Why is the Center open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Most people come between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm- that is our busiest time when parking is a very big problem, But we have people in and out of the building all day requiring assistance, coming to scheduled activites, coming to pick up forms for service and just coming in for coffee all through out the day. We have a very busy/ active senior center with many different programs offered to the seniors and to the community. Plus staff need to be in the buildingt to help assist the 60% of seniors and others who need help at home.
Do most seniors live down town?
In 2005 we compiled a list of apprx, 400 seniors/ people who came into the center for one month for whatever service or program-just one time or daily. We placed a mark on the city map of their address. This showed that 55% of seniors live downtown and South and East of the present center. The other 45% live West and North of town. Predictions are as the present age 50 - 60 age group retire, this democraphic will change grreatly. Building in our community is expanding West and North, not East and South. Some of the main businesses, the post office, social security office, main recreation center, White Mountian Mall. Wal-Mart, most of the restraunts, majority of homes that are built, are all West of Town and more to yet to be built West of town-this is where the community is growing.
I am 75 years old and I probably wont still be here to see the new center, why should I donate?
Seniors who are now 70 and over, have enjoyed the services and programs through the senior center for many years, some having been active at the center and now recieveing services in their homes. There are no fees to join the senior center and the suggested Appreciation Donation is only $ 12.00 a year. The center has been here for any senior to use at no cost for 3 years due to the many grants and funding from the City of Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. No other county in Wyoming does monetary support in this smount for it's senior citizens. We are very fortunate, but these programs and services need to continue into the next generations. Most seniors that are 75 years old and older have children now that will be eligible to participate in the programs and services soon. They will be our volunteers in the near future. Wouldn't you like to help make sure what you have enjoyed for many years is here for the future generations.
Is the new Center going to be centrally located?
It is felt that for the future it will be centrally located. Plus we have a great public transportation system that will pick people up at home and deliver them to the center and back to their homes. Door to door service. In the 2007 annual budget, YAH recieves from Sweetwater County $ 78,000 for transportation service. Star can take people shopping at grocery stores, the mall, Walmart, appointments, to the center for lunch and does scheduled trips for the YAH band to perform, for TNT trips, our annual picnic and many other activities.
Will the City of Rock Springs and Sweetwater County still do building expenses and maintenance at 65% county paid and 35% city paid? ( for ongoing operation)
YES FUTURE EXPENSES!!!
Present Building budget for- $33,1000 (2005)
This includes maintenance cost of equipment and building
New facility estimate cost is $54,813 - 40% increase
City now pays for fire insurance cost.
County pays the liability insurance cost.
We are very fortunate to have the county pay 65% of the building expenses, however the building will be owned by the City of Rock Springs and will be in the city limits. Estimated 96% of the people who use the facility are from Rock Springs. This will be continued along with Legislative funding and the Young At Heart Foundation Funding.
What additional personnel will we need that would come from present budget?
Expecting initially only extra hours for janitorial. More personnel would come the added grants or funding from the legislature to offer additional services. Qualified staff will be hired for the day care center and eventually the adult day care center. This would come through grants and fees paid by participants. Home Health will be expanding as we apply for grants and bill te Medicae/Medicaid and private insurance.
What are the main problems with the present facility.
We have increased the number of seniors served by 500% in the last 20 years and in the same building, same square footage. Increase numbers of mail programs from three to eleven.
Home delivered meals has increased from 40 meals a day in 1980 to presently delivering approximately 110 meals per day with 30 being special diets.
Not enough parking.
Continued to be affected with the water problem in the basem,ent, have 3 sump pumps running daily.
Ventilation. evacuation, safety and lighting problems for the basement alongwith humidity.
No storage space for records, activities and crafts department, clients records, or general filing for day to day records.
When will BLM land application be complete?
The BLM application and final papers have been signed and we are moving forward.
Final papers were signed in August of 2007
Whats the average monthly cost per senior?
The average monthly cost for the senior center to keep someone in their home is apprx $200/mo
( In home health care and Home Delivered Meals)
The gowth of the senior population in Wyoming is the 5th fastest in the Nation
The Senior Center serves two groups of seniors- Those at the Congregate Site- generally more active, higher income and able to participate, staff ratio is 100-1.
Second group are those needing services in their homes- 60% of services are 1-1 staff ratio.
Across all programs offered at the Senior Center, average 45 staff of which 7 only are full time (35hr week)
Average wage is $8.56/ hr
Funding comes from...Federal- 15% State-23% County-44% City-4% All other 12%
Have to raise approx $58,000 each year to meet annual budget operating needs.
