August 4, 2025 • 15 mins
Growing older doesn't mean giving up independence, purpose, and connection. Discover how Senior Neighbors of Kent County is transforming the aging experience for adults 60+ throughout our community, including right here in Walker.
Suzanne Callahan, President of Senior Neighbors, takes us inside their comprehensive approach to enhancing seniors' lives through two key service areas: personalized support and vibrant community centers. With their unofficial motto of "we figure it out," the organization walks alongside older adults facing any challenge—from home repairs to transportation needs. Their Walker center, attached to Fire Station 3 on Three Mile Road, creates a welcoming hub where seniors connect over coffee, wellness classes, technology training, and intergenerational activities.
Transportation emerges as a critical lifeline, with Senior Neighbors providing over 51,000 rides last year alone. This mobility service prevents isolation when driving is no longer an option, allowing continued access to medical appointments, social activities, and volunteer opportunities. Funded primarily through the Kent County Senior Millage and philanthropic support, these services remain accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Perhaps most refreshing is the organization's perspective on aging itself. As Callahan notes, "If you've met one 80-year-old, you've met ONE 80-year-old"—challenging stereotypes by recognizing the diversity, vibrancy and unique needs of each individual. Whether it's learning new technology, participating in wellness programs, or finding purpose through volunteerism, Senior Neighbors focuses on the fundamental human desires for community, independence, purpose, and vitality that transcend age.
Ready to explore Senior Neighbors for yourself or a loved one? Visit seniorneighbors.org, check out their social media pages, or simply drop by the Walker center Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9am and 3pm to experience their welcoming community firsthand.
If you have comments about this podcast, or ideas for future episodes, please email us at PODCAST@WALKER.CITY
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Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Welcome to Made in Walker, a podcast that connects
you to the people, the storiesand the ideas shaping our
community, from local innovatorsto everyday changemakers.
We're diving deep into whatmakes Walker a great place to
live, work and grow.
Here's your host, nicoleDiDonato.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Well, today we're talking about a topic that
affects most families, that is,caring for older adults, whether
that's staying physicallyactive, independent, socially
connected.
It can be a challenge for someolder adults, but there is one
organization that is helping tochange that.
It is Senior Neighbors of KentCounty, and I'm here'm here with
President Suzanne Callahan.
Thank you so much for joiningus today To be here.
(00:47):
Yes, and so hopefully folkshave heard about Senior
Neighbors, but, in case this istheir first time, what exactly
is that organization?
What does it do?
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Okay, well, first of all I'll talk a little bit about
who we serve.
Senior Neighbors serves olderadults throughout Kent County.
If you're 60 or over and I'mgoing to put an asterisk by that
for a second if you're 60 orover we serve seniors in Kent
County and we have a variety ofservices to enhance the lives of
older adults to help them stayindependent and engaged in their
(01:17):
community.
Yes, wonderful, and you guys?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
have been around for a while, serving many thousands
of seniors over the years, andyou just keep kind of expanding
upon that with all kinds ofprograms and things like that.
What are some of the thingsthat you can offer seniors so?
Speaker 3 (01:33):
instead of going through a big list, we've had to
figure out how we can talkabout the breadth of services
that we offer, so I'll put itinto a couple of buckets.
The first one is personalizedservices and the second one is
centers and community life.
So personalized services is, ifyou think about the one on one,
support somebody might need.
(01:53):
So we get phone calls wherepeople will say I need help with
this.
It could be a chore aroundtheir house, it could be a ride,
whatever somebody needs.
We walk alongside older adultsto help them navigate challenges
that they face.
So that's the first bucket.
The second bucket is centersand community life, and we have
(02:13):
a center right here in Walkerand we have four other centers
throughout King County, andcenters are what you would, I
hope you're thinking is a fun,active, vibrant place for people
to come together, and therethere's activities, but also
tech programs, wellness classes,things like that, so keeping
people connected.
And then the one thing thatdraws all those together are
(02:33):
transportation services, whetherwe're coming to you or bringing
you to our centers.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yes, and how can this ?
Whether this is an older or anolder child who's listening?
To this, maybe wondering ifthis is something that their
parents can go to.
What is the best way that theycan kind of start that process
checking you guys out?
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Well, the easiest way would be to go to
seniorneighborsorg on theInternet and you can email or
call from there.
We also are on social mediaFacebook and LinkedIn where we
try to keep people updated onactivities that are happening.
But that's the best way and Iwill say that is typically who
we hear from is the older adult,or a lot of times it's a family
(03:16):
member saying I'm looking forsomeone to help my mom or my dad
or my grandparent withsomething, and that's we figure
it out.
That should be our tagline,really we figure it out.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And what is it like walking into these centers?
Again, you'd mentioned that wehave one in Walker.
It is a part of the firestation three on three mile
across from Orchard Hill Church.
What is, what is that all about?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
As soon as you walk in the doors, Well, it could be
different on any on any day.
So when you walk in, there aresome standard things that you
would find on a regular basis,and one of which we don't want
to forget about, which is veryimportant, is coffee and
conversation.
So all of our centers aregathering places.
Whether you come in at the timethey open, mid-morning or early
(03:57):
in the afternoon, there'salways going to be people there
that you can connect with.
You can come in with a friendor come on your own, and there
will be activities that aregoing on.
We always have lunch, and thenthe activities range from maybe
bringing in community peoplethat would come and talk about a
topic.
Our mayor comes in once in awhile, talks about the history
(04:17):
of the area, the children fromthe daycare place across the
street will come over for Easteregg hunts and things like that.
So there are multi-generationalactivities, wellness classes,
tech programs.
So it really varies by day.
We put out a calendar.
I couldn't tell you whatthey're doing today, but
there'll probably be three orfour things today that would be
happening.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yeah, absolutely, and they meet Monday, wednesdays
and Fridays typically Okay,sounds like from nine to three,
and even on the we also have onsome of the other days that,
yeah, tai Chi programs, exerciseclasses.
There's always something goingon and I don't know if you, you
know being president, I'm sureyou maybe get word of some
(04:56):
people's stories about whattheir lives were like, maybe
before finding out that they dohave a place where they can go
and connect with their peers.
What are some you know some ofthe thoughts that you have on
that, or if you've heard fromthere are.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
I actually have had several stories that come from
our board members that they'vewanted to volunteer and serve
with the organization becausetheir parents were new to the
area and this gave them a placeto go and connect in with others
.
This gave them a place to goand connect in with others.
One of the examples I'll sharecomes from our wellness program
(05:29):
where people are coming to awellness class.
They develop that peer networkand we've had a member recently
that had a health challenge andwhen she went into you know for
her recovery and everythingafter that, the doctors
commented your recovery is goingso well, it must be from your
wellness class and all theexercise that you've been doing.
(05:50):
So there was the physicalcomponent but all of her health
her fellow exercise buddies werecaring for.
So it really is the physical,the emotional, the mental all
those aspects play in and we getstories like that from our
wellness programs all the time.
That it's always good to havean exercise buddy and you get
the physical but also theemotional benefits.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
So stories galore.
For sure, Absolutely thatsocial connection.
And why is that so important?
As we age to kind of keepfriends relationships, just that
connection.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
You know, I think the one word that we talk a lot
about is purpose andindependence.
So we want to be independent atany age and do things ourself
and you've been doing thingsyourself your whole life and you
want to still have that senseof independence, being able to
go and choose the activitiesthat you do.
But a lot of our older adultsoften say, through our volunteer
(06:43):
efforts which is that asteriskabout the 60, is they like to
have a purpose, they want areason to get up, that they're
doing a school supply drive atWalker because they want to give
back.
They have purpose, they need toget in for the Easter egg hunt
or they have something that theywant to accomplish through
volunteering and I think knowingthat someone's counting on you
(07:05):
really adds to the vibrancy ofyour life.
So staying independent at homebut having the independence to
do what you want to do for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
And what do you think some of the common
misconceptions may be aboutolder adults in general?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
I would say that if you've met one 60-year-old,
you've met one 60-year-old.
If you've met one 80-year-old,you've met one 80-year-old.
And I think there is thatpicture that, oh, I can't do
this or I can't do that.
You'll meet someone that mayhave a lot of physical
challenges and then you meetsomebody else that's running a
marathon.
So I really think that peopleare always learning, always
(07:44):
interested in doing new things,and it's fun to go to our
centers because they're they'respunky, they're funny, they're a
little bit spicy.
You know they want to do funthings.
So just knowing that everybodywants to have fun at any age and
be connected with other peopleand I know that we have staff
(08:05):
members that span thegenerations and we really
emphasize that heart formultigenerational engagement,
whether it's throughvolunteerism or through our
staff it just adds a richhistory or rich culture and I
think that for younger staffmembers and volunteers to
connect with those stories andthe wisdom, it helps some of the
(08:26):
folks that are a little youngerkeep life in perspective.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Oh, that is a great point For sure.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Things seem like oh, I don't know about this.
You get that wisdom if you goand sit down at one of our
centers and somebody will sayit's going to be okay, that's
great, that is so reassuring.
They've been through it.
All Right, they've been throughit.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And you mentioned and you did touch about the
educational programs.
But people always want to learn.
You have tech programs, techpeople that will come in and
teach older adults how to usetheir phones, maybe to just stay
connected, just all thosethings.
It's not you're just, you'reproviding a lot for them, right?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
I'll use the technology programs as an
example.
There's an assumption that a lotof things need to be online and
, oh, older people don't knowhow to use tech.
They actually want to use tech,they're curious about tech, and
there are also things where youcould be taken advantage of in a
technology space.
However, that really spans anyage, because anybody, regardless
(09:25):
whether they're we all, havesomebody in our life that said,
oh, I clicked on that email, sowe really look at that, and a
lot of our business partners arevery eager to make sure that
you know.
Banks and financialinstitutions want us to help
older adults stay safe online,so that navigating my chart
sitting down and we do it inclasses or one-on-one, which
(09:46):
then goes right over to thatother bucket of the personalized
services, where, if somebody ishaving some financial
challenges or with their housingsituation, our case managers
can come in and help in thatregard.
Their entree to us may havebeen through a wellness class,
may have been through a techprogram or through one of our
centers, but we have people thatcan walk alongside them if they
(10:06):
have an individualizedsituation that they need to
figure out.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Yes, yes, wonderful, and one of the ways you also
provide is that transportation.
You kind of touched on itbriefly, but if there is not a
way for seniors to get there,you all are making it happen.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
We are for sure.
We are part of RideLink, whichthere are several providers in
the community, one of which isSenior Neighbors, and then also
the Rapid, which we are throughour transportation.
We provided over 51,000 rideslast fiscal year and that's a
combination of.
Now that you know, people maynot have seen our buses, but
(10:42):
after they hear this they'lllook around and they'll see our
buses and vans around town.
But through providing reducedcost access to the rapid, people
could use the go bus or theregular bus tickets to get
around, or through our vans wewill come and pick people up at
their house, take them to funthings like the center, take
(11:02):
them on field trips, activitiesto their church, to volunteer,
to doctor's appointments.
We regularly will take olderadults to dialysis treatments.
So if you need to go somewhere,we are there and a lot of older
adults want to stay independent, but it may be after they've
quit driving and that makes theworld really small if you can't
get out, and we don't want theworld to be small.
(11:23):
So, yes, calling us directly,but because we are part of
RideLink, it connects in withthe bigger transportation system
in the area.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
That's wonderful and for anyone who may be wondering,
is there a cost for any part ofthe services, or how do you
work with folks who may be notable to provide as much?
Speaker 3 (11:42):
We are a not-for-profit organization.
Some of our funding, a goodchunk of our funding, comes
through the Kent County SeniorMillage.
So thank you, voters.
A good portion of our fundingcomes from that and the rest of
our funding comes from that.
And the rest of our fundingcomes from philanthropic support
and then a small portion comesfrom program income.
So a lot of times we'll offer aservice and there will be a
(12:06):
suggested donation or a smallcontribution.
We ask for so differentprograms, we ask for some
support, but we'll never turnanybody away from a meal or a
service if they can't afford it.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
And what is your personal experience?
Kind of walking into thesecenters, checking in, seeing
that.
What do you feel when you seethat?
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I would say they all have.
We have five centers and theyall have common things that we
talked about the activities, andeach has their own vibe and
culture of the community thatthey're in and the one thing
that I would say is it is verywelcoming, there's music playing
and you know, it's just uh, youfeel good and you want to sit
(12:46):
down and visit with the peoplethat are there.
So, yes, very welcoming.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Yes, and it's so important again to have that
connection and um you know kindof combat that feeling of
isolation.
That could probably be very.
That could come on kind ofquickly or unexpectedly.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I would say a lot of people.
The one thing that I thinkspans all ages is it's hard to
go into a restaurant all byyourself and sit down, that you
think, oh, you're waiting foryour friend to come and meet you
, or when a child is going intoschool.
There's that apprehension thatdoesn't go away at any age and I
think that our staff andvolunteers that are at the
(13:23):
centers are very welcoming andwant people to come in so you
could check out a specificactivity or just drop in.
We a lot of times we'll havefamily members come in and say,
oh well, let's just go and checkit out together.
So have a lunch, have a cup ofcoffee, meet with our center
coordinators and see if it's afit.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
And if there is one message you could share to
everyone, just about theimportance of valuing our
seniors as they age, what wouldthat be?
Speaker 3 (13:55):
I would say there are several.
You know our mission is toenhance the lives of older
adults and I think the pillarsthat we look at in our work are
the things that are actuallyimportant to seniors, are the
things that are important to us,which is that sense of
community which we started rightout with we want to focus on.
Community is important acrossages.
Having that sense ofindependence that you can choose
to live where you want to live,do what you want to do, and
have that support and thenpurpose why do we get up in the
(14:16):
morning, whether it's coming into volunteer?
And then vitality and vitalitydoesn't mean running a marathon,
but being fit and energeticmentally and physically to do
what you want to do.
Those are the things that areimportant to us and I think
those are important to seniors,and I see it every day.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
Yes, yeah, wonderful.
Well, thank you so much forbeing here explaining all what
Senior Neighbors is and, ofcourse, for opening a center
here in Walker.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
We love being here.
It's a happening place, ohthat's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So again, you can find it attached to the fire
station on Three Mile justacross from Orchard Hill Church.
Suzanne Callahan, thank you somuch for joining us today.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Made
in Walker podcast.
If you have comments orquestions about this podcast, or
if you have suggestions forfuture episodes, we'd love to
hear from you.
Please drop us an email atpodcast at walkercity.
Made in Walker is the officialpodcast of the city of Walker,
Michigan.
You can find Made in Walkerwherever you get your podcasts.
Welcome to Made in Walker, a podcast that connects
you to the people, the storiesand the ideas shaping our
community, from local innovatorsto everyday changemakers.
We're diving deep into whatmakes Walker a great place to
live, work and grow.
Here's your host, nicoleDiDonato.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Well, today we're talking about a topic that
affects most families, that is,caring for older adults, whether
that's staying physicallyactive, independent, socially
connected.
It can be a challenge for someolder adults, but there is one
organization that is helping tochange that.
It is Senior Neighbors of KentCounty, and I'm here'm here with
President Suzanne Callahan.
Thank you so much for joiningus today To be here.
(00:47):
Yes, and so hopefully folkshave heard about Senior
Neighbors, but, in case this istheir first time, what exactly
is that organization?
What does it do?
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Okay, well, first of all I'll talk a little bit about
who we serve.
Senior Neighbors serves olderadults throughout Kent County.
If you're 60 or over and I'mgoing to put an asterisk by that
for a second if you're 60 orover we serve seniors in Kent
County and we have a variety ofservices to enhance the lives of
older adults to help them stayindependent and engaged in their
(01:17):
community.
Yes, wonderful, and you guys?
Speaker 2 (01:20):
have been around for a while, serving many thousands
of seniors over the years, andyou just keep kind of expanding
upon that with all kinds ofprograms and things like that.
What are some of the thingsthat you can offer seniors so?
Speaker 3 (01:33):
instead of going through a big list, we've had to
figure out how we can talkabout the breadth of services
that we offer, so I'll put itinto a couple of buckets.
The first one is personalizedservices and the second one is
centers and community life.
So personalized services is, ifyou think about the one on one,
support somebody might need.
(01:53):
So we get phone calls wherepeople will say I need help with
this.
It could be a chore aroundtheir house, it could be a ride,
whatever somebody needs.
We walk alongside older adultsto help them navigate challenges
that they face.
So that's the first bucket.
The second bucket is centersand community life, and we have
(02:13):
a center right here in Walkerand we have four other centers
throughout King County, andcenters are what you would, I
hope you're thinking is a fun,active, vibrant place for people
to come together, and therethere's activities, but also
tech programs, wellness classes,things like that, so keeping
people connected.
And then the one thing thatdraws all those together are
(02:33):
transportation services, whetherwe're coming to you or bringing
you to our centers.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Yes, and how can this ?
Whether this is an older or anolder child who's listening?
To this, maybe wondering ifthis is something that their
parents can go to.
What is the best way that theycan kind of start that process
checking you guys out?
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Well, the easiest way would be to go to
seniorneighborsorg on theInternet and you can email or
call from there.
We also are on social mediaFacebook and LinkedIn where we
try to keep people updated onactivities that are happening.
But that's the best way and Iwill say that is typically who
we hear from is the older adult,or a lot of times it's a family
(03:16):
member saying I'm looking forsomeone to help my mom or my dad
or my grandparent withsomething, and that's we figure
it out.
That should be our tagline,really we figure it out.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
And what is it like walking into these centers?
Again, you'd mentioned that wehave one in Walker.
It is a part of the firestation three on three mile
across from Orchard Hill Church.
What is, what is that all about?
Speaker 3 (03:35):
As soon as you walk in the doors, Well, it could be
different on any on any day.
So when you walk in, there aresome standard things that you
would find on a regular basis,and one of which we don't want
to forget about, which is veryimportant, is coffee and
conversation.
So all of our centers aregathering places.
Whether you come in at the timethey open, mid-morning or early
(03:57):
in the afternoon, there'salways going to be people there
that you can connect with.
You can come in with a friendor come on your own, and there
will be activities that aregoing on.
We always have lunch, and thenthe activities range from maybe
bringing in community peoplethat would come and talk about a
topic.
Our mayor comes in once in awhile, talks about the history
(04:17):
of the area, the children fromthe daycare place across the
street will come over for Easteregg hunts and things like that.
So there are multi-generationalactivities, wellness classes,
tech programs.
So it really varies by day.
We put out a calendar.
I couldn't tell you whatthey're doing today, but
there'll probably be three orfour things today that would be
happening.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Yeah, absolutely, and they meet Monday, wednesdays
and Fridays typically Okay,sounds like from nine to three,
and even on the we also have onsome of the other days that,
yeah, tai Chi programs, exerciseclasses.
There's always something goingon and I don't know if you, you
know being president, I'm sureyou maybe get word of some
(04:56):
people's stories about whattheir lives were like, maybe
before finding out that they dohave a place where they can go
and connect with their peers.
What are some you know some ofthe thoughts that you have on
that, or if you've heard fromthere are.
Speaker 3 (05:08):
I actually have had several stories that come from
our board members that they'vewanted to volunteer and serve
with the organization becausetheir parents were new to the
area and this gave them a placeto go and connect in with others
.
This gave them a place to goand connect in with others.
One of the examples I'll sharecomes from our wellness program
(05:29):
where people are coming to awellness class.
They develop that peer networkand we've had a member recently
that had a health challenge andwhen she went into you know for
her recovery and everythingafter that, the doctors
commented your recovery is goingso well, it must be from your
wellness class and all theexercise that you've been doing.
(05:50):
So there was the physicalcomponent but all of her health
her fellow exercise buddies werecaring for.
So it really is the physical,the emotional, the mental all
those aspects play in and we getstories like that from our
wellness programs all the time.
That it's always good to havean exercise buddy and you get
the physical but also theemotional benefits.
Speaker 2 (06:10):
So stories galore.
For sure, Absolutely thatsocial connection.
And why is that so important?
As we age to kind of keepfriends relationships, just that
connection.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
You know, I think the one word that we talk a lot
about is purpose andindependence.
So we want to be independent atany age and do things ourself
and you've been doing thingsyourself your whole life and you
want to still have that senseof independence, being able to
go and choose the activitiesthat you do.
But a lot of our older adultsoften say, through our volunteer
(06:43):
efforts which is that asteriskabout the 60, is they like to
have a purpose, they want areason to get up, that they're
doing a school supply drive atWalker because they want to give
back.
They have purpose, they need toget in for the Easter egg hunt
or they have something that theywant to accomplish through
volunteering and I think knowingthat someone's counting on you
(07:05):
really adds to the vibrancy ofyour life.
So staying independent at homebut having the independence to
do what you want to do for sure.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
And what do you think some of the common
misconceptions may be aboutolder adults in general?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
I would say that if you've met one 60-year-old,
you've met one 60-year-old.
If you've met one 80-year-old,you've met one 80-year-old.
And I think there is thatpicture that, oh, I can't do
this or I can't do that.
You'll meet someone that mayhave a lot of physical
challenges and then you meetsomebody else that's running a
marathon.
So I really think that peopleare always learning, always
(07:44):
interested in doing new things,and it's fun to go to our
centers because they're they'respunky, they're funny, they're a
little bit spicy.
You know they want to do funthings.
So just knowing that everybodywants to have fun at any age and
be connected with other peopleand I know that we have staff
(08:05):
members that span thegenerations and we really
emphasize that heart formultigenerational engagement,
whether it's throughvolunteerism or through our
staff it just adds a richhistory or rich culture and I
think that for younger staffmembers and volunteers to
connect with those stories andthe wisdom, it helps some of the
(08:26):
folks that are a little youngerkeep life in perspective.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Oh, that is a great point For sure.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Things seem like oh, I don't know about this.
You get that wisdom if you goand sit down at one of our
centers and somebody will sayit's going to be okay, that's
great, that is so reassuring.
They've been through it.
All Right, they've been throughit.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
And you mentioned and you did touch about the
educational programs.
But people always want to learn.
You have tech programs, techpeople that will come in and
teach older adults how to usetheir phones, maybe to just stay
connected, just all thosethings.
It's not you're just, you'reproviding a lot for them, right?
Speaker 3 (09:02):
I'll use the technology programs as an
example.
There's an assumption that a lotof things need to be online and
, oh, older people don't knowhow to use tech.
They actually want to use tech,they're curious about tech, and
there are also things where youcould be taken advantage of in a
technology space.
However, that really spans anyage, because anybody, regardless
(09:25):
whether they're we all, havesomebody in our life that said,
oh, I clicked on that email, sowe really look at that, and a
lot of our business partners arevery eager to make sure that
you know.
Banks and financialinstitutions want us to help
older adults stay safe online,so that navigating my chart
sitting down and we do it inclasses or one-on-one, which
(09:46):
then goes right over to thatother bucket of the personalized
services, where, if somebody ishaving some financial
challenges or with their housingsituation, our case managers
can come in and help in thatregard.
Their entree to us may havebeen through a wellness class,
may have been through a techprogram or through one of our
centers, but we have people thatcan walk alongside them if they
(10:06):
have an individualizedsituation that they need to
figure out.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Yes, yes, wonderful, and one of the ways you also
provide is that transportation.
You kind of touched on itbriefly, but if there is not a
way for seniors to get there,you all are making it happen.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
We are for sure.
We are part of RideLink, whichthere are several providers in
the community, one of which isSenior Neighbors, and then also
the Rapid, which we are throughour transportation.
We provided over 51,000 rideslast fiscal year and that's a
combination of.
Now that you know, people maynot have seen our buses, but
(10:42):
after they hear this they'lllook around and they'll see our
buses and vans around town.
But through providing reducedcost access to the rapid, people
could use the go bus or theregular bus tickets to get
around, or through our vans wewill come and pick people up at
their house, take them to funthings like the center, take
(11:02):
them on field trips, activitiesto their church, to volunteer,
to doctor's appointments.
We regularly will take olderadults to dialysis treatments.
So if you need to go somewhere,we are there and a lot of older
adults want to stay independent, but it may be after they've
quit driving and that makes theworld really small if you can't
get out, and we don't want theworld to be small.
(11:23):
So, yes, calling us directly,but because we are part of
RideLink, it connects in withthe bigger transportation system
in the area.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
That's wonderful and for anyone who may be wondering,
is there a cost for any part ofthe services, or how do you
work with folks who may be notable to provide as much?
Speaker 3 (11:42):
We are a not-for-profit organization.
Some of our funding, a goodchunk of our funding, comes
through the Kent County SeniorMillage.
So thank you, voters.
A good portion of our fundingcomes from that and the rest of
our funding comes from that.
And the rest of our fundingcomes from philanthropic support
and then a small portion comesfrom program income.
So a lot of times we'll offer aservice and there will be a
(12:06):
suggested donation or a smallcontribution.
We ask for so differentprograms, we ask for some
support, but we'll never turnanybody away from a meal or a
service if they can't afford it.
That's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
And what is your personal experience?
Kind of walking into thesecenters, checking in, seeing
that.
What do you feel when you seethat?
Speaker 3 (12:26):
I would say they all have.
We have five centers and theyall have common things that we
talked about the activities, andeach has their own vibe and
culture of the community thatthey're in and the one thing
that I would say is it is verywelcoming, there's music playing
and you know, it's just uh, youfeel good and you want to sit
(12:46):
down and visit with the peoplethat are there.
So, yes, very welcoming.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Yes, and it's so important again to have that
connection and um you know kindof combat that feeling of
isolation.
That could probably be very.
That could come on kind ofquickly or unexpectedly.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
I would say a lot of people.
The one thing that I thinkspans all ages is it's hard to
go into a restaurant all byyourself and sit down, that you
think, oh, you're waiting foryour friend to come and meet you
, or when a child is going intoschool.
There's that apprehension thatdoesn't go away at any age and I
think that our staff andvolunteers that are at the
(13:23):
centers are very welcoming andwant people to come in so you
could check out a specificactivity or just drop in.
We a lot of times we'll havefamily members come in and say,
oh well, let's just go and checkit out together.
So have a lunch, have a cup ofcoffee, meet with our center
coordinators and see if it's afit.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
And if there is one message you could share to
everyone, just about theimportance of valuing our
seniors as they age, what wouldthat be?
Speaker 3 (13:55):
I would say there are several.
You know our mission is toenhance the lives of older
adults and I think the pillarsthat we look at in our work are
the things that are actuallyimportant to seniors, are the
things that are important to us,which is that sense of
community which we started rightout with we want to focus on.
Community is important acrossages.
Having that sense ofindependence that you can choose
to live where you want to live,do what you want to do, and
have that support and thenpurpose why do we get up in the
(14:16):
morning, whether it's coming into volunteer?
And then vitality and vitalitydoesn't mean running a marathon,
but being fit and energeticmentally and physically to do
what you want to do.
Those are the things that areimportant to us and I think
those are important to seniors,and I see it every day.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
Yes, yeah, wonderful.
Well, thank you so much forbeing here explaining all what
Senior Neighbors is and, ofcourse, for opening a center
here in Walker.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
We love being here.
It's a happening place, ohthat's wonderful.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
So again, you can find it attached to the fire
station on Three Mile justacross from Orchard Hill Church.
Suzanne Callahan, thank you somuch for joining us today.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Made
in Walker podcast.
If you have comments orquestions about this podcast, or
if you have suggestions forfuture episodes, we'd love to
hear from you.
Please drop us an email atpodcast at walkercity.
Made in Walker is the officialpodcast of the city of Walker,
Michigan.
You can find Made in Walkerwherever you get your podcasts.
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