Senior Center boosts services and activities for community engagement

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 10, 2025, highlighted significant updates from various departments, focusing on community services and senior programs.

One of the key discussions centered around the Adult Protective Services (APS) performance metrics, which reported a commendable 95% success rate in abuse and neglect evaluations, surpassing the state goal of 85%. The department also achieved a 97% rate for exploitation evaluations, indicating timely responses to critical cases. Additionally, the timeliness for special assistance applications for the elderly and disabled was reported at 89% and 91%, respectively, both exceeding state benchmarks.

The meeting also addressed staffing needs within the Economic Services department, noting ongoing recruitment for several positions, including foster care social workers and a social worker supervisor. The department has successfully filled two foster care positions, with one new hire already pre-certified.

Vicki Martin, the assistant senior center director, provided an engaging report on the senior center's activities, which have seen a steady increase in participation. The center is reportedly outgrowing its current facility due to rising attendance at events such as bingo and birthday lunches. New programs, including computer classes aimed at enhancing digital literacy among seniors, have been introduced, with plans for additional classes in various locations.

Upcoming events were also discussed, including a shred event aimed at helping seniors securely dispose of sensitive documents, scheduled for March 10. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat fraud and protect vulnerable populations. The senior center is also preparing for a community health fair in May, which will provide free over-the-counter medications and health resources to residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing services for its residents, particularly the elderly, and addressing community needs through proactive measures and effective program management. The board's focus on performance metrics and community engagement reflects a dedication to improving the quality of life in Alexander County.