MELROSE

SENIO

R COMMUNIT

Y CEN

TER

“Staying Active, Connected,

and Living Well”

1Florida Association of Senior Centers 2013

WHY DID THE INSTITUTE START THE CENTER?

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The Institute for Workforce Innovationworked with Older Workers in the area

through a grant funded programand noticed a need.

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

OUR LOCATION

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SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

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Putnam Hall

Windsor

Grandin

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

• 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

• Blue Water Bay Restaurant

• Dr. Brian Earley, local physician

• Elder Options • Clayton Photography• Haven Hospice

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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

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE