I am so proud of our senior center. As I look back on 2019, I see growth in programs and
activities. This year we added painting classes, soap making, Bunco, a singing group, and Walk with Ease. These new classes come about because someone says “I have this skill that I am willing to share.” We are so blessed to have a community that cares and steps up to provide services, classes and programs. We have a long list of community partners that provide
services to all of us for very low cost. Thank your instructor/leader next time you are in! And if you would like to volunteer to teach sometime, let Kira know. We are always open to new ideas and programs!
I am also proud that those who know us best donate most generously. Our staff donate to the Center and
attend events plus our board has 100% participation in donating generously. We have monthly donors who keep us running in the black with their on-going commitment. Plus, we have over 300 volunteers who keep us running smoothly! It takes a village to run a senior center!
In 2019, we got to recognize volunteers Sam Charles and Sara Lambert who go above and beyond helping in many areas. Our staff also received some recognition. Kira Avery, our Program Coordinator, won the “Rising Star” award for best staff person among Washington State Senior Centers! Wow! We always knew we had the best. Angie Hartung, our Thrift Store manager, won the Spirit of Excellence Award from Sound Generations! It was well deserved as Angie oversaw the transition of the thrift store from the little house into the Senior
Center where it is thriving under her able leadership.
In 2019, we received several grants to help us make our programs more affordable. The Shape-Up grant enables us to offer a fitness class for free to a first time attendee! Take advantage of that and try a new class! We got a grant from Emergency Medical Services for a Falls Prevention event. King County Parks
Department provided funds to pay fitness instructors so class costs can be kept low. 4Culture provided a grant to provide art classes in partnership with the Northwest Arts Center and instructor Howard Frank. We also got a King County Community Service Area Grant for a Children’s art section at the plant sale and for educational workshops on gardening. Plus the Snoqualmie Tribe and PSE donated so we could purchase an emergency generator!
These grants and generous donors made a difference. However, 2019 ended the year with a small deficit of $27,287.73. The deficit was caused by changes in bingo regulations that reduced our revenue from that
fundraiser and by additional costs for electrical work for our generator. We strive very hard to be fiscally
responsible with the funds you donate. We don’t waste a penny as our goal is to serve as many people as
possible. If you ever have questions about our budget or wish to see our financials, contact Lisa Yeager.
As we enter 2020, we look forward to our partnership in joint programming with Issaquah Senior Center and the Mt. Si Senior Center. This hub partnership will enable us to reach people who have not yet entered the
senior center and who face barriers in attending. Look for lots of new, exciting programs that will help us age well. Also we will have more social work hours so that means more assistance with finding the information and referrals you need plus more counseling hours. Look for the Aging with Mastery Program and Enhance Wellness for dealing with chronic conditions. Good things ahead! Let me know your thoughts and ideas. We’re here for you! Lisa Yeager
I’m always happy to chat with you if you have questions, concerns or praise. You can pop up to my office or e-mail lisay@soundgenerations.org or call 425-333-4152, ext. 1
Lisa Yeager