HSRC Celebrates National Senior Center Month
Every September, National Senior Center Month celebrates the important role senior centers play in helping older adults stay healthy, connected and engaged.
Today’s senior centers are far more than places to gather. They are evolving community resources where older adults can build relationships, stay active, access essential services and find support to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
For more than 50 years, Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC) has helped make that vision a reality. Since 1974, HSRC has grown and evolved alongside the community, building a continuum of programs and services that supports people through the many stages of aging.
“HSRC is an evolving community resource, providing healthcare services and care assistance, and serving as an advocate for older adults and those who care for them,” said CEO Melissa Hooven. “Our programs and services span the many stages of aging and reach people in their homes and communities.”
HSRC’s Nutrition Program provides meals and social connection through Heritage Cafés in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna; Meals on Wheels Redwood Coast; and Mobile Heritage Cafés serving outlying communities. Activities provide opportunities for exercise, recreation and social connection.
Adult Day Health & Alzheimer’s Services offers therapeutic day services and Memory Cafés for people experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. Behavioral Health Services supports mental wellness, while Redwood Coast Village connects members with volunteers, resources and one another.
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) helps older adults at risk of institutionalization remain safely at home. Redwood Coast PACE provides comprehensive medical care and wraparound services for eligible adults 55 and older through centers in Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna. And since 1981, Senior News has connected older adults throughout Humboldt County with information, resources and stories.
HSRC’s founding executive director in 1974, Anne Weiss, saw elder care as “a matter of social justice,” and that hasn’t changed.
“Together, HSRC’s programs share a common purpose: helping people age with greater health, connection, independence and dignity,” Hooven said.
None of this work happens alone. HSRC’s success is made possible by dedicated employees and volunteers, a committed Board of Directors, generous donors, community partners, government agencies and, most importantly, the older adults and families we serve.
This month, we invite the community to celebrate with us. Join HSRC for a National Senior Center Month Open House on Wednesday, September 23, from 4-6:30 p.m. at our 1910 California St. campus in Eureka. Tour our programs and facilities, meet staff, learn about HSRC resources and enjoy refreshments and small bites provided by the HSRC Nutrition Catering Department.
National Senior Center Month celebrates what is possible when a community comes together to support healthy aging. After more than five decades, HSRC remains committed to evolving with the needs of our community and creating opportunities for older adults to live with purpose, maintain independence, build meaningful connections and thrive.
Melissa Hooven is CEO of Humboldt Senior Resource Center.
