Senior Neighbors of Kent County operates a senior center in Walker and offers a mix of personalized services, wellness classes, tech training and transportation for residents age 60 and older, President Suzanne Callahan said in the city of Walker podcast "Made in Walker."

The Walker center is housed at Fire Station 3 on 3 Mile, across from Orchard Hill Church, Callahan said. The organization runs four additional centers across Kent County and connects members to one-on-one case management, volunteer opportunities and group programs designed to support independence and social connection.

"If you're 60 or over, we serve, seniors in Kent County, and we have a variety of services to enhance the lives of older adults, help them stay independent and engaged in their community," Callahan said. She described two main program buckets: personalized services, such as chore help or rides, and centers and community life, which offer activities, tech classes and wellness programs.

Callahan said transportation is a central service. "We provided over 51,000 rides last fiscal year," she said, noting Senior Neighbors both operates vans and helps clients access reduced-cost public transit through RideLink and regional services such as The Rapid and the GO bus. Rides include trips to centers, field trips, volunteer commitments, church and medical appointments, including dialysis.

On funding, Callahan said a large portion of the nonprofit's budget comes from the Kent County Senior Millage, with additional support from philanthropy and a small amount from program income. She said some programs ask for suggested donations but that the organization will not turn anyone away from a meal or service for inability to pay.

Callahan and the podcast host described the Walker center’s atmosphere as welcoming and multigenerational, with regular lunches, guest speakers and visits from neighborhood daycare children for seasonal events. Callahan said the centers help members build peer networks that support recovery and long-term health: doctors have told members that their recovery was aided by the wellness classes and social support offered through the programs.

For people interested in connecting, Callahan recommended visiting seniorneighbors.org or contacting the organization by phone or email. She said the centers publish calendars of activities and encourage prospective participants to drop in, bring a friend or meet with a center coordinator to see whether programs are a fit.

The podcast episode noted the Walker center location at Fire Station 3 on 3 Mile across from Orchard Hill Church and invited listeners to learn more via the group's website.