Recommendations / Public Health / Big Idea #2: Senior Engagement Center

Big Idea #2: Senior Engagement Center

Part of the "SEASONED SAINTS" initiative

Public HealthMilledgeville/Baldwin$250,000–$500,000

Overview

Upgrade and expand the current senior center so it can better serve retirees from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The recommendation focuses on added staffing, expanded programming, improved transportation, marketing/awareness, renovations, and partnerships with local colleges, health, nonprofit, and community organizations to create a more active and connected senior engagement center.

Action plan

Short-term
Hire a program coordinator as a single point of contact for senior center programming. Conduct focus groups and identify/commit investors. Create a marketing/awareness plan through a website, Facebook updates, and online search engine updates. Provide increased transportation beyond one trip per month. Increase senior involvement through trips to local events, shopping, field trips, etc. Grow the center to full capacity, currently 65, by hiring additional personnel. Prepare for future expansion/renovation. Secure a Municipal Bond to fund improvements.
Medium-term
Begin upgrades and renovations, including raised garden beds, an open community room for senior exercise classes, an art studio, new computers, and an extra vehicle to transport members to community events. Hire a director and other necessary staff to begin planning programs and events.
Long-term
Complete renovations and upgrades.

Expected impact

Part-Time Office Assistant SalaryOperational

Tracks annual salary for part-time office assistant position.

Projected: $10,000 annual salary
Increased Programming at Senior CenterCommunity

Tracks expansion of senior center programming.

Current Transportation FrequencyOperational

Tracks the current transportation availability provided through the senior center.

Projected: 1 trip per month
Annual Staffing and Program NeedsOperational

Tracks the estimated annual budget for staffing, program needs, and maintenance.

Projected: $250,000 annually
Senior Retention in Milledgeville/Baldwin CountyCommunity

Tracks whether the project increases retention of seniors in Milledgeville/Baldwin County.

Estimated Project DurationOperational

Tracks the estimated time from first focus group to grand opening of upgraded and renovated senior center.

Projected: Approximately 3 years
Nutrition Program Supervisor SalaryOperational

Tracks annual salary for nutrition program supervisor position.

Projected: $35,000 annual salary
Increased StaffOperational

Tracks whether additional staff are hired to support expanded capacity and programming.

Expanded Transportation FrequencyInstitutional

Tracks whether partnerships help provide additional senior transportation to community events and resources.

Projected: 6-Mar trips per month
Senior InvolvementCommunity

Tracks increased senior involvement through local events, shopping, field trips, cultural activities, and community programming.

Senior Center AwarenessCommunity

Tracks awareness created through improved marketing, including website, Facebook, and online search updates.

Extension of HoursOperational

Tracks whether the senior center extends its hours.

Senior Center Full CapacityOperational

Tracks whether the center grows to full building capacity after additional personnel are hired.

Projected: 65 people
Renovations and Upgrades CompletedInfrastructure

Tracks completion of senior center renovations and upgrades.

Current Service LimitOperational

Tracks the current number of people the center can serve due to staffing, resources, and regulations.

Projected: 25 people
Better Quality of Life for SeniorsCommunity

Tracks whether the upgraded senior center provides a better quality of life for seniors.

Seniors Aging in PlaceCommunity

Tracks whether more seniors are able to age in place rather than entering an institution.

Supervisor SalaryOperational

Tracks annual salary for supervisor position.

Projected: $40,000 annual salary
Tie Senior Center Back Into CommunityCommunity

Tracks whether the senior center becomes more connected to the broader community.

Office Assistant SalaryOperational

Tracks annual salary for office assistant position.

Projected: $25,000 annual salary
Existing Approved SPLOST FundingEconomic

Tracks the currently approved SPLOST funding for current senior center upgrades and renovations.

Projected: $50,000 funding
Nutrition Office Assistant SalaryOperational

Tracks annual salary for nutrition office assistant position.

Projected: $15,000 annual salary
Annual Staff Salary TotalOperational

Tracks total annual salaries listed for senior center staff roles.

Projected: $125,000 annually

Key stakeholders

Current senior centerOverview, Inc.Current senior center directorRetirees in Milledgeville/Baldwin CountyRetirees from all socioeconomic backgroundsCounty officialsCommunity stakeholdersProgram coordinatorInvestorsMunicipal governmentSPLOSTLocal collegesLocal school boardNavicent Health BaldwinGeorgia CollegeGeorgia Military CollegeLowe’sLocal NurseryUnited Way of Central GeorgiaAARP Foundation GrantsOther non-profit agenciesVolunteersMiddle Georgia Regional CommissionSupervisorOffice assistantOffice assistant (PT)Nutrition program supervisorNutrition office assistantDonations/Annual fundraisers

Estimated budget

Staffing and program needs: approximately $250,000 annually. Staff salaries total $125,000: Supervisor $40,000; Office assistant $25,000; Office assistant PT $10,000; Nutrition program supervisor $35,000; Nutrition office assistant $15,000. Remaining half of annual budget would be used for program needs and maintenance.