Mission:The Gilroy Senior Center is a community focal point where local seniors come together for services and activities which reflect their experience and skills. The mission of the Gilroy Senior Center staff is to respond to our participant’s diverse needs and interests, enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement with the center and community. More importantly, staff provides an environment which encourages seniors to be active, stay mentally, physically and socially fit, and live lives of quality meaning and dignity.

Activities: The activities and services provided from the Gilroy Senior Center are catered to meet the needs of the evolving senior community. Example of Senior Center activities include a nutrition program, transportation, information and referral, legal assistance, “Meals on Wheels,” holiday and cultural celebrations, satellite health services, classes and workshops, social services and excursions.

Primary Activity: The primary and most attended activity at the Gilroy Senior Center is the Gilroy Nutrition Program. It is operated by a valuable partner, Catholic Charities and funded by the County of Santa Clara, United Way of Silicon Valley and Catholic Charities. Approximately 75 seniors are served lunch daily at the center. The average age of the seniors participating in the Nutrition Program is 80 years. Meals are prepared and served at the center every Monday through Friday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A suggested $2.00 donation is requested for those 60 years or older, and $5.00 for 59 years and younger.

Semester Needs/Projects: The Gilroy Senior Center would greatly benefit from the following:

• Facilitate needs and interests surveys to “Baby Boomers”
• Class instruction on a variety of topics to include basic computer literacy, IPOD usage, web surfing and development, cell phone use, fitness basics and travel preparation
• Special events planning specifically for seniors
• Facilitate and document oral histories, especially of local Gilroy elders
• Conduct group studies or needs assessments on Gilroy Senior Center programs, service satisfaction and transportation efforts
• Organize special interest clubs
• Provide opportunities with art or music therapy
• Research senior information and referral services
• Facilitate dispute resolution skills training

Who should apply: Individuals who are looking at participating at the Gilroy Senior Center need to be patient and caring; nurturing; resourceful; and have a desire to share knowledge and skills with seniors. If you have a difficulty interacting or socializing with seniors, this opportunity is not for you.

Special Notes: Interested students should look at website--http://www.ci.gilroy.ca.us/comserv/rec_seniors.html -- and fill out online application form at http://www.ci.gilroy.ca.us/volunteer/volunteer_app.html for volunteering with City of Gilroy. Students should have their form completed before contacting Mrs. Sandra Sammut, below, for an interview. Making an appointment: Employees at the Gilroy Senior Center are very dedicated, caring and occupied in providing valuable services. Please respect staffs time by calling and making appointments, arriving on time, and keeping your discussion brief and concise. Please call ahead if you are not able to make your appointment or have an emergency which prevents you from arriving on time.

Address: City of Gilroy Senior Center is located at 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy. The center is adjacent to the Gilroy Police Department.

Contact information: Sandra Sammut, (408) 846 0460, 846 0419 and email is ssammut@ci.gilroy.ca.us