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Gardner Senior Center reports program growth, volunteer hours and expanding services in FY24; seeks continued city support
Summary
Senior Center Director Ellis told the Welfare Subcommittee the center served thousands of unique individuals, reported large volunteer contributions and is expanding health, outreach and Lifeline support; staff seek clarity on fiscal oversight for new Lifeline revenues and ongoing collaboration with city departments.
The Gardner Senior Center reported substantial growth in services and volunteer engagement in an FY24 update presented to the Welfare Subcommittee.
Director Ellis said the center served more than 4,000 unique individuals over the last year and averages 650–700 visits weekly. The center reported approximately 960 volunteers contributing an estimated 16,000 hours of service; Ellis said that the center’s programs — fitness, counseling, health screenings, benefits counseling and Lifeline installations — are intended to reduce social isolation and improve senior health outcomes.
Ellis highlighted partnerships with other city departments and local organizations. She praised support from the city administration, GET (Gardner Educational Television) for broadcasting events, the Board of Health for clinics, and other departments that provide practical assistance like signage and outreach. The presentation also cited recent media attention including a Blue Cross & Blue Shield Massachusetts feature that highlighted the center’s efforts to connect and serve seniors.
Councilors thanked the director and asked about capacity limits, volunteer training, and the intersection between Lifeline installations and liability — issues that were also raised in the revolving-account discussion earlier in the meeting. Ellis said volunteers are trained for installs and that ongoing Lifeline monitoring and emergency responses are handled by the Lifeline provider and EMS.
Ellis provided the subcommittee with a written six-month update and asked for continued city backing as the center pilots new services and evaluates the operational impact of Lifeline management, new volunteers and additional programming.
