The mission of Centerburg Senior Services is to enhance the well-being of Knox County seniors by offering a supportive community and a diverse array of activities to promote an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Lisa Wilson, the Executive Director of Centerburg Senior Services, highlighted the organization's commitment to serving the senior population in Knox County by providing a wide range of activities and services to seniors aged 60 and above.
“We offer a lot of activities here. We're a pretty, hopping place,” Wilson told the Mount Vernon News.
The organization runs a wellness program funded by the United Way of Knox County, providing exercise classes five days a week. These classes encompass different styles to cater to various preferences.
Additionally, the center hosts regular activities such as bingo, card games, board games, painting classes, craft projects and movie days.
One unique feature of the program is the inclusion of a licensed massage therapist and a representative from Color Street Nails, offering massages and free manicures to seniors. While most activities are free, there is a nominal fee for certain services like the painting class and massages.
Highlighting recent events, Wilson shared that the organization successfully hosted a Christmas party. The festive gathering served as a testament to the sense of community fostered by Centerburg Senior Services.
“The biggest thing we just did was a Christmas party we had like 100 seniors in attendance,” she said.
While Centerburg Senior Services is open to anyone aged 60 and over, their primary focus is on serving Knox County residents.
Wilson emphasized the importance of socialization for seniors, stating that it not only keeps them active but also contributes to better mental health in the long run.
“We'll do whatever we can to keep our doors open because people have to get out and socialize,” Wilson said.
The organization actively encourages seniors to participate in the activities provided to promote social interaction and a sense of community.
In addition to the diverse activities, Centerburg Senior Services operates a Meals on Wheels program, delivering hot meals to seniors in Knox County.
The Meals on Wheels program involves considerable logistics to deliver hot meals to those in need. The program covers a significant portion of area, ensuring that seniors receive nutritious meals directly to their doorsteps.
“We go to the hospital and in Mount Vernon, we pick the meals up and then we bring them back and deliver them to three local townships around us,” Wilson said. “We run about 89 miles a day on one vehicle delivering hot meals for people. That's a big thing we do.”
Funding for the organization comes from the Knox County Senior Levy, covering all operating expenses except for the wellness program.
Wilson expressed gratitude to the Knox County commissioners for their support and assistance in obtaining grants for the organization.
Reflecting on her role as Executive Director, Wilson shared a personal connection to the cause.
“I originally took the job six years ago because I lost a grandparent who was very close to me. And in the process of losing her, I saw the importance of helping elders. So I took the job thinking I'm going to help elders and in return, what happened is the elders helped me, kind of cope with losing my grandparent,” Wilson said.
“And we have become a family. I love every single one of our seniors that come in. Anybody that walks through the door. I can call them by their first name and last names like I know them. It's been such a benefit for me.”
She emphasized the familial bond formed with the seniors, describing her work as more than just a job but a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
“It's just amazing. It's a great feeling. I don't really call this a job. I have the best job in the world, I guess you could say. I love it,” Wilson said.
