WESTPORT, CT — The Monroe Senior Center was recognized as a Community Focal Point during an award ceremony at the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging’s annual meeting at The Inn at Longshore in Westport on Oct. 16. The red carpet, Oscar themed program highlighted the honorees.
“It was an honor to receive the Focal Point designation from SWCAA that recognizes the work done for our senior community,” Monroe Community and Social Services Director Kim Cassia said. “We pride ourselves on being a place where seniors or caregivers can come and learn about and sign up for various local, state and federal programs.”
The Monroe Senior Center earned this designation by showing a demonstrated ability to deliver information and referrals effectively, giving individuals the services and resources they need, according to the SWCAA.
Services include meals and nutrition, health, fitness and wellness, transportation, public benefits counseling, employment help, volunteer and civic engagement, social and recreational opportunities, education and the arts.
“The Community Focal Point award is a distinguished honor to community organizations serving the needs of seniors and people with disabilities in Fairfield County,” an SWCAA press release stated. “Sixteen area senior centers and organizations earned the prestigious award as a Community Focal Point.”
Applications, reviewed by SWCAA’s Focal Point Committee, were approved by the Board of SWCAA Directors.
The SWCAA noted that:
The Monroe Senior Center represents a visible sign of the community’s caring for its older adults. The Older Americans Act (1965) defines a Community Focal Point as a well-known location where anyone may obtain information and access to aging and disability services.
It is a symbol of partnership between the regional Agency on Aging and community-based partners. To older adults, it is a familiar accessible place to turn for information, services, and opportunities.
To families, it is a trusted resource to support their efforts in caring for older relatives. To professional providers, it is their dependable, “one-stop shopping” and community “go to” resource.
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