Seniors’ Resource Center (SRC) has effectively served older adults across the Denver Metro Area for 40 years. SRC’s Southwest Littleton office is no exception, with a welcoming and devoted staff and services that are constantly in demand.
Bianca Tellez, Site Supervisor, has been working at SRC Southwest for four years. “I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. When I came in for an interview, I said family is my priority. The staff were awesome and understanding, and I have been here ever since.”
So many services in one place
She describes her office as “a satellite office providing all of SRC’s resources, like Chores or In Home Care, computer classes, LEAP, outreach at different churches and fairs, unemployment application assistance, transportation services, a volunteer transportation program, game days, and an array of groups hosted on site.” She laughs saying, “There is a lot more we do that I am not listing now.”
For instance, the site offers older adults one-on-one computer classes, where they get help with anything from updating Facebook to combating spam. SRC Southwest also held a six-week caregiver support group that, “no one wanted to end.” There is
even free Wi-Fi which many people drop by and use.
All of this is available to anyone in the community. Bianca explains that many coming in are in their early 60’s and are surprised to find that SRC is so able to meet their needs. Even those who are 55 have received help filling out Medicaid applications.
Fostering friendships and making a difference
SRC Southwest is not just providing services, but also fostering bonds between volunteers, older adults, community partners, and employees. Bianca explains, “I just love talking with seniors in the community and hearing their stories. When we are able to help them, I just love it.” She recalls, “One gentlemen we helped for two years with his laptop. One day, he was so overwhelmed with a need for new grab bars and a repair costing $600. We referred him to volunteer services, and next day they were there to help.”
Bianca also talks about George L., who had been coming to SRC Southwest every Tuesday and Thursday ever since she has been working there. He had just passed away recently at 95 years old, and Bianca admits, “it has been hard.” Building real relationships is at the heart of what SRC staff does.
The Southwest office has come to the point where they are “growing out of
the location.” Weekly Wednesday card games have gone from five or six older adults to fifteen or sixteen. Stepping On classes were so full that not everyone
who wanted to participate could be accommodated. These are just two examples that show the high demand for services for older adults and relevance of SRC’s mission.