Agenda - 11-02-2017 - 4-a - NC Ann Johnson Senior Center of the Year Award – Robert and Pearl Seymour Center

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3 Summary of the Nominee's Qualifications for the 2nd Annual Ann Johnson Senior Center of the Year Award- Excellence in the Field of Aging Nominee: Robert and Pearl Seymour Center As the Programs and Operations Manager of the Robert and Pearl Seymour Center(Seymour Center), it is an honor and privilege to apply for the 2nd Annual Ann Johnson Senior Center of the Year Award. Within the last year, Orange County Department on Aging-Seymour Center marked several milestones, including celebration of our 10th Anniversary this past May; recognition via the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services for receiving Senior Center of Excellence Accreditation; National Institute of Senior Centers- National Accreditation; one of our unique programs, The Veterans Wall of Honor, was featured in the National Institute of Senior Centers programs for 2017 and a $10,000 mini-grant from AARP for further development as an Age-Friendly community. Our mission is a mirror image of the North Carolina Senior Center Alliance in that both organizations strive to provide a focal point in the community for older adults to find a variety of information, services and programs to enhance their quality of life, well-being and to promote longevity and independence. What is so great about the Seymour Center? How are we providing quality direct services, programs, leadership, advocacy and significant contributions locally and nationally?The Seymour Center is considered one of Orange County's best hidden secrets and it is rapidly becoming a vibrant melting pot for many of the mature adults residing in Orange and surrounding counties. On any given day, persons of all cultures and backgrounds are darting through the doors to get involved in some way or another. When you visit our center,you will find the most beautiful faces including Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Latino, and Middle Eastern. It doesn't stop there,you are guaranteed to meet persons from all walks of life such as the retired professor from a local university; a homeless individual that is trying to make their way to back on their feet; the homemaker that enjoys socializing to the avid artists or musicians who enjoy sharing their talents. Many of our participants come for different interests, different reasons, and happily end up in one common place, which is affectionately referred to as their home away from home. Over 450 seniors are engaged in activities ranging from wellness, theatrical arts, educational, special events, interests groups, support services, dance, crafts, and many other exceptional opportunities. We are the "One Stop Shop"for any or everything one would need to age well! We are very proud of our Volunteer Services Program, VC 55+,which enables over 500 plus senior adults to connect and give back to the community on a daily basis. Our stellar lunch program is federally funded and supported through the Older Americans Act, local municipalities, Orange County Department on Aging and donations, which serves over 70 seniors five days a week. Our popular fit feet wellness program keeps our older adults on their toes providing superior foot health care by registered nurses to 112 seniors a month; this program is so popular it has a waiting list. Daily we offer 3-4 different exercise programs and bi-monthly health education classes. Every Wednesday, our OC Cares team provides an ongoing respite program for 8 to 10 caregivers.This supportive program, Caregiver's Respite, provides persons with dementia a creative outlet to stay active and stimulated while their loved one(s)are able to have a little down time one day a week. Our most recent and newest program with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supplemental food program has got off to a great start providing additional food for 40 plus low-income older adults in our county.