The recent hardships of the Emporia Senior Center has not resulted in any increase in service requests to similar agencies, at least in the short term.
According to North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging Deputy Director Kelsey Pfannenstiel, the agency is in the midst of its “busy season.”
With that in mind, Pfannenstiel says none of the foot traffic they are seeing is related to a recent pause in services in Emporia. Furthermore, Pfannenstiel says the agencies provide a different range of services despite serving the same demographic.
KVOE’s conversation with Pfannenstiel came just hours after Senior Center President and CEO Ian Boyd announced the Senior Center has received $25,000 from two separate anonymous donors. Boyd says an unspecified portion of these donations have brought the Senior Center out of a deficit situation and “into the black,” although the exact scope of that situation may not be announced until next week.
Funds are also being used to address programs, administrative needs and fundraising. Boyd says the Senior Center is working to raise another $75,000 to meet immediate needs.
On the activity front, the goal is to reopen for specific activities Nov. 14, but that will not include bingo, which is canceled until at least December, and that will not include the Christmas Gala, which has officially been canceled outright. Boyd says attention will now turn to activities for Valentine’s Day and a Spring Fling.
Boyd thanked donors and community members for their ongoing support, and he says donations of any size are needed. Residents interested in donating or volunteering can call the Senior Center at 620-343-3160.
