by Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
KALAMAZOO (MICH.)-The Ecumenical Senior Center will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with food, recognitions, and a fashion show featuring area senior citizens. The event will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 120 Roberson St., Kalamazoo.
According to its website: www.ecumenicalsc.com
History
In 1982, Arthur and Edna Carslon of Chicago retired and moved to Kalamazoo. The couple observed a need for a program to help a generation of elderly African American seniors in community with financial support.After sharing their concerns with their priest at St. Augustine Cathedral, in 1983 the church’s Outreach Committee administered the Ecumenical program.
Ecumenical means unity and the uniting organizations, individuals and churches to help seniors truly embraced this definition. The goal of this program was to enhance the seniors’ self-esteem with dignity and respect, and to deliver services to make their lives better.
20 years later, the ESC is still running strong. Over the years, ESC has broaden its focus to become a comprehensive resource and activity center, inclusive of all seniors in the Kalamazoo community.In 2012, the ESC developed new strategic goals and hopes to continue to be a place the promotes positive aging, enhances quality of life and engages with community!
In 1992, the Ecumenical Senior Center was established by the couple at 702 N. Burdick St. with funding from: the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the Dorthy U. Dalton Foundation and the Raskob foundation and support from St. Augustine’s Cathedral, Mt. Missionary Baptist Church and St. Thomas Moore Parish.
Strategic Goals:
Provide health, social and learning opportunities and services for area seniors.
Provide a safe, accessible and pleasant facility for participants and community.
Provide outreach to community members of all ages.
Develop and support employees and leadership.
Increase financial stability.
Evaluate and communicate program effeciveness
Tickets for the anniversary event are $20 and can be purchased at the Ecumenical Senior Center located at 702 N. Burdick St. For more information contact the center at 269-381-9750.
