COLUMBUS -- Governor Ted Strickland has proclaimed this week, through April 4, as Ohio Senior Center Week to recognize the work that senior citizens, their staff and volunteers do to enrich lives and strengthen communities and the state. The observance also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the state association that supports and enhances the ability of Ohio's senior center network to effectively serve older adults. "Senior centers offer services that help their members maintain independence, while also providing opportunities for them to interact with each other and contribute to their communities," Strickland said. "From meals and socialization, to trips, volunteer efforts and educational opportunities, our senior centers provide older Ohioans, baby boomers and others with meaningful and valuable activities." Ohio Association of Senior Centers was established in 1959 to provide education, training and certification for senior center staff, guidelines for best practice sharing, development of new funding sources and information on legislation and advocacy efforts on behalf of older Ohioans. "We are so proud to acknowledge this impressive milestone for a very important and influential organization," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Senior centers have been around since the early days of the state's aging network and remain a very important part of its foundation. We could not do what we do without them." Working with the Department of Aging and other service providers, senior centers strive to promote the dignity, self-determination and well-being of older Ohioans. More than 450 full- and part-time senior centers in Ohio have locations, staff and programs that uniquely reflect the diversity of the people they serve, while they serve as community focal points, bringing generations together. Centers also play a crucial role in Ohio's social services system through home-delivered meals, transportation and other valuable services. "We hope that all Ohioans will take time this week to learn more about their local senior centers and the opportunities available, and ask how they can get involved," Strickland said. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov/resources/seniorcenters for more information and a list of senior centers throughout the state.
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