Annual Campaign
$20,256
Raised
147
Donations
$25,600
Goal
HELP US ACHIEVE OUR VISION:
Doing More for More Seniors
The Community Senior Center has announced the level of funding it must raise from donors to continue to serve its growing roster of senior participants. The organization begins its annual fund-raising drive this month.
Despite COVID restrictions over the past years, the number of seniors the CSC engages in various ways has increased significantly. Creative new approaches to hosting programs and activities - and a broader menu of both - have made the growth in participation possible.
The CSC’s budget calls for $25,600 to be able to build on its offerings and implement new initiatives that will allow more seniors to participate. Because it does not draw from the towns’ tax revenues, the organization relies on individual donations for the funds needed to support its work.
Approximately 80% of the non-profit’s budget is allocated to programs and activities. Several new initiatives in 2022 are aimed at fulfilling the CSC’s vision of providing “Boundless opportunities for all seniors to live life to the fullest.” An example is the CSC board’s recent decision to make participation fees optional for activities that have associated costs for such things as rental equipment and instructors. Ice skating, bowling, and line dancing fall in that category.
According to Board Chair Jane Vossler, “We take seriously our commitment to all seniors who would like to participate in what we offer. This includes those whose circumstances may prevent their making a contribution at the time a fee-based activity takes place. The generosity of our donors has made it possible for the CSC to cover these costs, and it is carried out in a way that protects individuals’ privacy.”
During COVID restrictions on social interaction, the CSC adopted an on-line format to sustain activities and programs. It emerged as an effective tool for engaging more seniors who may have been unable to travel to in-person activities and programs in the past. Going forward, the CSC plans to continue certain activities either fully on-line, or in hybrid sessions conducted on-line and in- person. Meditation, needle arts, French and Spanish conversation and reading groups are examples of internet-adaptable activities that the CSC can extend to a broader range of seniors.
While the CSC currently serves a wide range of abilities and interests, there is an ongoing focus on adding more programs, activities, and services. Recently, the organization re-instituted the foot clinic, with the support of Richmond Family Medicine. It also added several new seasonal activities and now has three raised-bed gardens courtesy of the Richmond Community Garden.
PLEASE DONATE AND HELP US ACHIEVE OUR VISION FOR ALL SENIORS.