By Brian Penny, Senior Outreach Coordinator, South County Community Services
Have you heard the news?? Vicksburg United Methodist Church is opening its doors to the South County senior community Sunday, April 14 between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. for a Senior Open House!
A group of community members from the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, VUMC and, of course, South County Community Services has been meeting with an advisory committee of community partners for the past few months in order to plan ongoing senior programming to offer at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and we are excited to show you what we’ve been up to!
We are hopeful that the new senior center in Vicksburg will stand as a beacon of community care and support for the older adult population, offering a range of activities and programs to enhance the well-being and quality of life for older adults in the area. The facility will not only provide a welcoming and non-sectarian space for seniors to gather and socialize but also serve as a hub for recreational activities, educational workshops, and health and wellness programs, like chair yoga, coffee-klatsch hours, pickleball, and art classes. The SCCS senior walking group (“The Pacemakers”) will be able to walk inside when the weather is poor, and we have lots of other ideas too: we’ve talked about massage therapy, music therapy, lunch and learns, bingo/singo, and bringing back Matter of Balance classes. If you’ve got other ideas, we want to hear them too! This is the perfect time to become involved in these projects as they are being developed, so please let us know if you want to see something offered or if you want to help bring a new program to Vicksburg!
During the open house, there will be musical entertainment, refreshments, and the various activity rooms will be available for a sampling of planned programs. You will also be able to meet instructors and sign up for classes. Senior center organizers will be on hand to learn more about what the community would like to see at the center. Visitors can respond to a questionnaire about their interests and expertise that they may have to share because the center’s activities will be built based on input, and the advisory committee wants to hear what people want at the center that will “make it a home.”
Looking ahead, we have lots of plans for continued growth. Projects are in motion to enhance existing facilities, build partnerships with local organizations, and leverage resources efficiently, ensuring the center’s sustainability for years to come.
Fundraising efforts play a crucial role in supporting the future plans of the senior center. Community members will be encouraged to participate in various fundraising activities, from charity events to donation drives, to help secure the center’s financial stability. Volunteer opportunities are also available for those looking to contribute their time and skills toward the success of the center, fostering a sense of community involvement and collaboration. As the new Senior Center in Vicksburg (official name to be decided) continues to strive and expand its offering, it will be a vital resource for the older adult community, enriching the lives of seniors and contributing to the overall well-being of the South County area.
The senior center at VUMC is all about fostering friendships, creating connections, and bringing people together. We want to promote active living, well-being, and overall awesomeness. We look forward to seeing you there!
