In February, let’s ignite a spark of generosity. Through the month of February the Pagosa Senior Center is working to bring in donations to support services for seniors. Our campaign, “A Sweetheart Deal, Buy A Senior A Meal & More” makes it possible for community members to directly support and donate hot nutritious meals and social opportunities for low income older adults in Archuleta County. In addition to a nutrition center, the Pagosa Senior Center serves as a community hub where food and other resources/supports are available to help older adults stay independent, active, engaged in our community, and living in their homes.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. delivers the following to support older adult wellness, health and quality of life in Archuleta County:
Meals and Supplemental Nutrition
- 25,000 fresh and nutritious meals (salad, entrée, dessert, beverage) are provided annually, available 5 days/week via drive-thru carryout, delivery (Meals on Wheels, Wilderness Journey) and onsite dining. 15% of all meals are provided to caregivers who also are age 60 or better.
- Menu planning and a commitment to high quality nutrition ensure that those with special dietary requirements – including cultural preferences and religious requirements – generally are accommodated (heritage foods are regularly integrated and vegetarian foods are readily available, etc.).
Older adults living in low-income senior housing are provided supplemental nutrition (i.e. groceries, CSA produce box) as needed/available.
Social Connection Activities; Educational, Other Resources and Referrals
- Afternoon onsite and offsite social, service and future field trip activities, including games, discussion groups, yoga and stretching, etc. are provided, benefitting an average 15 individuals per activity via average 2.5 activities per month.
- Educational workshops and presentations – e.g., healthy habits, VITA tax support, financial literacy, fall prevention – benefit an average 15 individuals per activity via in-person and remote educational offerings/month.
- Informed and comprehensive referrals to other community organizations provide for assistance through a variety of services, materials/resources, and other supports.
Isolation Prevention and Caregiver Supports
- Residents of congregate housing for individuals of low-income utilize walkable access to and delivery service of meals
- An average of 20 local individuals benefit each month from on-demand transportation to and from the Senior Center for meals, social and educational programming.
- Typically, 35-40 individuals are visited daily (five days/week) by Meals on Wheels, which includes an at-home wellness check.
- Electronic monitoring devices (hardware, subscription service) for 24/7 assurance are provided for 15 individuals annually.
- Caregivers have access to informational/educational materials specific to their needs (e.g. meals, counseling)
This Valentine’s season let’s come together to make a lasting impact by opening up our hearts and wallets for a great cause. All meals have a suggested donation of $10, with social events and educational offerings provided at no/low cost. To make a donation in support of Archuleta Seniors Inc. visit our website at www.psseniors.org or drop by our office at 451 Hot Springs Blvd in the Ross Aragon Community Center. Thank you for your generosity.
Empowering Education: $1000 Grant Available for Adult Learners
Are you a BIPOC adult age 55 or better living in Archuleta County eager to pursue further education? Here’s your chance! Archuleta Seniors, Inc in coordination with the Spanish Fiesta Committee is delighted to announce a $1000 educational grant available exclusively for these adult learners in our community. The grant aims to support individuals seeking to enhance their skills, pursue new career paths, or simply satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Whether you aspire to enroll in a vocational program, attend workshops, or pursue a degree, this grant can provide the financial boost you need to turn your educational dreams into reality. Archuleta Seniors, Inc. along with members of our local Spanish Fiesta Committee believe that education is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to invest in oneself. This grant is designed to remove financial barriers and empower adults in our community to pursue their educational goals.
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in Archuleta County, Colorado.
- Be 55 years of age or older.
- Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color
- Demonstrate a commitment to furthering their education.
- Submit a compelling application outlining their educational goals and how the grant will be utilized.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until March 20, 2024. A scholarship selection committee composed of community leaders will review all applications and select the most deserving candidates. ASI encourages all motivated BIPOC, 55+adults in Archuleta County to take advantage of this opportunity. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, explore new interests, or simply expand your horizons, this grant can be the catalyst for your educational journey. Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Apply for the $1000 educational grant today and take a significant step towards a brighter future. For more information and to access the application form, contact the Archuleta Seniors, Inc. office at 970-264-2167 or stop by the office at 451 Hot Springs, Blvd. Together, let’s unlock the power of education and build a stronger, more prosperous community.
Fresh Conversations Volunteer Opportunity
Do you love your community and have a passion for helping your fellow community members live their healthiest lives? Archuleta Seniors, Inc. has an opportunity for a volunteer position to teach one Fresh Conversations session each month. Fresh Conversations is a healthy living program for people 60 and older who are living on a budget and want to maintain their health and independence. Topics of discussion include heart disease, diet trends, and preventing cancer to name just a few. Each session is held in-person or virtually and lasts approximately 60 minutes. The time commitment is about one hour to facilitate each session plus preparation time and you do not need to be a dietician or an expert in nutrition. We’ll provide you with training materials. If you are interested, contact Rose Chavez at rosa@psseniors.org.
Healthy Aging & Yoga Therapy Class Series
This winter, a Healthy Aging Yoga Series will be offered as a hybrid class at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center on Mondays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Classes will be structured by therapeutic yoga tools and techniques with chair movement, standing stretches, gentle postures, breathing practices and reflective meditative moments.
Bingo
The Pagosa Senior Center will be hosting bingo twice a month on Friday afternoons from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on February 9, February 23, March 8, March 15, April 5, and April 19. The price to participate is free and we ask you bring yourself and a friend for an hour of joyful fellowship. We will provide prizes from local businesses for all winners and snacks will also be provided. No RSVP required, just show up. All ages welcome but we ask those 18 and younger to come with an adult chaperone. Seats are first come first serve. For more information contact us at 970-264-2167.
Tai Chi Thursdays
The Pagosa Senior Center will be offering T’ai Chi Chih with accredited instructor Patti Popovich starting January 4, 2023 and continuing each Thursday in the new year from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the dining hall to support older adults who want to discover purpose and fulfillment in this transitional phase of life. Tai Chi Chih is not a martial art, but rather a tool for self-healing. Softness, flow and effortlessness are the guiding principles in this practices. All classes will be free for older adults (age 60 and better) and will last approximately 1 hour in the dining hall. No special clothing or equipment is required. For more information call 970-264-2167.
Senior Conversations
Join us Mondays at 1:15 pm for a series of “Senior Conversations” with local Bill Salmansohn. He will lead the group through mindfulness exercises and discussion of various topics pertaining to aging in Archuleta County. Explore and discover for yourself answers to your questions and concerns. The meeting will be held at the Pagosa Senior Center in the dining hall, snacks will be provided.
Share Lunch and Dine Monday through Friday
Open to All. Join us at the Silver Fox’s Den aka Community Cafe in person for daily hot/cold meals Mondays through Fridays downtown at the Ross Aragon Community Center between 11 am and 1 pm weekly. Pickup is available all week including Fridays.For those 60 or older we request a suggested donation of $10.00, but no one will be turned away. There is a $10.50 charge for guests under the age of 60.
Community Cafe Menu
Thursday, February 8 – Cod Veracruz, Brown Rice with Quinoa, Roasted Cauliflower, Garden Salad, Fruit, Lemon Bar, Milk.
Friday, February 9 – Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich on Hoagie Roll, w/ Peppers, Onions & Provolone, Garden Salad, Fruit, Chocolate Brownie, Milk.
Monday, February 12 – Hawaiian Pork & Pineapple, Coconut rice, Zucchini Saute, Garden Salad, Fruit, Hazelnut Torte, Milk.
Tuesday, February 13 – Three Sisters Chili, Quinoa Rice, Jalapeno Cornbread, Garden salad, Fruit, Blueberry Shortcake, Milk.
Wednesday, February 14 – Greek Chicken Pita w/ Red Onion, Tomato & Cucumber, Tzatziki Sauce, Spanakopitas, Garden salad,Strawberry Cupcake, Milk.
Thursday, February 15 – Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Sauce, Roasted Potato Medley, Garden Salad, Fruit, Carrot Cake, Milk.
Friday, February 16 – Baja Fish Tacos w/Cabbage & Baja Sauce, Corn Tortillas, Refried Beans, Garden Salad, Fruit, Flan, Milk.
Covid-19 Test Kits Available
Stop by the Pagosa Senior Center to pick up a pack of 6 free covid-19 tests kits for your personal use. These kits are available to anyone in the public that needs affordable access for health promotion and disease prevention.
Support Our Seniors.
Please support our ongoing operations and programming that provide critical services to some of the most vulnerable in Archuleta County. You may mail your donation to PO BOX 3444, Pagosa Springs CO 81147 or please visit our website: http://www.psseniors.org/ (donation button). Donation checks can be written to: Archuleta Seniors, Inc. We are located at 451 Hot Springs Blvd., in downtown Pagosa Springs. For more information about ASI, please visit http://www.psseniors.org/.
Rose Chavez is Executive Director for Archuleta Seniors, Inc. and Public Health Consultant at Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition.