THE COMMUNITY ELDERS COUNCIL

“ASSURING LIVES OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR OUR ELDERS”

*The Respond Community Elders Council provides a full complement of services designed to help low to moderate income Camden residents of all cultures who are over the age of 60 to maintain active, involved lifestyles. Our professional bilingual staff works to help obtain the economic and social benefits to which seniors are entitled. Last year, nearly 2500 individual services were provided.

Helping to keep Seniors Active:

*The major objective of the program is to help older residents stay physically and mentally active and in good health so that they are able to continue to live independently, thus avoiding costly nursing home placement.

Senior Center Provides Programs:

*The Respond Linden Adult Social Day Care Center is located at 9th and Linden Streets in North Camden. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each weekday, and provides a place where elders can meet and socialize with their peers as well as have access to a wide range of direct and referral services.

Senior Center Provides Programs:

*Daily activities and program components offer opportunities for recreation, exercise, art, ceramics, crafts, health and nutrition education, special events, field trips, excursions for shopping, intergenerational and volunteer opportunities. A new computer center is leading the seniors into the 21st century. Nourishing hot lunches are provided with the Salvation Army’s Camden County Nutrition Program. Our center helps seniors, many of whom are in their 90’s, to continue to be alert, interested and involved as valued members of the community.

Intergenerational Experiences:

*In addition to programs usually connected with senior centers, Respond is able to offer regular opportunities for inter generational activities because it shares it site with one of Respond’s child care centers. Seniors often participate in joint activities like art and music, and both groups are enriched as a result.

Supportive Services:

*Health screening, work-shops on issues of interest to seniors, assistance with benefits, home visits to ill participants, these are just some of the special support services that are provided by center staff. Limited transportation is available for trips to social service agencies, the Social Security office, shopping, healthcare facilities, and community events. Staff members often accompany elders when requested to do so.

Program Costs:

*There is no charge to qualifying program participants. Support is provided by federal SSBG dollars through the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Division of Senior Services. Matching funds are provided by members of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church.