Senior Center Best Practices

Managers, Directors and Center Personnel

Senior Center Best Practices

Category
Volunteer Projects

Senior Center/Nutrition Program/Organization Name
Schoolhouse Center

Address
600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, PA

Phone Number
610-237-8100, ext. 25

E-Mail
mmcgowan@scs-delco.org

Contact Person
Michelle McGowan

Event Name
Going Green in the Golden Years

Description/Overview
On March 30th, Schoolhouse Center learned that it had been awarded a $2,500 "Making a Big Difference" grant from Coming of Age and the Intergenerational Center of Temple University. Schoolhouse was one of eight recipients chosen from the forty applicants. The funding will enabled Schoolhouse to launch a “Go Green in the Golden Years” initiative. There was a core committee of individuals who helped to implement a new recycling program, researched energy audits, and reviewed the use of current practices at the center in order to suggest more “earth-friendly” alternatives. Ultimately, the majority of the grant money was spent on making the men and women's bathroom more energy efficient by installing new low-flow toilets. Several educational programs were also held at the center including a "Greener Lifestyles" presentation by the Pennsylvania Resources Council, a Q&A session about recycling in Ridley conducted by the township and a "Go Green Celebration" that summarized the findings of the council. Prizes such as CFL light bulbs and green cleaning products were given as raffle prizes at the "Go Green Celebration."

Time and Manpower
5 volunteers, 47 hours total

Marketing
The Daily Times and several Town Talks published blurbs about the committee. Flyers were sent out in a targeted mailing to individuals who had expressed

Audience Served
Schoolhouse Center members and participants

Partnerships Utilized
Coming of Age, the Intergenerational Center of Temple University, RSVP, Master Gardeners program, Ridley Township and Pennsylvania Resources Council

Budget/Costs
$2,500

Impact On Center
Approximately 60 people have been directly served through programs sponsored by the Go Green Committee. However, the implementation of recycling, installation of more water-efficient toilets and their advocacy for a commercial dishwasher and reusable china has had an indirect, positive impact on the roughly 1,000 center participants and guests that attend Schoolhouse Center each year.

Due to the recycling program and the installation of more energy efficient toilets, the center is now saving between $140 and $150 per month on trash pick-up and water bills. Over the course of a year, this is expected to translate to approximately $1,600-$1,800 of savings. This reduction in overhead costs will lead to the allocation of greater resources toward programs and service delivery.

While the Go Green Committee was unable to purchase a commercial dishwasher with the funds from the Make A Big Difference Grant, their recommendation had an influential effect on another grant request that Schoolhouse Center recently submitted. Research conducted by committee members revealed that the center spent over $300 per month on paper products that could be cut out with the installation of a commercial dishwasher. This helped support Schoolhouse Center's request in another grant proposal asking for funds to purchase a commercial dishwasher.

Good Tips/Other
Utilizing self-directed teams to accomplish volunteer tasks is appealing to many older adults and can benefit organizations like SCS immensely. However, it is important to ensure that roles within the group are clearly defined and to elect one person the team "leader" in order to increase accountability.