HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2008 SCAC Agenda PacketThis AGENDA is posted in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2(a)
If requested, pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.2, this agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats
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AGENDA
DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008, 9:00 A.M.
DUBLIN CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
3.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS
At this time, the public is permitted to address the Dublin Senior Center Advisory Committee on non-
agendized items. The Committee must, however, comply with all State Laws in regard to items not appearing
on the posted agenda. The Committee may respond to statements made or questions asked, or may request
Staff to report back at a future meeting concerning the matter. Any member of the public may contact the
Office of the Dublin Senior Center Director related to the proper procedure to place an item on a future
Dublin Senior Center Advisory Committee agenda. The exceptions under which the Dublin Senior Center
Advisory Committee MAY discuss and/or take action on items not appearing on the agenda are contained in
GC 54954.2(b)(1)(2)(3).
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.1 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING – January 10, 2008
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve Minutes
5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6.1 LEARN INFORMATION FOR EMPOWERMENT (L.I.F.E.) EVENT
The Committee will receive update on the L.I.F.E. event scheduled for Saturday, May 17,
2008, at the Dublin Senior Center. This year’s theme is Mind Quest.
STAFF RECOMENDATION: Receive the report and provide input.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 AMBASSADOR PROGRAM MISSION
Based on input from patrons and the Advisory Committee, one of the Staff objectives is to
create an Ambassador Program to expand community outreach and enhance access to
Senior Center programs and services.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide input on the
preliminary mission for the Ambassador Program
8. OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 BRIEF INFORMATIONAL ONLY REPORTS FROM THE DUBLIN SENIOR
FOUNDATION, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION LIAISON,
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND/OR STAFF AND REPORTS BY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS RELATED TO MEETINGS ATTENDED AT CITY EXPENSE
(AB1234).
9. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 5
CITY OF DUBLIN
SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008
Call to Order
Chairperson Al Edge called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
Roll Call:
Committee Members (CM) Present: Al Edge, Beth Wood, Martin Baron, Diane Bonetti and Delilah
Vanderpool
Committee Members Absent: None
Parks and Community Services Commission Liaison Present: Rich Guarienti
Staff Present: Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Manager, Anna Hudson, Recreation
Coordinator, and Diane Guenther, Office Assistant
Oral Communications - None
Approval of the Minutes
THE MINUTES WERE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS. THE FIRST SENTENCE OF THE SECOND
PARAGRAPH OF THE FOURTH PAGE WAS AMENDED TO READ “The Committee APPROVED
the event plan.” THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MINUTES OF THE
DECEMBER 13, 2007 MEETING AS AMENDED. MOTION MADE BY CM BONETTI AND
SECONDED BY CM EDGE.
Written Communication - None
Unfinished Business - None
New Business
Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
The one-year term for the current Chairperson and Vice Chairperson expired and as per the bylaws and
rules of procedure for the Senior Center Advisory Committee elections were held. Election of the
Chairperson was conducted, the nominees were CM Edge and CM Wood and there were no further
nominations. CM Wood was elected Chairperson. CM Bonetti and CM Baron were nominated for Vice
Chairperson, and with no other nominations made, CM Baron was elected Vice Chairperson.
CM Wood noted that the bylaws state elections are to take place in December of each year; she stated that
the bylaws should be updated to state elections are to take place in January.
Parks and Community Services Goals and Objectives
The City Council has scheduled the Annual Goals and Objectives Study Session for Monday, March 31,
2008. This Study Session provides the Council with an opportunity to reach consensus on the primary
direction and allocation of City resources for the upcoming year. The Senior Center Advisory Committee
has been asked to provide input on the preliminary Goals and Objectives for the Senior Center.
Staff first reviewed the goals and objectives related to the Senior Center in the Adopted 2007-2008 Goals
and Objectives Bimonthly report as of 12-31-07. Item number 4 expand operational hours, programs and
marketing of activities at the Dublin Senior Center. The Center has expanded its’ hours of operation to
include Wednesday evenings, added four additional special events including the International Progressive
Dinner, the Holly-Day Affair to Remember Dessert Dance, Superbowl Indoor Tailgate Party, and the Hot
CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 2 OF 5
August Car Show. Item number 7 improve identification of the Dublin Senior Center. In January, Staff
will begin evaluating options for consideration by the Committee, Commission and Council. It is
anticipated the project will be completed by June 2008.
CM Wood asked if there was a process for the Senior Center Advisory Committee to provide input in the
planning of the other goals listed for Parks and Community Services. Commissioner Guarienti responded
that as the Committee’s liaison to the Parks Commission, he considers the needs of seniors when
discussing issues before the Commission.
Staff provided the Committee with an overview of the Preliminary Goals & Objectives 2008-2009. Two
high priority objectives have been proposed by Staff that directly relate to the Senior Center. The first is
to implement a volunteer carpool program to provide transportation to and from the Senior Center. The
objective is to develop a program that would match those in need of transportation to the Senior Center
with others who are willing to serve as carpool drivers. This would require funding for part-time staff to
develop and implement the program.
The second objective is to investigate options for expanding Senior Center food service programs and
hours. For this objective, Staff would prepare a report outlining options and costs to expand food service
hours and programs at the Center. The study would evaluate the current lunch format to determine what
changes are needed and could be feasible.
CM Baron asked about the relationship between the adopted goals and objectives and the preliminary
goals and objectives. Commissioner Guarienti noted the adopted goals and objectives are this year’s
goals and the preliminary are proposed for next Fiscal Year. Guarienti indicated the preliminary goals
would be going to the Parks and Community Services Commission on January 22nd, and then the
Commission would discuss their recommendations to Council on February 2, 2008.
CM Baron stated that in looking at the 2007 Fall Quarterly Report attendance growth has been
approximately 15% but the growth of the volunteer hours has been 5%. He expressed concern and posed
a question. “If the attendance continues to increase, could the Senior Center support the participation and
demand? Is the Center physically capable of achieving its goal with the current Staff and volunteers?
CM Wood questioned if the staffing levels needs could keep pace with the growth. McCreary noted that
meeting increased demand will be addressed through use of partnerships, contract instructors and part-
time staff.
CM Wood indicated that the Committee has discussed a Senior Center website. She expressed that the
promotional efforts that began this year should continue in the future and include the development of a
website.
Guarienti spoke to the Committee as a private citizen. He stated there are three ways of communicating;
by the newsletter, email and via a website. He believes email is the best way to get information out and
feels people respond to email before they respond to a website.
CM Baron noted that there is a City website and possibly highlight the Senior Center website there. CM
Wood stated the goal should be inclusive to include both email and website.
CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 3 OF 5
CM Wood made the motion to include “Expand use of City website to promote Senior Center programs”
as a high priority objective for 2008-2009. CM Vanderpool seconded the motion and the Committee
unanimously concurred.
There was a discussion about communication. CM Baron recommended identifying four viable
techniques for communication and implementing two of the techniques during this fiscal year. Staff
indicated this is an ongoing process and that email could be the next step.
CM Wood commented that people need several forms of communication. She commented that the current
site is not attractive, needs updated content and more prominence to be used as an additional channel for
communication of Senior Center activities.
CM Wood asked if the preliminary objective regarding food service included the Food Distribution
Program. Staff stated that it does not.
CM Baron asked about the proposal by Burr Cain to have the Advisory Committee request the
Foundation to provide some funds to provide free lunches for new customers. Staff informed the
Committee there would be a joint meeting with the Foundation this spring in which this would be part of
the discussion. CM Wood asked if there was a need for a sub-committee to prepare for this meeting.
McCreary indicated the joint meeting was just for discussion and therefore subcommittee preparation was
not needed.
CM Wood asked if a sub-committee was needed to look at the lunch program. McCreary stated that
currently the objective is just a conceptual proposal, and if approved, the Advisory Committee would
provide input next year.
CM Vanderpool asked if there were enough people coming to the lunch program. McCreary indicated the
City subsidizes the program and it loses approximately $30,000 a year. More participation would not
necessarily make the program financially self-sustaining. With the current staffing levels there is capacity
to add some participants.
CM Bonetti made the motion to approve the Preliminary Goals & Objectives for 2008-2009 as presented
by Staff, including the addition of a high priority objective to expand use of City website to promote
Senior Center programs. CM Baron seconded the motion and the Committee unanimously approved.
Parks and Community Services Commission Meeting Presentations
The Committee Members drafted a schedule for each Member to make a brief presentation at two or more
of the Parks and Community Services Commission meetings during 2008.
Evaluation of Holiday Dessert Dance
On December 12, 2007 the Center held the inaugural Holly-Day Dessert Dance from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.
The cost per ticket was $20.00 for residents and $23.00 for non-residents. Guests received a free door
prize ticket and could participate in a silent auction. Approximately 60 people attended the event.
Dancing took place in the ballroom to the music of the Manny Gutierrez and His Quartet. Dessert and
drinks were available all evening. Of the 60 guests 49% of them were Dublin residents. Staff requested
feedback from the Committee to help with planning for future events.
CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 4 OF 5
CM Baron wondered why the Special Luncheon held on the next day was more successful. It was felt
running this event back-to-back with the luncheon should be avoided. Staff indicated the monthly
luncheons are always a sellout.
Commissioner Guarienti felt that the barrier to attendance was the cost of the event and recommended to
be successful the cost must be lower.
Committee comments included that maybe there were too many sweets and some finger sandwiches
would be good. In general the comments the Committee received were positive, it was fun and well run.
CM Wood suggested purchasing tables that seat only four to facilitate communication. She felt it is very
difficult to hear across the table and suggested Staff consider not playing music before or during lunch so
people can talk. She suggested the Committee ask the Foundation to purchase the tables.
CM Bonetti felt smaller tables would create cliques and are not conducive to people meeting each other,
and preferred the current tables. CM Bonetti expressed that she had met several people from attending
most special luncheons. She stated that she was disappointed that more Committee and Foundation
Members do not attend these events.
2007 Fall Quarterly Report
Staff provided an overview of the Fall Quarterly Report. The following numbers in the report were
corrected:
Total Attendance 11,062 (2007) 10,164 (2006)
Avg. Daily Attendance 178 169
Total Volunteer Hours 2,535
CM Wood indicated that facility usage had been included in the last quarterly report and should be
included in all quarterly reports.
Other Business
CM Edge congratulated CM Wood and CM Baron on their new Committee roles. CM Baron thanked
CM Edge and Bonetti for their contributions during the last year.
On January 8th Staff met with the LIFE Event Sub-Committee. Staff proposed using the most successful
activity model at the Dublin Senior Center - the monthly Special Luncheons. The lunch will carry out the
theme – MindQuest – and schedule a variety of entertainment to engage the senses of participants to share
ways to stimulate the mind. In addition, several activities would be held each hour prior to and after the
lunch.
CM Baron suggested forming additional sub-committees for the LIFE Event. Staff was not prepared to
form additional Sub-Committees in January. Staff will develop a tentative timeline and To-Do list to be
shared at the next Advisory Committee meeting. The Information and Resources Fair component will be
dropped and one major sponsor will be sought to help offset the cost of the event. The Foundation who
had contributed up to $1000 in the past, will not likely contribute any funds to the 2008 LIFE event. The
Foundation prefers to make contributions for physical assets and not programs or operational costs. The
current Sub-Committee plans to meet with Staff in late-January.
CITY OF DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008
PAGE 5 OF 5
Adjournment
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
Diane Guenther
Office Assistant
APPROVED:
___________________________________
Beth Wood
Chairperson
AGENDA STATEMENT
SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING DATE: February 7, 2008
SUBJECT: L.I.F.E. Event Plan
Report Prepared by Anna Hudson, Recreation Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS: Planning and Event Timeline
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide input
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: The Dublin Senior Center will host the Second Annual L.I.F.E. -
Learn Information for Empowerment – event on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The goal of this event is to share information about recreational activities for seniors living in the Tri-
Valley. This year’s theme for the L.I.F.E. event will be “Mind Quest”. The focus will be on
entertainment, games and other creative resources to help increase mind power. Patrons will have the
opportunity to participate in a variety of fun games and workshops to strengthen the mind.
EVENT COMPONENTS
The event will consist of four main components including entertainment, themed workshops, games, and
refreshments. Following are ideas Staff is pursuing for the entertainment:
• Fun Motivational Speaker or Headliner (i.e. Circ Sol Lei)
• Sing-a-longs with a pianist
• Magic show with illusion tricks
• Humorist or cartoonist (i.e. Scott Adam’s of Dilbert and Stacy’s Café Dublin)
• Mind your Mind - Brain Health
• Name (or sing) that Tune
The Second component will consist of workshops offered by organizations that promote one or more of
the following areas.
• Creative Mind – Invite art stores like Michaels, Sewing stores, etc.
• Health Conscious Mind – Promote health using nutrition based organizations
• Rested Mind –Invite experts to share relaxation and meditation techniques
• Peace of Mind– Focus on safety with Police, and Fire
COPIES TO:
G:\SRCTRADVCMTE\Statements\2008\20708 L.I.F.E. event final.doc ITEM NO.: 6.1
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• Mental Health Updates – Introduce new age health and alternative medicine
• Wisdom through the Ages – Use inspirational music, and or analytical thinking
• Computer Challenge - Interactive mental activities on the computer
The third component is games. Drop-in play will be offered in the morning with competitive play in the
afternoon. Semi-final will be conducted during the week prior with final competition resuming on
Saturday afternoon. Games can include but not limited to the following:
• Sudoko
• Chess games – competition might be time consuming, but maybe we can set out an area for
them to play, and watch others play, share strategies.
• Checkers
• Scrabble
• Scavenger Hunt
• Chinese Mah Jong
• American Mah Jong
• Cribbage
• Dominoes
• Virtual games on the Wii
Since some preparation is needed for tournament play, pre-registration is recommended so that
participants can be notified of their game time. Drop-ins may participate on a space available basis, or be
placed on a wait list.
The fourth component is the refreshments (brain food) to promote good nutrition.
• Refreshments such as will be provided throughout the day
• Hotdogs, chip, water and apple will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
OVERVIEW
The event is free to the public and no registration is required. Although there will not be an Information
and Resource Fair as in the past, select senior service agencies that will compliment the theme will be
invited to participate. Business sponsors will have the opportunity to highlight their programs and
services by providing event funding and appropriate giveaways to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Speakers who can speak on issues pertaining to enhancing one’s mind will be invited to offer a 45-minute
L.I.F.E. workshop. There will be a fifteen minute break between sessions. Talks will start at 10:00 AM,
11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM. The event will end at 2:00 PM. Staff will arrange to provide the
following fun workshops. Two activities will be offered at one time.
Free gifts to attendees will be given away such as post-it notes or white boards with the Dublin Senior
Center name, phone number and vision statement may be imprinted on the promotional items.
Light refreshments will be provided during the morning and afternoon. Seating will be available
throughout the facility and in the outdoor patio areas.
PROMOTIONS
The L.I.F.E. logo developed last year will be placed on all promotional materials. The event will be
highlighted in the monthly Senior Center newsletter as well as the spring edition of The Guide. Press
releases will be sent to the local media.
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Staff plans to create a targeted mailing list to send the event postcards and additional flyers to Dublin
residents who are seniors. Staff will also ask the Dublin San Ramon Services District to print a brief note
about the event on the of Dublin residents water bills based on a billing cycle.
OUTCOMES AND EVALUATION
The expected outcomes will be to create rewarding friendships, intriguing activities and a lifestyle of
possibilities. Through engaging in meaningful activities, seniors, their families and friends will learn not
only about programs and services available at the Dublin Senior Center but also in the Tri Valley.
EVALUATION
Evaluation forms will be distributed as patrons exit the Center. Our goal is to measure outcomes as well
as garner feedback on the overall success of the event. As an incentive, those responding to the survey
will be entered into a drawing for “mind-related” door prizes provided by local businesses at the end of
the day. Winners will not need to be present to win.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
In order to have a successful event, Staff will schedule volunteers to assist in the planning and
implementation of the event. Each Advisory Committee Member is invited to assist Staff with a portion
of the event. A recruitment of other volunteers will also be implemented to help on the day of event.
Staff has met with the Subcommittee to discuss potential planning and event components. The
Subcommittee has suggested assigning specific volunteers to assist the Recreation Coordinator and will
be determined at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Committee receive the report and provide input.
DRAFT TIMELINE
Time Line
Five months Prior
X Select Theme: Mindquest
X Research Theme and Ideas:
X Select Date: Saturday, May 17, 2008
X Contact Other Senior Centers to be sure selected date is not in conflict
X Establish Sub-Committee: Marty and Delilah
X Schedule Planning Meeting(s) 1st Thursday, Monday prior and Third Monday
1) January – Share ideas and concepts
2) January 10 – Update at DSCAC meeting
3) January 28 – Share ideas
4) February 7 – Update at DSCAC meeting
5)
X Use same LIFE Logo for event
__ Select giveaways
__ Identify, recruit and secure major sponsor (s)
__ Kaiser
__ Palo Alto Medical Foundation
__ Prepare letter, Fact Sheet and application form
__ Prepare budget and estimate total expenditures
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) 1st Thursday, Monday prior and Third Monday
__ Submit LIFE Info in Spring Guide due February 1
Four Months prior – January 17
__ Select and order Giveaways
__ Identify entertainers and contact them via mail, email or telephone
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) as needed
__ Select menu
Three Months Prior – February 17
__ Write up contracts/W-9 for all Entertainers
__ Secure monetary donations to be used toward revenue commitment
__ Prepare flyers
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) as needed
__ Submit LIFE Info in April Newsletter
__ Print, collate and mail out March Newsletter
Two Months Prior – March 17
__ Prepare publicity to newspaper
__ Prepare radio speech for local radio
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) as needed
__ Submit LIFE Info in May Newsletter
__ Print, collate and mail out April newsletter
DRAFT TIMELINE
One Month Prior April 17
__ Solicit for In-Kind Donation, ie Free Giveaways and raffle incentives
__ Request for Claim Forms
__ Determine Staff needs (Anna, Camille, Diane, Linda, all building attendants (4-6)
__ Determine volunteer needs- kitchen (4-8), vendors (4), Hosts (4-8),
__ Prepare Event Layout
__ Design Centerpieces and purchase supplies
__ Design and Prepare Signage
__ Schedule Volunteers to work
__ Confirm All Entertainment via Contract and W-9
__ Request for payment of entertainment
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) as needed
__ Print, collate and mail out May newsletter\
__ Order Food for LIFE event
Week(s) prior
__ Schedule orientation with all volunteers (kitchen, office, and event) and staff
__ Post signs in parking lot
__ Schedule volunteers to help set up (4-8), clean up (4-8), refreshments (4)
__ One volunteer scheduled as photographer and historian
__ Prepare evaluations for the event
__ Prepare, print and fold programs for the event
__ Prepare Centerpieces to go with the Theme
__ Confirm all Entertainment
__ Schedule Planning Meeting(s) as needed
__ Order and pick up perishable food for LIFE event
Friday, May 16
__ Set up for the event
__ Ballroom (dining for 200)
__ Stage area for entertainment
__ Room A –Games, competition and Low organized activities
__ Room C/D – Workshops and special
__ Lounge (prepare snacks area)
__ Server assist
__ Set up info and resources table if any
__ Set up tables where entertainers and volunteers can check in
__ Pick up refreshments and supplies at Safeway, Costco (?)\
__ Set up coffee area
__ Call and confirm volunteers and Staff schedule
__ Prepare evaluation and giveaway tables (4-8)
__ Place programs in various areas
__ Block off spaces for entertainers to park their cards nearest kitchen door
Saturday, May 17
DRAFT TIMELINE
8:00 a.m. Set up kitchen and ballroom set up
Set out supplies and kitchenware and aprons
Prep food trays - fruit, coffee,
Prep drink table tea, juice and cups
Prep Lunch time & Prep other food items if any
8:30 a.m. Setup Volunteer at Stations
Greeter at Entry
Host to pass out Giveaways and collect Evaluation forms
Hosts at each Door (4)
Entertainment Attendant
Lunch Attendant
Set up Rooms
Parking Lot Attendants (2)
Setup Rooms
Ballroom - Luncheon
Room A
Room C/D
Lounge
Coffee Counter
10:00 a.m. Activities TBA
11:00 a.m. Activities TBA
11:30 – 12:15 pm Activities TBA
12:30 p.m. Activities TBA
1:30 p.m. Activities TBA
AGENDA STATEMENT
SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING DATE: February 7, 2008
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.: 7.1
G:\SRCTRADVCMTE\Statements\2008\2-7-08 Item 7 1 Ambassador Program Mission.doc
SUBJECT: Ambassador Program Mission
Report by Paul McCreary, Parks & Community Services Manager
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide input on the preliminary mission for the
Ambassador Program
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: For Fiscal Year 2007-2008 the City Council has a high priority
objective to expand operational hours, programs, and marketing of activities at the Dublin Senior Center.
Based on input from patrons and the Advisory Committee, one of the objectives Staff is pursuing is the
creation of an Ambassador Program. The primary purpose of the program is to expand community
outreach and enhance access to Senior Center programs and services.
Staff would like the Advisory Committee to discuss the mission for this program. This input will be used
to develop a detailed program plan, outlining the various program components, resource needs,
implementation considerations and measurable outcomes. Following is some background information
prepared by Staff to help prepare for the discussion.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
During the past two years the Advisory Committee has conducted two public workshops to garner input
for the development of new programs and services. Approximately 15 patrons participated in each of the
meetings. As a result of the workshops and subsequent Advisory Committee meetings several common
threads emerged. The first is the need to conduct more outreach to attract new patrons and volunteers to
the Senior Center. It was suggested that Ambassadors be found who can conduct a traveling road show in
the community.
Once new customers visit the Senior Center, there was discussion about the “intake” process and the need
to improve the efforts at welcoming them and connecting them with the programs and other patrons.
There was discussion about the need for a Greeter who does not have the same duties as the office Staff
and can be more mobile to show people to their activities, or provide short tours to orientate people to the
building.
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During the workshops there was much discussion about increased access to affordable health and human
services programs. There was a sense that volunteers were needed to help refer seniors and caregivers to
the appropriate services that could help maintain the quality of life of aging residents. Although the Parks
and Community Services Department is responsible for meeting the recreational and cultural needs of the
community, the Advisory Committee felt there was a need to determine how the Senior Center can better
function as a conduit to various non-profit senior service providers.
Another common theme was the need for social connections and the importance of those connections to
health and quality of life. Several comments were made at each workshop about the importance of
reaching out to seniors who may be isolated or homebound. The concerns related to a lack of
transportation options to get to the Senior Center, as well as the needs of those who live alone or may be
recently widowed.
DRAFT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM MISSION
In fall 2007, the Advisory Committee updated its vision for the Senior Center to be “Creating rewarding
friendships, intriguing activities and a lifestyle of possibilities”. Based on that vision and input from the
public and Advisory Committee, Staff developed a draft mission statement for the Ambassador Program.
The mission statement describes the “business” of the program. It is a brief description of the program’s
fundamental purpose. A mission statement answers the question, “Why does the program exist?”
Following is the proposed mission statement for the Ambassador Program.
The Ambassador Program promotes and supports a high quality of life for older adults
by connecting them with people, programs and services to meet their recreational needs
and maintain independent lifestyles. It provides community outreach to attract new
patrons as well as methods to welcome and retain them as customers. The Ambassador
Program helps combat loneliness and isolation by strengthening social connections and
enhancing transportation options to the Senior Center. It also provides a conduit to other
organizations providing human services to meet the specific needs of older adults.
Staff would like feedback from the Advisory Committee on the draft mission statement for the
Ambassador Program. This is a way of ensuring that the Advisory Committee and Staff are on the same
page, as the mission statement will serve as a baseline for effective program planning, and determining
the various program components.
Staff will use the input from this meeting to prepare a report for presentation at a future meeting of a
detailed program plan.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Senior Center Advisory Committee
receive the report and provide input on the preliminary mission for the Ambassador Program