Press "Enter" to skip to content

Auburn Senior Activity Center to receive $118,000 in grant funds

Advertisement

Press ReleaseThe Auburn Senior Activity Center is one of 38 senior centers in King County that will have more accessible facilities and expanded programs using funding from the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy that was renewed by voters in 2017. By 2040, more than a quarter of King County’s population will be seniors. Healthy lifestyles and social engagement are keys to living long and living well.

The Auburn Senior Activity Center will receive $118,000 of the approved Levy Funds specifically to support the following upgrades at the Center: A looping system to allow hearing-impaired participants to hear better in the facility banquet room, classroom and TV room; replacement of the kitchen floor, originally installed in 2001, which is mainly used by Catholic Community Services to operate a Nutrition Site at the Center on Monday-Friday; and two power lift chairs for the classroom used for the Adult Day Care Program. The funds will also be used to contract with Valley Cities Behavioral Health for a 10 hour/week social worker to provide services at the Center through the end of December; expand a partnership with the Latino-based organization, Sea Mar, from once monthly to once a week; and a series of lectures covering Diversity Education, Contemporary Ethics, SAIL Fall Prevention. Additionally, the Center will advertise program through the local media, and promote Auburn Community Ride and reduced property tax options for seniors to all Senior Center participants.

Advertisement

“We are thrilled to receive this grant that will enable us to provide better service for some of the most vital people in our community,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “Our seniors are active and involved, and I’m pleased that they were included in the recent renewal of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy.”

The initial one-time investments will help senior centers, community centers, and organizations serving older adults expand programs to reach more local seniors, make their facilities safer and more accessible, purchase equipment and appliances, and more. King County is investing $3.5 million in the first round of new investments with funds from the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy,

“The people of King County trusted us to invest in programs and services that will improve the quality of life for seniors, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Executive Constantine. “Senior centers do more than connect people with resources – they keep people connected to one another. That is why our first major investment by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy will help nearly 40 senior centers located throughout our region.”

Senior-serving organizations in King County, including the Auburn Senior Activity Center, applied for one-time facility improvements or repairs, training, equipment, digital infrastructure, disability renovations, and enhancements of current programs.

Advertisement

The Auburn Senior Activity Center has been providing services to older adults in King County since the early 70’s. Owned and operated by the City of Auburn, the Auburn Senior Activity Center enhances the quality of life of senior adults in the Auburn community through social, recreational, health and wellness, educational, and nutritional services and programs. Located at 808 Ninth Street SE, the Center serves individuals 50 and over for a variety of activities and social needs. The Center is open from Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended evening hours, Monday-Thursday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Center is also rented by community groups and organization various evening and weekend hours.

The Center produces a quarterly activity brochure that lists upcoming classes, activities, and events and also offer opportunities to get involved either as a volunteer or a participant.

Recreational opportunities include hiking and nature walks, dance and exercise classes, day and overnight travel opportunities, volleyball, Pickleball and drop-in play in the pool room. There is also music and dancing three times a month.

Advertisement

The Senior Activity Center hosts a variety of special events and luncheon celebrations. There is a daily lunch program operated by Catholic Community Services, a monthly social dinner, and a monthly coffee hour with the Mayor and Auburn City Councilmembers. A food pantry is offered twice a month and provides reduced cost access to a wide variety of items such as cereals, grains, cheeses, spices, raisins, juice, and soup at bulk discount prices.

senior activity center
Valentine’s Day Lunch Courtesy Photo

Educational and learning opportunities are offered through a book club, driver’s safety, Spanish classes, art classes, and lectures. A variety of health and wellness programs are offered, including foot care, blood pressure clinics, massage, acupuncture and dental cleaning. On-going social time at the center includes games such as Mah Jongg, Scrabble, Bingo, Mexican Train Dominoes, Pinochle, Contract Bridge, and puzzles as well as a coffee bar and movie days.

“Some of the most vulnerable in our community are often our most overlooked,” said King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who is Chair of the Regional Policy Committee. “In past years, services for our seniors have too often been pushed aside. However, with the implementation of the VSHSL, our seniors will finally receive priority as we are dedicated to investing $3.5 million in senior centers and community centers serving older adults.”


This article is a Press Release from the City of Auburn.  The contents have not been independently verified by the Auburn Examiner.

Advertisement
More from NewsMore posts in News »
Advertisement

Be First to Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com