Ishpeming Multipurpose Senior Center reports rising demand and expanded services

Ashley Roberts, executive director of the Ishpeming Multipurpose Senior Center, told the council the center has seen a surge in use since opening its new building and that demand for caseworker services and transportation has increased.

Roberts said the center serves an estimated 4,400 residents 60 and older across Ishpeming and seven townships and that roughly 50–75 people visit the building each weekday. She said 62% of the center’s funding comes from the Marquette County senior millage and that the center now employs two full-time caseworkers and one part-time worker. Last year the center’s caseworkers served 307 city residents, Roberts said.

Program highlights Roberts cited include a grocery-getters transportation program (funded by the West End Health Foundation), home-making and respite services for 29 residents, Meals on Wheels and hot meals served at the center, Medicare and Medicaid assistance, and partnerships for incontinence supplies and community-supported-agriculture produce boxes. She said volunteers deliver commodity food boxes to about 14 homebound city residents and that the center is expanding outreach to outlying townships.

Council members praised the center’s expanded services and noted strong volunteer engagement. Roberts said the senior center will pursue strategic planning this year and is seeking additional township and city support for core services.

Councilors asked questions about participation and programming; Roberts invited members to visit the center and noted the center’s meal program serves 40–60 people on Thursdays, with grant support allowing some free meals.