The Danvers Council on Aging/Danvers Senior Center is located in a residential community approximately 20 miles northeast of Boston, MA. The lasts Danvers census shows a population of 26,493 residents and the town is considered a bedroom community to Boston. It is a suburban in nature, but with the corresponding issues and problems of an urban setting due to its proximity to a major city. The census also reports that there are 6,419 residents sixty and above making up roughly 24% of town’s population. This is the senior center’s fourth accreditation.
The center was built approximately 20 years ago and houses both Senior and Social Services for the town. The building is in the down town area and next to a senior housing complex. The center is also adjacent to a park with athletic fields. It is easily located due to great use of signage leading to the facility. The building is a beautiful structure with great use of natural lighting, high ceilings, modern décor and furnishings combining for an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. There is ample accessible parking.
Approximately 135 individuals participate in daily activities including a congregate meal at noon, café luncheon, special interest classes scheduled throughout the day and extended evening hours, adult supportive day program, visitors seeking assistance on Medicare, personal or care-giving family matter, travel opportunities or volunteer opportunities and more. Visit their Facebook page.
The Peer Reviewer notes the following strengths:
- Great building that is well cared for with nice interior and exterior space. The building has excellent visibility in the community.
- Good support from the town decision and policy makers, Council on Aging and Friends group.
- The staff is very experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic with great ideas for programming and collaborations.
- Broad-based programming that is constantly evolving.
- Fantastic café program with high end food at a reasonable price. An excellent collaborative effort with a non-profit. This program is truly a model program!
- Therapy dog available to those who want contact.
- Social Model Adult Day program for persons with memory impairment is a great mix of inclusion and separate programming with a very creative, dedicated group of staff and volunteers
- Extensive community connections and collaborations. It is apparent that a lot of effort has been placed by the staff to look for every opportunity to partner to bring new and improved services.
- Very active volunteer program and a commitment to volunteers.
- Expanded hours with creative programming ideas, love the summer cookouts that are open to the community!
- Diverse funding sources
- Great Evaluation Plan
This is the center’s fourth accreditation. The peer reviewer noted that participants interviewed were very positive about the staff, programs, building and overall experience at the senior center; volunteer were highly motivated and committed; staff were upbeat and welcoming; the Town Administrative, Council on Aging and Friends members were interested and involved in the center and all were proud of the center’s continued accreditation status.
Instill pride in your community, set future goals and strengthen your capacity through the national accreditation and the self-assessment process. Learn how the National Senior Center Standards and self-assessment process can help you achieve excellence at your center.
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