Reflecting on SSP's History for
Senior Center Month
September 24, 2024
| |
Did you know September is National Senior Center Month? Senior centers are a critical service to older adults across the country, providing community services that help them stay healthy and independent. According to the 
Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), more than 11,000 senior centers nationwide serve 1 million adults 50 and older every day. At Senior Services Plus (SSP), we aim to serve our community through many programs and services that help older adults live their best lives and age successfully.
Our senior center was founded in 1973, beginning as a potluck for older adults. After this meeting, it was decided that something had to be done to provide many services and information to the older adults of the metro Alton area. This idea led to the founding of the Alton Area Senior Council. Just one year later, in 1974, the agency had served its first meals, opened satellite meal sites, and acquired four minibuses and a station wagon to transport older adults to meal sites and other essential errands. Other services provided by the Council were counseling and referral, recreation, arts and crafts, and education classes provided with the Lewis and Clark Community College. In 1993, the first building was purchased for the Council to have a centralized location for all services.
51 years later, our agency has grown tremendously, expanding to offer 14+ programs and services to Madison County and surrounding areas. Currently, SSP offers the following programs:
- Non-Medical Home Care provides clients with assistance to live independently in the comfort of their homes. Assistance includes cooking, cleaning, bathing, shopping, and more.
- Home Repair & HVAC offers a variety of trustworthy, affordable home repair services such as heating and cooling, electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, and more.
- Meals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals prepared at our site in Alton, IL and approved by a licensed registered dietitian.
- Information and Assistance is where older adults can learn about and apply for public benefit programs such as LIHEAP (low-income home energy assistance program), Medicare, Medicaid, and more.
- Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Room offers resources for energy efficiency. SSP is a registered community partner of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program!
- Transportation is offered to take clients to and from medical appointments, grocery trips, SSP events, and more.
- School House Grill is open to the public and serves breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, with daily congregate specials for adults 60 and older for a suggested donation.
- Ombudsman Program advocates for older adults and disabled adults who reside in long-term care facilities.
- Community Resources assists with honey-do tasks in the home such as changing lightbulbs, replacing batteries, tech assistance, and more.
- Wellness Center is our state-of-the-art gym providing a unique environment for working out, including group classes and personal training.
- Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program designed for people with Parkinson's disease, combining non-contact boxing with an exercise training program to help ease the symptoms of PD.
- Foster Grandparent Program provides volunteers to local sites such as schools and after-school care centers. These volunteers serve as role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. SSP offers this program through our partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors.
- Events & Activities are always happening at SSP! At our Alton site, we host a variety of events and activities including card groups, Parkinson's support groups, bingo, and more.
SSP continues to identify unmet needs of older adults and evaluate pilot programming. We are proud to serve so many older adults through each of our programs. You can see our community impact from 2023 below, or view our full 2023 annual report here.
here.
As we reflect on National Senior Center Month, we share our accomplishments with pride and hope to continue expanding our services and outreach. This month, we encourage you to visit SSP and discover what your local senior center has to offer! There are many opportunities to socialize, explore new interests, and gather resources that can benefit older adults.
If you are interested in our programs or have questions, you may also contact us by calling 618-465-3298 or filling out our contact form here.
Happy National Senior Center Month!
