Senior Center
Robert Rock, Director
The City of East Providence, with a population of 48,688, has the second largest proportion of elderly residents of any Rhode Island community, according to the 2000 US Census. Residents 65 and older make up 18.9% (9,203) of the total population. For residents 60 years and older, the number increases to 24.2% (12,194). Thirty percent (30%) of the elderly residents live alone. The city has twelve subsidized apartment complexes for the elderly, with a total of 1,393 housing units.
On May 11, 1998, the city dedicated the opening of the new senior center, which is a tri-level complex. The ground level consists of a dining room, meeting room, lounge, and gift shop. Several computers are accessible to members in the lounge area. Located in the upper level of the complex are administration offices, a craft room, computer lab and a health center. A fitness room, clubroom, and billiards room are located in the lower level. Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) occupies an office, which oversees all volunteer recruitment.
On May 11, 2001, a newly renovated annex building, Breed Hall, was opened on the senior center campus. This addition houses a full service library, a large multi-purpose room, a kitchenette, and an outdoor patio. Several exercise and nutritional programs are held daily in the multi-purpose room. Many other groups meet regularly in the multi-purpose room and meeting rooms.
The East Providence Senior Center has over one hundred (100) volunteers. They act in the capacity of wait staff, recreational leaders, cashier, librarians, and receptionists. Several volunteers serve on the senior center’s advisory board. Their input is greatly valued and many ideas have been implemented. The volunteers are the backbone of the center and they create a wonderful and welcoming atmosphere.
In January 2002, the center was awarded National Accreditation. This is official recognition that the center meets professional and national standards for senior centers. It also assures older adult consumers, their families and caregivers, that we are operating out of a common senior center philosophy. Less than 1% of senior centers nationally are accredited.
The East Providence Senior Center is a certified handicapped accessible facility. Accessibility is defined as the ability of a handicapped person to enter the facility, use the restroom, and receive service that is at least equal in quality to that provided able-bodied participants.
The senior center provides directly or makes arrangements for the provisions of the following services: outreach, information, referral, socialization, education, health services, transportation, volunteer opportunities, nutrition, and recreation.
The center is a meal site for a congregate nutrition program. Ocean State Dining is a federally funded grant program from the Department of Aging, Title III B funds. The grant provides for a hot, nutritious meal in a social setting. East Bay Community Action Program Inc. is responsible for all of the East Bay and Cranston Senior Services is contracted for the meals. The suggested donation per meal is $3.00, the meal includes a hot entree or sandwich, soup, salad, vegetable, dessert, and coffee.
The center is operated as part of the municipality under a city manager form of government. The center has a full-time director, a registered nurse, an administrative assistant, elder information specialist, and two maintenance engineers. Part-time employees include: dining room manager, an assistant dining room manager, receptionist, two kitchen aides, and several van drivers.
The city provides the main source of funding for the senior center. Other sources of revenue for the center are from programs, membership fees, gift shop, and donations. The Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) allocates monies yearly from the state budget.
The center has community partnerships with several social service agencies, including East Bay Community Action Program and East Bay Center. As of this writing, the center has a partnership with over twenty-five different community agencies.
Participants shall be any person 55 years of age or older, or any age and disabled.
The center is open Monday—Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Guests are welcome at to visit the center at any time.
Contact Information: Robert Rock, Director
Ph (401) 435-7800
e-mail: BRock@cityofeastprov.com
Click here for Senior Center program information
