The effort to bring a modern senior center to Linn County has been underway since before the historic flood of 2008. A group of dedicated community members and leaders had located a space, brought in a consultant to determine the feasibility, and spent countless hours planning and preparing to launch. As happens in times of natural disaster, and as those of us who were here to witness the flood can attest, all our plans changed very quickly that week as we shifted our focus to recovery.
Unfortunately, after 16 years and several attempts to develop a senior center, Iowa’s second largest city still lacks a space truly designed with the unique needs, and desires of older adults in mind. As the CEO of Horizons, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit that has been serving older adults for over 60 years through our Meals on Wheels program, I am asking for help to ensure that we can create a space that will work to address the challenges of aging independently and safely and supporting people who are isolated, experiencing loneliness, food insecurity, and physical ailments. Nearly a quarter of adults over age 65 are considered socially isolated. Social isolation is associated with significant negative health consequences including dementia, stroke, and premature death.
Horizons’ main building at 819 Fifth Street SE currently hosts a wealth of space that could easily be converted to serve as a senior center. With our current work with aging adults, our existing partnerships, and our subject matter knowledge, the progression toward a senior gathering space is a natural fit. in alignment with the 2023 National Council on Aging study, we envision a modern senior service that are center that are responsive to the needs of and accessible to the people who live in this specific community, and in collaborative with other local organizations.
We are laying the groundwork for this effort with an updated community needs assessment and renewed collaboration with our elected officials, and partner agencies. We have developed a floor plan and are designing programming that centers on improving physical health, mental health, and financial well-being.
You can play a crucial role in turning this vision into a reality by completing our community assessment survey. Your input will guide us in creating a senior center that truly meets our community’s needs. Please take a few moments to complete the survey at horizonsfamily.org/survey.
Mike Barnhart is president and CEO of Horizons a Family Service Alliance.
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