Fundraiser to benefit Senior Resource Center, supporting the needs of a rapidly expanding aging population
The statistics are startling. By 2015, 45 percent of the population will be age 50 and older, and by 2030, 71.5 million Americans will be 65 years old or older, according to Jim Hackett, Senior Resource Center (SRC), Program Director.
To meet this burgeoning need, the SRC which serves Chester, NJ and the surrounding areas, is committed to serving seniors and their families.
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The community is invited to support the work of the SRC at its Wine & Dine fundraiser on Thurs. May 23, 2013 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Church of the Messiah, 50 State Route 24,Chester.
Attendees can enjoy an evening sampling the cuisine of 12 area restaurants and 50 wines provided by Tewksbury Wine & Spirits. Tickets are $50. Participating restaurants include: The Publick House, Metro Grille, Redwoods Grill & Bar, Mama's & Cafe Baci, The Pizza Pub, Andrea's Dining Room, Valley Restaurant & Pub, Morris Tap & Grill, Fresco De Noche, Sally Lunn's Restaurant & Tea Room, Maria's Cafe, and Taste of India.
Find out what's happening in Mendham-Chesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Meeting a growing need
The SRC offers monthly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions and weekly exercise classes and provides guidance and information for adult children and and families of seniors struggling with questions about how to best help the aging loved one in his or her life.
“It’s not easy sorting through all of the issues and decisions alone, which is why the SRC offers support and provides information to seniors and caregivers in western Morris County,” said Rev. Margaret Otterburn, SRC Board President.
Hackett said, “The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-1964), the largest generation we’ve ever seen, is now growing old. The first “boomer” hit 65 in 2011. Across the board, the “senior” population is growing because people are living longer.”
He said, in the meantime, available services for seniors are dwindling due to budget cutbacks. Even when services are available many people don’t have any idea about where to begin and SRC is helping seniors and their caregivers navigate their way through the maze of paperwork and bureaucracy.
“The days of generations living in the same house – or even the same neighborhood are long gone. The children of most seniors are living many miles away and are no longer able to be the primary caregivers for their parents as was the case with previous generations,” Rev. Otterburn said.
Hackett said while the weekly dance and exercise programs continue to be a big draw, the most popular program is the Lunch and Learns which are now held about three times each month.
“The seniors really enjoy the speakers and topics as well as an opportunity to share a meal with a new friend,” he said.
In the past year, the SRC has provided more than 12,000service hours for seniors and their families and caregivers.
Hackett said he would like to see the SRC programs replicated through the county as well as adjoining counties.
He said, “We are looking to establish collaborations with other agencies and providers as well as local municipal sources. Once we have connected all of these I would hope to see that at some point the SRC can be the lead agency in this effort so more and more resources, information and programs can be shared.”
For info and reservations call: 908-879-2202 or visit the SRC Web site at: seniorresourcecenter.org
