Senior Center Best Practices

Managers, Directors and Center Personnel

Senior Center Best Practices

Category
Nutrition Event, Marketing Your Center, Community Event, Volunteer Projects

Senior Center/Nutrition Program/Organization Name
Rose Tucker Center

Address
128 W. Washington St., Nanticoke, PA 18634

Phone Number
570-735-1670

E-Mail
MHaydt@Aging.Luzerne-Wyoming.org

Contact Person
Maureen Haydt

Event Name
Senior Center and Nutrition Program Success Stories

Description/Overview
In January of 2009 the then Nanticoke Senior Center, after twenty five years of being in the same location, relocated to a new area in the lower level of the Mercy Special Care Hospital, Nanticoke, PA. Beside the move and relocation the Director who was there for twenty five years and the Assistant Director of ten years both retired the same time as the move of the center.

Rose Tucker Center is the first in Luzerne/Wyoming Counties that is in partnership with a hospital. We stress nutrition, health and wellness. We have the privilege and cooperation of the Mercy Special Care Hospitals various department coming to the center to speak on different topics which are very informative and geared toward the senior's health and wellness. Many members own physicians are located in the facility which is convenient for them. They can have lab work or X-Ray's done if needed. Hospital staff is always helpful and cooperative to members and staff. Lunch menu's along with monthly calendars are distributed in the outpatient waiting area of the hospital.

Exercise classes have plenty of safe and walking areas both inside and outside of the hospital. Staff is kept informed on any public medical issues by being able to attend hospital staff meetings.

In March of 2009 the center was renamed Rose Tucker Center in honor of Rose Tucker who at one time was a commissioner in Luzerne County and a great advocate for the seniors and the centers. There was an Open House and a ribbon cutting ceremony in which Rose Tucker herself was present. Those who attended enjoyed entertainment, food favors, and prizes. Many commissioners, congressmen and people throughout the community attended the open house which in turn brought in some new members throughout the community as well as those that had not been to the center in awhile renewing their membership. Those in attendance were also made aware of the many programs and activities such as our bus trips we offer and were pleased what they saw and heard.

The move was a challenge due to it being a central location in the city and there are three high rise apartments close by. Members were reluctant to the change, but with our announcing in the local newspapers on what events and activities and fund raisers such as bus trips, hoagie sales, in the future a tag sale, bake sales and entertainment and the various departments within the hospital offer, the move has been a success.

It is now a year and a half later and we are in the new location and new center with a new Director and Assistant Director. Our previous members, our new members, our volunteers and all involved because of their dedication and commitment to their center.

Time and Manpower
There was much time and manpower involved due to the move.

Marketing
Luzerne County Community College, Floral shops, Bakery, Mercy Special Care Hospital, flyers, newspaper.

Audience Served
People 60 years of age and older.

Partnerships Utilized
Mercy Special Care Hospital, Luzerne County Community College

Budget/Costs
N/A

Impact On Center
Community involvment

Good Tips/Other
Be compassionate, caring and understanding to others.