniors live alone

4. OUR LOCATION
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5. SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
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Putnam Hall
Windsor
Grandin

6. 6
2008
Grant to
Build
April 2011
Opened
April
2012
Celebrate
1 Year
From the FL Dept. of Elder Affairs and Gov. Crist to build only
With involvement and support of the
Lake Area Community
Looking toward sustainability
OUR STORY

7. • Communication
• Positive Attitude –
Encouraging and
Empowering
• Community – Friendship,
Acceptance, Growth
• Service and Leadership
• Enrichment – Active and
Engaging
• Celebration – Recognize
success, achievements,
and show appreciation
• Professionalism
• To be a Resource Center
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WHAT WE STRIVE FOR EVERY DAY:

8. • Focus on Customer
Service – Starts with
greeting at the door
• Language is EVERYTHING!
– We focus on what we are
capable of!
• Developing Relationships
– Lunch, Names, Database
• Communicate – Newsletter
emails and printed, sign,
more social media
• Appreciation - Volunteer
Appreciation Brunch,
Birthday Cards, Memorials,
etc
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HOW WE MEET OUR GOALS

9. • Provide Volunteer
Opportunities based on
interest – “We all have
something valuable to give
… Together we can make a
difference.”
• Create New Activities that
are volunteer led
• Utilize Our Database
System to track success
• Partner – Elder Options,
Department of Elder
Affairs, local business,
healthcare
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HOW WE MEET OUR GOALS

10. • Over 500 households on the mailing
list – 150% increase
• Email list of over 350 participants and
supporters
• Created a monthly mailed newsletter
with sponsors
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2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

11. • 4 new weekly activities
• 4 new monthly activities
• Added socials/parties every two
months
• Growth with 80 participants a
day – grew from 24 in 2012
• Average 30 lunch participants a
day even with a transition
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2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Started a “Membership” campaign
to encourage financial support in
November 2012
• 28 members pledging over $2,500
for 2013 and it grows weekly
• Growth in business support through
sponsorships
• Coffee Sponsors
• Newsletter Sponsors
• Lunch Sponsors
• Partnerships:
• Bronze, Silver and Gold

13. Café – coffee, breakfast,
lunch, snacks
Rental – businesses host
workshops, weddings, baby
showers, birthday parties
Membership
Grants – Job Center with
the AARP Foundation
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SUPPORTING PROGRAMS

14. • Partnership with the
Melrose Business and
Community Association
• Promote local business
• Plan activities and Events
together – Share Resources
• Participate in the “art
scene” in Melrose –
gallery and “Art Walk”
• Four Corners
Transportation Associates
• Clay Transit – provides a
shuttle to Gainesville
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COMMUNITY EFFORTS

15. • Blue Water Bay
Restaurant
• Dr. Brian Earley, local
physician
• Elder Options
• Clayton Photography
• Haven Hospice
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MAJOR PARTNERS

16. • Continue to increase our daily participation
through engaging activities that promote
enrichment, active living, and good health
• Increase our financial stability through
membership and business partnerships
• Provide resources and services that allow
adults to age in place
• Support business and community
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE