The Cook County Council on Aging Board of Directors is looking for new members.
“We currently are in the midst of strategic planning and visioning for the future needs of our community,” said Cook County Senior Center Director Bev Green. “We realize the days of the traditional Senior Center are gone, and we are much more than a Senior Center.”
Jess Rodne, Senior Center Activities Director, visited a senior center in Chicago this past summer and was impressed by what was taking place there.
“The Center was a busy place with a lot of activities. It was intergenerational; people of all ages mixed and mingled. The main draw was a Café Plus, a cafeteria that served the public,” said Rodne. “That brought people in, and once the people were there, there was a lot for them to do.”
Both Green and Rodne would like to see updates to the programming and the building. “When people come to the senior center we would like the space to be more inviting, more welcoming. Right now the stigma is that senior centers are for old people and the emphasis is on the cards and bingo. Today, many seniors are healthier and want a broad range of activities to select from. Currently, we aren’t getting those people,” Green said.
“We don’t want to be seen as an ‘end of life’ place,” added Rodne. “But as a place where your life can be enriched and broadened.”
In January the senior center will get a new 15-passenger van that will open the possibilities up to schedule trips to concerts, plays, recitals, museums, etc., said Green. “It might be possible to take overnight trips or long road trips. We won’t need a special driver for this van, so that helps.”
Hours might be expanded under a new model, said Rodne. “And we would like to see more groups use the building for meetings or gatherings,” Green said.
But first new board members are needed to help with the re-branding effort.
“Please consider becoming a Board of Directors member to get in on a new vision for who we are, what the future needs and wants of our community are, and how we do this,” Green said, adding, “All ages are encouraged to apply.”
The Cook County Council on Aging is a 501(c) 3 organization that oversees the Senior Center and the First & Second Thrift Store. The Board of Directors works closely with the Director in areas of programs and services, finances, and policies and procedures for the two entities. The First & Second Thrift Store is an independent program of the Cook County Council on Aging and helps support financially the Senior Center as well as many other nonprofits.
“We are looking for board members from all districts of Cook County,” said Green.”
Board of Director meetings take place monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center. Other meetings may be scheduled as needed. New terms start January 1st, 2017.
If you are interested in helping to shape and plan for the future, please stop by the Senior Center or email for an application. If you have questions or ideas, please call Bev at 218-387- 2660. “We want you to be a part of who we are, after all, this is a public organization and building for use by all in the community,” Green added.
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