Seniors’ Resource Center, an innovative
provider of community-based programs proven to
maximize the independence and dignity of older
adults as they age at home, kicked-off its 30th
Anniversary festivities in style with a May 8
community celebration at the Jefferson County
Fairgrounds.
7NEWS anchorman
Mitch Jelniker emceed the event, which honored SRC’s 30-year dedication
to improving the quality of life for Colorado’s seniors as well as the
significant contributions made by its Agency Volunteer Program, Volunteer Driver
Program and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
“I’m
so impressed with Seniors’ Resource Center,” said Jelniker. “It
touches so many lives across Colorado. It’s personalized, not cookie
cutter. It would have made a world of difference if we had an SRC where I came
from.”
More than
500 past and present staff members, volunteers and community supporters and
leaders gathered for food, entertainment and memories as State Senator Moe
Keller and State Representative Cheri Jahn also presented a joint Senate-House
resolution declaring May 8 as “Seniors’ Resource Center Day”.
Guests enjoyed
a delicious lunch as well as the opportunity to take a walk down SRC memory
lane. A colorful sixteen-panel historical timeline display featured photographs
from the agency’s beginning as a service provider for the elderly and
an outgrowth of RSVP in 1978 through its present day role as a one-stop shop
in ten counties for centralized and coordinated senior services.
“It’s
been my experience that seniors can be resilient, and they give back so much
to society that younger Americans may not be aware of,” said John Zabawa,
President/CEO. “In those pictures of our 30-year history, you can see
powerful emotions on people’s faces. Sometimes it’s their needs
that are looking back at you through the lens. But sometimes it’s the
satisfaction that comes of making a contribution to your community, as our
volunteers have done.”
Toya Nelson,
Executive Director of Gov. Bill Ritter’s Commission on Community Service,
spoke of the importance of volunteerism in finding ways to care for older adults.
“I
don’t have to tell all of you at Seniors’ Resource Center of the
transformative value of voluntary service,” said Nelson. “When
you serve homebound neighbors with companionship, food delivery, and alleviating
homelessness, you remove the pain of need and you build the fabric of your
community.”
Earlier
this spring, SRC received a special tribute from U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar on the
floor of the Senate itself, in Washington, D.C., commemorating its contributions
to the well-being of older adults throughout its 30-year history. Community
Liaison Betty Sweeney congratulated SRC at the May 8 celebration on behalf
of Sen. Salazar and presented the organization with a copy of the Congressional
Record honoring its 30 years of dedicated service to seniors.
Leaders
from major entities that pooled resources together in the late 1970’s
to give birth to SRC, the Jefferson County Government, the Jefferson County
Council on Aging and the RSVP program, lauded the ability of SRC to effectively
address seniors’ needs.
Jefferson
County Commissioners Kathy Hartman presented a proclamation declaring May as
Older Americans Month.
Hartman
said, “I would like to extend overdue thanks to Seniors’ Resource
Center and its care managers for assistance they provided my family. They are
so professional.”
Edie Richey,
Chair of the Jefferson County Council on Aging, congratulated SRC on its 30th
Anniversary milestone and spoke of the long-term relationship between the two
organizations, which dates back to 1980.
Of the relationship
between RSVP and SRC, Doug Maben, RSVP program manager, said, “The previous
30 years have been very good to both organizations – the next 30 promise
to be astonishing in their achievement.”
RSVP Volunteer
Marty Tinianow kept the beat going throughout the celebration as Disc Jockey
and as a special treat, Kevin and Pat Whitely of Let’s Dance Denver! performed
an impressive dance routine. Pat, known to many at SRC by her maiden name Pat
Storey, served as the second Executive Director of SRC.
“I’ve
been amazed at the extent of SRC’s reach into the community and how it
coordinates many services to meet the complex needs of seniors,” said
Kathleen Stapleton, chairman of its board of directors. “I think we are
all gratified that it is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a strong vision
of its future in serving our region’s growing population of older adults.”
The SRC
30th Anniversary excitement continues with a Sept. 27 Evening Celebration with
Art Linkletter at the Belmar Center in Lakewood. To purchase tickets or for
more information, please call (303) 235-6927. Table sponsorships and event
sponsorships are still available.
To learn more about Seniors’ Resource Center
programs or to inquire about volunteering, call
(303) 238-8151 or visit our website at www.SRCAging.org.
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