Story posted Thursday, February 4, 2010
Senior Center Breaks Down '09 Numbers
By CRAIG ADAMS Journal & Topics Reporter
An average of 46 seniors each day attended programs and gatherings at the Wheeling Pavilion Senior Center during 2009.
The center, located at 199 N. First St., released its report for the year listing all the ways it has assisted the senior population.
"We're a hub of information for older adults and their families," explained Director of Senior Services Shari Matthews-Huizar. She also pointed to the socialization amenities of the center. "People can come here and be with their peers," she said. "It all comes down to providing an outlet for people that may not get out much otherwise."
A total of 160 seniors took computer classes during 2009. Some 15 seniors attended each of two seven-week Spanish classes, and 16 came to each of three Rules of the Road refresher courses.
The report said 195 residents came for help with tax preparations, 190 spoke to Korean social workers, and 56 talked to a Russian social worker from the Council for the Jewish Elderly.
The center also hosted monthly programs for seniors suffering from depression, compulsive hoarding, and those with Parkinson's disease.
"One of the most important things is the providing of information," Matthews-Huizar said. The report lists 2,500 assists to seniors asking for referrals and 1,764 telephone calls made by volunteers for residents registered for the well-being checks.
Those volunteers put in an average of 17 hours every day accounting for about 5,000 hours of volunteer work during 2009.
"This is a wonderful place to come and volunteer," Matthews-Huizar added. "We have volunteers involved in every aspect that we do."
The center also hosts breakfasts, fitness classes, a singles group, a knitting group, several weekly card games, and a Nintendo Wii bowling team.
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