Stockbridge Area Senior Center: Who we are, how you can help

by Stacey Mason

I was sitting at my desk recently, where I can watch members enter our center, feeling thankful that our center is available for area older adults. I, along with our members, would be devastated if we could not sustain our senior center long term.

Let me back up a bit and share why the Stockbridge Area Senior Center is such an essential resource for our community. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 11,000 centers serve over one million older adults every day! WebMD posted an article on Nov. 24, 2022, stating that research has shown senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and overall life satisfaction compared to their peers who are not senior center participants.

Our members’ lives have been enriched by participating in senior center activities. I know this because they never hesitate to tell me. We have several members who have described to me how they once isolated themselves at home until a friend encouraged them to participate in the senior center. Now, they wouldn’t miss a day. I also know we have three members who are experiencing memory issues. They attend with their loved one or friend who serves as their caregiver. Now imagine what the lives of the person with memory issues, as well as the caregiver, might look like all alone in their journey. I am so happy they have a place to come to for socialization, healthy (and free!) lunches, and fun activities.

Our members are also some of the kindest, most generous people I’ve met. They genuinely care for one another and take note if a regular member is not at the center. Calls are made, cards are sent if someone is ill, or the member is simply reminded of how important their presence is to all of us.  

But I have concerns that we may struggle to stay in the community to serve our aging population. Now, I don’t want anyone to panic, but we do need everyone to be aware of our fragile state.

What does that mean? We currently have between 18 and 24 months of funding. We received generous two-year funding from Stockbridge Township, one year from Ingham County senior millage funds (2024), and approximately $21,000 (this year) in grant funds. We also charge twenty dollars annually for membership dues. Now you may be asking: Are there more grants, state or federal funds available to us? The answer is both yes and no. Currently, I am researching and applying for private foundation grants, but there are no state or federal funds for which to apply.

SASC to host first golf outing

That brings me to all of you in our great community. I need your help! We are hosting our very first golf outing at Hankerd Hills Golf Club in Pleasant Lake on Aug. 15. We have fantastic silent auction items, including a signed Coach Dantonio MSU football, and a decent set of hole sponsors. I’d like to add a huge shout out to Lions Club of Stockbridge, Positively Chiropractic, Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Carney’s Complete Auto Services, and the Wooden Nickel in Dansville for your support!

We need golf teams!Please, I’m begging here, ask everyone you know to sign up to play. Our tournament is an absolute bargain at $85 per player. It’s going to be a fantastic, fun-filled day! Registration is available on our Facebook page and our website: stockbridgeareaseniors.org. I look forward to seeing how much our community can support not only our older adults but also their family members who depend on us. I, and all of our members, will be forever grateful!   

Stacey Mason is the director of the Stockbridge Area Senior Center (SASC)—a great place to spend time. Visit stockbridgeareaseniors.org or call 517-480- 0353 for information.