Stamford Senior Center is an not-for-profit 501c(3) tax exempt, non-sectarian organization. Our mission is to provide programming that will help The City of Stamford's senior adults, 50 years of age and older, and taxpayers/residents in Stamford, be active, healthy, and contributing members of the community by providing them with physical exercise, intellectual challenges, socialization, entertainment, and information in an environment that is welcoming, functional, and attractive.

Background:

Stamford Senior Center has been in operation since June 1996. It developed out of the need for local retirees to have a constructive place to socialize with other senior adults and to participate in organized activities outside of their home. Dr. William Rosenfeld, along with the entire original Board of Directors founded our center as the first President on an all-volunteer basis.

Current Activities:

Stamford Senior Center offers a diverse array of weekly activities including the following: Art, Tai Chi, Pilates, Yoga, Aerobics, Canasta, Movies, Bridge, Tap Dancing, Wii, Pool playing, Ping Pong, Darts, Chess, Pinochle, Beginners Bridge, Intermediate Bridge, Golf Putting and bi - monthly memoir writing classes.  In addition we have extensive computer training programs within our own Computer Center which offers the following classes: Introduction to Computers, Google, Skype, OpenOffice, Genealogy, and Ebay, just to name a few.  We have an exercise area with gym equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, various weights and steppers.  Additionally, we hold monthly special event parties with food and entertainment that honor multicultural celebrations such as Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Haitian Cultural Celebration, Chinese New Year Festival, Italian Festival Day, Veteran's Celebration and Volunteer Thank You.  We offer two Russian Language Classes a week.  Our twice monthly Senior Forum series (Guest Speakers from outside who discuss timely topics) and weekly Monday Lecture Series (general group discussions on timely topics) offer our members intellectual stimulation.

Collaborations:

We work on collaborative basis with many other service providers and organizations.  We offer assistance in understanding medicare law.  We house the free AARP tax preparation for three months and the AARP Safe Driving classes  offered on Saturdays.  Additionally, we co-sponsor a congregate meal site administered by Catholic Charities where a $2.00 breakfast and $3.00 lunches are offered.  We also work with Catholic Charities in offering Spanish classes for non - English speaking individuals three times a week.  We partner with Stamford Hospital to ofter Lunch N Learn lecture series.  A Stamford Department of Health nurse visits every Tuesday to provide blood pressure readings for our members and to conduct a "Biggest Loser" weight program.  We also partner with various other health providers to offer pharmaceutical, medical, and mental alertness.  Presentations include such as eye care, hearing loss, and dental assistance.  We sponsor an external Haitian literacy program every week at the Haitian church in Stamford.  Two instructors teach English to non - speaking Stamford Haitian residents once a week with a goal of creating U.S. citizens who can fully converse in English.  We have outings to places like the Cloisters Museum, Glass house and the Botanical gardens.  Our programs are flexible and evolving to suit the needs of our members.