·Senior Neighbors Inc. was incorporated in 1972 as a 501(c)3 independent agency to “administer senior centers on a continuing basis.” In 1973 Senior Neighbors became a United Fund agency and the Kent County Board of Commissioners agreed to be a sponsor. Additional funding was obtained through grants from the Older Americans Act and the Grand Rapids Foundation.
·Since our founding over 35 years ago, Senior Neighbors has been dedicated to promoting independent living for adults 60 years and older in our community, providing essential services that help seniors remain independent into their later years.
·Senior Neighbors has sponsored the Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) since 1986
SENIOR CENTERS
Senior Neighbors operates five Senior Centers throughout Kent County with locations in downtown Grand Rapids, Grandville, Lowell, Sparta and Walker. Senior Centers are welcoming places where people socialize, laugh, joke, hug and build joy into their lives. Centers not only provide a host of healthy activities for seniors including low-cost meals, exercise programs, nutrition education, health screenings, classes, travel opportunities and other activities, they also help reduce the challenges that can result from isolation.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The agency has a strong casework program, helping primarily low-income seniors deal with their daily challenges. Program and services are provided from the Senior Centers and the Central Office.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Senior Neighbors Board of Directors consists of 16 people representing the strengths, skills and diversity of the Greater Kent County community with Carole Chisholm serving as the current President.
LOCATIONS
· Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center, 459-3040, 333 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
· Grandville Senior Neighbors Center, 531-5250, 3380 Division, Grandville, MI 49418
· Lowell Senior Neighbors Center, 897-5949, 314 South Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331
· RSVP Office, 459-9509, 44 Ionia SW, Suite 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
· Sparta Senior Neighbors Center, 887-1273, Harvest Way, 100 Ida Red, Sparta, MI
· Walker Firehouse Cafe, 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Walker, MI
CENTRAL OFFICE CONTACTS
Senior Neighbors Central Office, 459-6019, 820 Monroe NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1442 Fax: 616-459-6953
Robert Barnes, Executive Director, 616-233-0277,
Barbara Hohman, Director of Resource Development, 616-233-0738,
