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

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

THE FACTS
3
• 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

OUR LOCATION
4

SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
5
Putnam Hall
Windsor
Grandin

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

• 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
7
WHAT WE STRIVE FOR EVERY DAY:

• 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
8
HOW WE MEET OUR GOALS

• 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
9
HOW WE MEET OUR GOALS

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

• 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
11
2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

12
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

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

• 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
14
COMMUNITY EFFORTS

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

• 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
16
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE