Directors Letter – September 2021
Reflect and look forward
Well, we are over halfway through the year now! So far, we have more revenue than expenses so it is good to be in the black! We are so grateful for our faithful donors who keep us going! The thrift store is ramping up and the revenue steadily increasing. New people discovered us during the pandemic when they tried our fantastic take-out meals so we are serving more people than before! This is all great news as we celebrate 46 years!
For 46 years, the Sno-Valley Senior Center has been crucial to our community. We serve a vital role in increasing health and well-being in the Snoqualmie Valley. I’m so glad to have you all back in person for fitness, adult education and meals!
As I reflect on the past year, I note that:
- We have served over 10,000 meals just from January through July!
- We provided programs to 957 people this past year
- We assisted over 400 seniors to get vaccinations for Covid 19
- We gave 520 hours this year of support and encouragement through our social worker
- We helped each other overcome social isolation
All that is pretty impressive in a strange and challenging year. As I look forward, I am excited about:
- Progress to provide low-income senior housing in the next few years.
- Expansion of our programs and services as we add evening hours and programs in 2022.
- Addition of some innovative and impactful programs like SAGE, a mobile medical group.
- Outreach to Spanish speaking elders through SeaMar starting this fall.
- Involvement of LGBTQ elders through programs and an upcoming advisory group.
All of this with the goal that you are inspired, supported and empowered to lead healthy, enriched lives.
Some changes upcoming:
- Angie Hartung is leaving us as the Thrift Store Manager but she is staying on as a volunteer! If you know of anyone with great retail experience who is also good working with volunteers and marketing, tell them about this opportunity. It is 25 hours per week with a great salary and benefits.
- Kira Avery is Assistant Director now plus continuing as our Program Coordinator. People keep asking me if I am leaving but nope! You have me for a few more years. I am working from home two days a week and in the senior center for two days a week. I’ll usually be at the Senior Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- We welcome Denise Crutchfield who will sub for chef Jennifer when she is gone on vacations! Denise is a long-time volunteer who has helped on the Plant Sale Committee as the chair of First Picks Party and as our bartender at Rainbow Bingo. She’s a great cook!
If you ever have questions about anything happening at the senior center, feel free to ask me. You can reach me at 425-333-4152 or Lisay@soundgenerations.org
Lisa Yeager, Director