Senior Citizens

PLAINFIELD SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER: ENRICHING LIVES, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

The Plainfield Senior Citizens Center  continues to be a vibrant hub for our senior community, providing essential services, recreational activities, and meaningful social engagement. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents, the center has seen remarkable growth and impact.

• Expanding Membership & Engagement: In 2016, the center served 2,841 members, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. Notably, 9% of our members are 90 years or older, demonstrating the centers role in fostering longevity and active lifestyles.
• Reliable Senior Transportation:  From January to December, we facilitated  over 8,000 one-way rides, ensuring seniors had access to essential services, social outings, and community events. On average, we organized five trips per month to destinations including restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, health programs, and educational forums.
• A Thriving Social & Recreational Hub: Our members stayed active through pool tournaments, plays, dances, karaoke sing-alongs, and fashion shows many of which were televised on PCTV, allowing homebound seniors to stay connected.
• Support Services for Seniors: We provided information and assistance to an average of 50 clients per month, handling over 600 cases in 2016. Additionally, we facilitated language translation services for 38 clients per month, addressing approximately 450 cases.
• Health & Wellness Initiatives: The center offered four monthly health programs  tailored to senior needs. In partnership with AARP, we assisted with over 100 senior tax returns in 2016.
• Daily Hot Meal Program: Through our collaboration with the Congregate Meals Program, we served 85 hot lunches daily to seniors, including home-delivered meals via Union County's Meals on Wheels program.
• Community Outreach & Support: Our dedicated staff and senior volunteers made home, hospital, and nursing home visits to support ailing members.
• Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner:  With the help of community partners including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority/Kean University, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, and the NJ Longhorns Minor League Football Team our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner welcomed over 180 attendees.
• Lifelong Learning Opportunities: In partnership with Union County College, we provided Continuing Education courses, including Specific Topics in Biology and Intro to Drama.
• Securing Funding for Senior Services: In 2016, we secured $88,547 in grants through the County of Union's Division on Aging, including:
• $2,300 for Arts & Cultural programs
• $32,000 through a Community Development Block Grant
• Employment Training for Seniors:  Through the Workforce 55 Program, we provided employment training opportunities for low-income seniors, with two senior volunteers assisting with daily activities.
• Workforce Experience Program: In collaboration with the Union County Division of Social Services, we hosted three CWEP participants  who supported clerical and meal programming for an average of three months each.

A Commitment to Our Seniors

The Plainfield Senior Citizens Center is more than a facility it's a place where our seniors thrive. Through strong community partnerships, innovative programs, and a commitment to service, we continue to make a difference in the lives of our senior residents.

Under Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's leadership, we are building a city where seniors are valued, supported, and empowered.