An organization that began with just 20 members in 1973 has grown to more than 1,000 members in recent years. Milford Senior Center is celebrating its 52nd year and offers significant benefits to members.
“Membership is open to anyone 50 years or older and dues is just $25 per year,” Amy Waltz, Executive Director of the center said. “We also offer lifetime memberships to veterans, first responders and their spouses. There is a one-time cost of $50 for veterans and first responders, $75 for spouses. We do ask for identification as proof of service.”
Milford Senior Center offers a fitness center with a cost of $50 per year. Waltz stated that some members may be eligible for free fitness centers by enrolling in one of their partnering fitness programs through a Medicare Supplement Plan. These include Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit as well as United Healthcare Renew Active.
“One of the things we are very proud of is our outreach program,” Waltz said. “Unfortunately, seniors are finding it difficult to cover the cost of their basic needs, whether that be clothing, shelter, food or medications. Many are bombarded with advertising and other mailers that can be confusing making it harder for them to apply for services that can help them. Our outreach program is designed specifically for those seniors.”
Evetta Jackson, Outreach Coordinator, works with seniors to review programs they may already be enrolled in and be sure that those programs meet their needs. She can also assist in re-enrolling in the Delaware Prescription Assistance Program. Other programs that may be available include Medigap Insurance, Medicare Prescription Plan D, fuel/cooling assistance, nutrition assistance programs and more.
Transportation is also available to members that can help them get to doctors’ appointments, run errands, grocery shopping and to attend programs at the center. Passengers must be able to get in and out of the vehicle unassisted. Members may request transportation up to five times per week with two stops per ride and the center asks for 24 hours’ notice when requesting transportation. Service animals, respirators and oxygen tanks are also permitted on the vehicle. The hours for transportation are 7:30 am to 3 PM Monday through Friday. The center reminds members that doctor appointments after 12:30 PM cannot be accommodated.
The center also offers many programs that benefit members, including guitar lessons, haircuts, tai-chi, manicures and game days. Breakfast and lunch are served daily at low cost as well. Experts are on hand at the center on a regular basis, including attorneys, massage therapists, insurance agents and tax experts to name a few.
“Our seniors are always on the go,” Waltz said. “This month we have traveled to the Peach Festival in Wyoming and Cantwell’s Tavern in Odessa. We have trips planned for Music at Killen’s Pond State Park, Trader Joe’s and Cava in Middletown, to Trap Pond for a pontoon ride and lunch, Franco’s in Dover and the Christiana Mall in Wilmington. There is a small fee for trips but the cost is usually less than $20 for members.”
There is a thrift shop in the center and rentals are available for events.
Milford Senior Center began as the Bi-County Adult Center of Milford and grew rapidly. In its first years, the center moved to various locations until 1997 when it found a permanent home in the former Leggett Department Store where it operates today.
To learn more about Milford Senior Center, visit them online or call 302-422-3385. Applications for membership can be completed online or in person by stopping in at 111 Park Avenue in Milford. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3 PM.
