The Peoria City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, highlighted the importance of senior centers in the community with a proclamation recognizing September as National Senior Center Month. The meeting featured Peggy Haquez, executive director of the Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging, and Krista Fuller, the program coordinator, who presented the proclamation to the council.

Councilman John Kelly emphasized the significance of senior centers, noting their role in enhancing the well-being of older adults. He referenced the Older Americans Act of 1965, which advocates for designated centers to support retired individuals. The proclamation aims to challenge stereotypes about aging and celebrate the contributions of older adults to society.

Haquez reported impressive growth at the Graceland Center, with attendance increasing from 4-8 participants to 30-55 in just a few years. The center has become a vital resource for the community, providing meals and programs that foster social connections and improve the quality of life for seniors. Haquez shared personal stories illustrating the positive impact of the center on participants' lives.

Looking ahead, Haquez stressed the urgent need for a full-time senior center in Peoria, as the city currently lacks such a facility despite being the eighth largest in Illinois. She highlighted the potential health care savings and community benefits that could arise from establishing a dedicated center. The estimated cost to launch a sustainable center is $400,000, which could significantly enhance the lives of older adults in the area.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the necessity of supporting older adults in Peoria and the potential for a new senior center to serve as a hub for community engagement and healthy aging. The council's recognition of National Senior Center Month marks a step toward addressing the needs of the city's aging population.